How to Get Rid of Your Old Stuff

A big part of the decluttering process involves getting rid of unwanted or unused belongings. Trying to clear out the stuff you no longer want can be a challenge. The best method depends on the condition of the items and the amount of stuff you have. In this blog, we cover the four categories of unwanted belongings and provide some tips on how to remove them from your home.

1. Rubbish

It’s sometimes difficult to identify which of your unwanted items are considered rubbish. We define rubbish as items that cannot be donated or recycled. This could include things that are broken, stained or worn out. A good rule to follow is that if the item isn’t worthy of giving to someone else and isn’t recyclable, then it goes in the rubbish.

2. Recycling

Think reduce, reuse, and recycle. It’s important to make sure the things you recycle are actually recyclable. Things such as cardboard, paper and glass can be placed in your curbside recycling bin. However, some items such as certain types of plastics actually can’t be recycled. If you’re unsure, look for the recycling symbol on the item before putting it in the recycling bin.

Check if there are any specialised recycling programs in your area for items that curbside recycling centres don’t accept. For example, the Officeworks Bring it Back program recycles a range of products, including stationery, old electronics, toner cartridges and more.

ReSmart is a great service we recommend to make the recycling process easy. They collect any items you can’t recycle or are unsure about and sort through them for you. They partner with a range of organisations to ensure a majority of your items get reused or recycled.

3. Donations

The things that you no longer want might be perfect for someone else. If some of your unwanted items are still in good condition, it’s always best to donate them for reuse. There are three main ways of donating your items:

Family and Friends

Giving unwanted items to friends and family is a great way to give something a new life. A common example is gifting kid or baby clothes that your children have outgrown to a family member who’s about to have a baby. Be mindful not to just pass your unwanted items onto family and friends and make it their burden. When you gift items, clearly tell them to keep only what they want and to feel free to pass on the rest. This prevents someone from feeling obligated to keep things they don’t really need.

Charities and Op Shops

Secondhand shops and op-shops accept many preloved items such as lightly worn clothing, furniture, books, toys, and other household items. Have a look over the items before you take them to an op-shop to make sure nothing is broken, stained or dirty. It’s best to discard these items as secondhand shops can’t sell them. There are also plenty of charities that accept donations for other specific items. For example, the RSPCA accepts clean towels & blankets, plastic containers, pet beds and more.

Learn More: Places to Donate to After Decluttering

Local Buy Nothing Groups

Join your local Buy Nothing group on Facebook and offer the items you no longer need to your neighbours. Everything on Buy Nothing is given away for free. These groups are a great place to donate items that are still usable but aren’t accepted by any charities or op-shops in your area.

4. Sell

Some people prefer deciding which items they are going to sell first. However, it's best to reserve this for items that are worth your time. Remember that selling items involves trading your time for money. If you’re thinking of selling an item, ask yourself:

• How much do you want to sell it for?
• How much time are you willing to spend selling the item?

If the price of the item isn’t worth the time spent taking photos, listing it on websites, responding to potential buyers, etc., then it’s probably best to donate or recycle it.

Need Help Decluttering or Discarding Items?

If you’re just starting decluttering or need help disposing of your unwanted items, contact Well Organised. Our house clearing service ensures the responsible disposal of your unwanted items. We work with local charities, recycling centres, and waste management facilities to reduce landfill waste. Plus, we donate items where appropriate. Contact us today to learn more about our house clearance process.