Home is where the family gathers, birthdays and holidays are celebrated, and memories are made. As time passes, we become more and more connected to our home and the special moments we share within it, but memories aren't the only things we collect. Over time, most families also accumulate clutter, we hold onto things that no longer serve us, and we fail to recognize how hesitating to release these things bogs us down.
In past blogs, we've written about different methods for decluttering, how to downsize without stress, and organize effectively, but we haven't covered what in the world you should do with all of the things you're ready to get rid of - until now!
When discarding unwanted items, we all want to be as eco-friendly as possible, but sometimes the guilt of throwing things away stops us from getting rid of them altogether. If you're unsure about what to do with your pre-loved items, step away from the garbage can!
Here are four ways to get rid of clutter:
1. Give to Friends and Family
Host a clothing swap, offer hand-me-downs and gently used toys to friends with kids, or pass your unused kitchen appliances on to a college student in your life. The important thing here is to make sure your loved ones know that there is no pressure to take the stuff off your hands. Especially if the items don't serve a purpose for them either. Set a deadline for decisions to be made. Once that deadline passes, don't hold onto any of the outcasts' just in case.' Pack them up and donate them ASAP!
2. Donate Unused, Unneeded and Unloved Items
There are plenty of local organizations that will happily accept donations. Giving your gently used items away helps to reduce waste while providing resources to people who otherwise wouldn't have access to them. Keep an eye out for donation bins in your area, or research pick-up and drop-off locations for causes you want to contribute to.
Here's a list of worthy organizations that will gladly accept your in-kind donations:
Clothing: Dress for Success Calgary, WINS (Women in Need Society), Clothing for a Cause, Calgary Drop-In & Rehab Centre Society
Food: Calgary Food Bank, The Veterans Food Bank of Calgary
Books: Calgary Public Library
Furniture: Calgary Inter-Faith Furniture Society, Neighbourlink Calgary
Electronics: Calgary Drop-In & Rehab Centre
Thrift/Second-Hand Stores: Goodwill, World Serve Thrift Store, Value Village
3. Sell Unwanted Things
We've all heard the saying, 'one person's trash is another person's treasure,' and when it comes to decluttering, it couldn't be more true! If you look around your home and are finding items that are in perfectly good shape, but just aren't sparking joy, consider selling them online or elsewhere.
Facebook Marketplace / local buy & sell groups
Consignment stores
Garage sales
4. Trash/Recycle
Throwing items in the garbage should be your last resort, but if you've weighed out the above options and still have things to get rid of, the trash may be the only choice. Before contributing to the landfill, be sure to check out the residential recycling and disposal options that are available in your area.
Are you ready to make real, sustainable strides towards a clutter-free home? Declare it in the comments below!
The process of decluttering isn't easy, but the results are well worth it. Don't wait to take action! As you clear the clutter in your home, you'll be amazed at how good it feels to live with less.