Living with clutter can be stressful, disorganized, and chaotic, so I rely on my knowledge of how to get rid of stuff to help me keep my home uncluttered. I use a variety of decluttering and organizing techniques to keep my home looking clean and tidy, and this ultimate decluttering guide features all of my most useful tips and hacks!
In this guide to getting rid of excess stuff, you’ll find all the tools you need to achieve a clutter-free home — and reap all the benefits that come with it! I’ve included general advice on tackling clutter, specific techniques to try, and helpful hints about what to do with the things you’re getting rid of. So let’s get started — freedom from clutter awaits!
Table of Contents
Decluttering Tips: How To Get Rid Of Stuff In The House Without Feeling Overwhelmed
The first (and sometimes hardest) part of decluttering your home is learning how to decide what to get rid of. As difficult as it can be to part with our stuff, getting rid of what we don’t need is a critical part of home organization.
If you’re like me and sometimes struggle with the emotional aspects of decluttering, you’ve come to the right place! The simple techniques and easy-to-remember guidelines outlined in this post will help you get the job done without feeling overwhelmed.
| Tip | Action |
|---|---|
| Take “before” photos | Photograph each area before you delutter it to keep yourself motivated. |
| Identify drop-off locations | Research nearby drop-off sites for donations, recycling, etc. |
| Use a sorting system | Keep boxes or bags nearby to sort items into groups (i.e. things to donate, things to sell, etc.) |
| Set up an outbox | Designate a “decluttering outbox” to give yourself somewhere to put items you’re undecided about keeping. |
| Remember the 80/20 rule | Start with high-impact tasks that don’t require a lot of time or effort, like paring down large collections. |
| Don’t try to do it all at once | Decluttering can wear you out, so tackle it over a few days instead of trying to do it all at once. |
1. Take “Before” Photos
Snapping a photo of a cluttered area before you begin organizing can give you a useful visual reference point. The stark contrast between a cluttered “before” photo and the results of your organizing efforts can help inspire you to maintain a clutter-free environment in the future.
A good “before” photo can also:
- Serve as a visual reference for identifying clutter
- Help you identify unnecessary possessions, including clothing
- Provide a new perspective on cluttered spaces
- Act as a motivational tool during the decluttering process
- Highlight progress and encourage future tidiness
2. Identify A Drop-Off Location
Research and identify the resources and drop-off locations for unwanted items in your area. This proactive approach to decluttering will help ensure a smooth and timely transition for the items you no longer need or want. (After all, simply shuffling clutter from room to room won’t solve your clutter problems!)
I frequently take advantage of recycling services offered in my community to get rid of things I no longer need. Deciding how to properly dispose of or recycle items that cannot be donated or sold is an important part of the process!
3. Use Boxes, Bags, Or Bins To Sort Things
Before you start decluttering, I recommend creating a sorting system to streamline the process. Here are a few bins that may prove useful as you sort through your things:
- To put away (items you still need or want to keep)
- To fix or mend (repairable items)
- To throw away (items that are beyond repair or use)
- To donate (gently used items in good condition)
- To sell (valuable or marketable items)
- To recycle (materials that can be recycled)
4. Designate A Decluttering “Outbox”
Decluttering requires a lot of decision-making, and any decision that can’t be made quickly can bring your productivity to a grinding halt. Instead of wasting valuable time and effort trying to decide whether a given item is worth keeping, I put items I’m on the fence about in my decluttering “outbox” so I can revisit them later.
For best results, reserve your outbox for items you are genuinely undecided about, rather than filling it up with things you feel obligated to keep. Come back to your outbox in a week or two, and those decisions will be easier to make.
5. Remember The 80/20 Rule
To help keep my cleaning and organizing efforts on track, I often remind myself of the 80/20 rule, which posits that 80% of results come from just 20% of the effort. Identifying high-impact tasks and completing those first can help you make big strides quickly to save time and energy.
