If you want to declutter your home, you’re not alone. This one one task a lot of us find is easier said than done.
For starters, it can be hard to let go of some items, even if you last used them years ago. Or maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed and you don’t know where to start.
So, to make the decluttering process a little bit easier, we’ve put together a list of things you don’t have to think about getting rid of – just do it. Because even doing just one of these things means you’ll have started to declutter your home.
Easy items to get rid of that help reduce clutter
1. Old magazines
Are you planning on reading them again? Chances are you won’t. Put them to good use and donate them to a school or playgroup for kids to cut out and collage. Otherwise, they can go in the recycling bin.
2. Expired spices and canned food in your cupboard
While consuming an expired spice may not make you sick, it’s probably lost a lot of its flavour. As a guide, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has stated that whole spices can be stored for 2-4 years and ground spices can be stored for 2-3 years when stored well. But ground spices can lose their flavour more quickly, so “it’s wise to buy them in small quantities” according to the USDA. As for canned food, if it’s past its expiry, you may be able to use your judgment for some items, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
3. Things you’ve been meaning to fix
Ask yourself how long have you been meaning to fix this item? If it’s more than a year, do yourself a favour and set aside a day to fix these things ASAP, ask someone else to help you fix them or get rid of them.
4. Old linen you never use
If there’s linen in your cupboard that hasn’t been used in over a year, it’s unlikely you’ll use it again. Second-hand quilt covers, sheets and towels can be taken to Sheridan for recycling. If you have linen that’s still in relatively good condition, you could also check if any nearby op shops would like them as a donation.
5. Old towels
Call your local animal shelter and see if they need any old towels or sheets.
6. Chipped or cracked mugs and crockery
According to feng shui, chipped and cracked crockery steals your energy. If that’s not bad enough, the person using the chipped crockery will have bad luck in their career and finances.
7. DVDs
You aren’t going to watch them. The good news is there is probably someone out there who will take your whole collection off your hands for you. Pop them on Gumtree.
8. Food menus
Almost all food menus are available online. Having copies at home clutters up the kitchen or wherever you keep them.
9. Expired medication
To safely dispose of unwanted or expired medicines, return them to your local pharmacy.
10. Make-up you don’t use anymore
Old make-up that hasn’t been used in a while can harbour bacteria. Clean old cosmetic containers and send them to Banish’s Recycling And Disposal Program (BRAD) for recycling. Please read the complete list of what they can accept here.
11. Old phones and electronics you don’t use
Why are you keeping this? You can drop off all old phones, batteries, and other e-waste at your local Officeworks store.
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