Did you accumulate a lot of things during the lockdown period from online shopping? Or do you want just to clear some space up and get ready to go out and shop again? If you have the dilemma of having too many things in your house and don’t know what to do with them, we are here to help you. Take a look at seven foolproof ways to sort out and clear out items in your house that you rarely use or no longer need.
Put Them In Self Storage
There are many reasons why many people and business owners prefer self-storage. As seen on mammothselfstore.com.au, self-storage facilities offer long term and short term storing choice for you. If you have seasonal decorations, surfboards, or even boats that you want to keep in the meantime, you can deposit them there. Moreover, your item will be secured on the premises, and you can still access them 24/7. If you are not quite ready to let go of your things, or you just plainly want to put them somewhere for safekeeping, then this option is the right one for you.
Have a Garage Sale
If you want to remove all of the unwanted stuff from your house and, at the same time, make some money, you can organize a garage sale. Garage sale enables you to get rid of things that are not useful for you but will be useful for someone else. You can also inspire every member of your family to live a minimalist life or be a business-minded person. It can also be a bonding moment or a fun way to get to know everyone in your community. If you want to do this, you have to ensure that it is allowed in your local community. You might have to get a permit or ask the homeowners association.
Sell Them Online
Another method you can do is to sell them online! If you don’t want a lot of work from the garage sale like getting a permit, making signs, and putting a price tag on each item, this method is perfect for you. Moreover, you can reach many more people that can be interested in your stuff.
Sites where you can sell your stuff
- Craigslist
- eBay
- Amazon
- Gumtree
- Facebook Marketplace
The only downside is you need to think about shipping them or meeting the buyers.
Donate to Charity
The things we rarely use or no longer need can be beneficial to some. If you are trying to get rid of them, you can donate them to a charity.
GIVIT
GIVIT is a national online charity that connects people who want to donate and people who need something. They work with thousands of charities, schools, organizations, and relief agencies to ensure that those in need will receive help.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has been operating for over 150 years. They accept everything as long as they are in good condition. They help everyone in need, including domestic violence and human trafficking victims, at-risk youth, the elderly, and natural disaster victims.
Goodwill
Goodwill is an organization that accepts your donation and sells it to their stores. The proceeds will be used for various initiatives, including job training and placement programs. They help youth, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and previous prisoners.
Donating to charity will make you feel good about yourself, but it can also significantly impact someone else’s life. Besides, you can encourage everyone around you to do the same and help.
Repurposed and Recycle
Recycling items that you rarely use or no longer need is a great idea. It requires a little bit of creativity, but it’s good for the environment to reduce waste. Old items of clothing that are in bad condition can be used as rags. You can use glass jars to store small items like screws or small tools. Wine bottles can be used as vases. Old tires can be put as obstacles on playgrounds. A lot of things can be repurposed, like furniture, decoration, and kitchen items. You just need a little bit of creativity and craftiness.
Regift Them
Regifting is frowned upon by other people, but it can be accepted when it is done delicately, carefully, and with thought. For example, you received a vase or a figurine but didn’t get to open or used it because it doesn’t match your interior. It doesn’t mean it’s hideous or not useful. Other people may find it beautiful and will treasure it. If you have items just sitting around that you may think your family and friends will like, it will be best just to regift them. Avoid regifting anything meaningful or handmade items and be honest about it.
Throw Them Away!
If you have useless items or items that are not in good condition anymore, it would be the right decision just to throw them away. It may be hard to throw things that are given to you or have sentimental value but keeping things can result in hoarding. If you no longer use it, it is outdated, it’s just collecting dust, or you have too much of one thing, then it is a sign to throw it away. It may seem hard since you have been keeping them for a long time, or it already has a connection with you. But as you let go of things, you’ll see that it will make you feel good, and you’ll have a clear mind, focus, and home!
Tips in Decluttering
- Make a plan on how to declutter your house.
- Separate things that you want to throw and want to keep
- The possessions you have should reflect the life that you are living in
- Ask yourself, “does it make me happy? do I need it?”
These methods can undoubtedly help you decide what to do with the items you rarely use or no longer need. We hope that you choose one that will work best for you. It doesn’t matter what you choose as long as you get things done and keep your house and your mind free of clutter!