When it comes to decluttering, one impactful task you could address early on is getting rid of unnecessary duplicates (like relegating six of the eight sets of bedsheets in your closet to your donation box!) You could also work on identifying stuff you’ve never used and likely never will, like dusty stacks of magazines or books.
Another interpretation of the 80/20 rule is based on the idea that 80% of the time, we only use around 20% of our possessions. The implication is that identifying and getting rid of those oft-unused items will declutter your home and simplify your life.
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6. Don’t Try To Declutter Your House All At Once
Spending all day decluttering and trying to get organized can be physically and mentally draining. If you try to address your entire house in one go, you’ll likely feel frustrated and fatigued before too long.
Instead, spend an hour or two decluttering one area of your house for a few days.
Jillee’s Take:
Decluttering Techniques That Work
1. Swedish Death Cleaning
Swedish death cleaning involves paring down and organizing your belongings before you die to ensure the burden doesn’t fall on your loved ones. The guiding question for this technique is: “Will anyone be happier if I keep this?”
No matter your age, practicing death cleaning can help you decide what to get rid of. If you can’t think of anyone who may be glad to inherit your china or crystal collection, you may decide it’s not worth holding onto.
Whenever possible, involve your children and grandchildren in your decluttering efforts. It can be easier to let go of what you no longer need if you can give it away to someone you love!
2. Decluttering Challenges
Spending time decluttering and organizing every day can sound like a boring chore. But framing it as a month-long challenge can be an easy way to sweeten the deal, especially if you have a competitive spirit like I do!
Why not try a 30-day organizing challenge where you address one area of your home per day? Be sure to keep a box or trash bag handy so you have a place to get rid of things you come across.
3. Guiding Questions
Deciding whether or not to get rid of things can be hard, even for professional organizers! As you consider each item, ask yourself some of these questions to help make the decision easier:
- Is this the best, my favorite, or necessary? This decluttering wisdom coined by Emily Ley can help you pare down large collections to just the cream of the crop. It’s a great way to keep quality items you genuinely need or love — like the best set of mixing bowls or your favorite dish towels — while getting rid of things that aren’t as useful or valuable.
- Is it useful or beautiful? Consider this bit of organizing wisdom from William Morris: “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” Prioritize items that enrich and beautify your life without clinging to excess.
- Does it spark joy? Organizing guru Marie Kondo built an organizing empire on this one simple question. Asking yourself whether your belongings spark joy can help simplify difficult decisions when decluttering, especially those involving sentimental items.
- Would I make an effort to get this back from my ex? This thought experiment asks you to consider if you would try to get an item back from an ex-lover you’re not on good terms with. If an item isn’t worth the effort, you can probably live without it!
4. Embracing Minimalism
Adopting a minimalist perspective or lifestyle can make it a lot easier to keep your home tidy! When you aren’t constantly acquiring new possessions, you can save money and free up space for the things that truly matter.
Minimalism can help you:
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- Focus on functional things that make your life easier
- Avoid unnecessary spending
- Free up time and energy
- Save money in the long run
- Reduce stress and clutter
5. Moving Mentality
As you sort through your possessions, imagine you’re preparing to move to a smaller home. Ask yourself which of your items are worth the effort of being packed, moved, unpacked, and put away in a new place. (The effectiveness of this particular technique may depend on how much you hate moving, but it can be helpful!)
How To Declutter Your House Room By Room
There’s no wrong way to declutter, but you may find it useful to start by decluttering your bedroom to have a sanctuary space you can retreat to later. Then you can move on to getting rid of items in the bathrooms, clearing unneeded items out of the kitchen, and even clearing stuff out of the garage!
Bedrooms
Decluttering your bedroom gives you an opportunity to decide what truly belongs there and what should be removed. To maintain a tidy and clutter-free bedroom, try these techniques:
- Make the bed to establish a sense of order
- Remove any trash or items that don’t belong in the bedroom
- Organize nightstands and drawers and get rid of unnecessary items
- Neatly fold and store the items you plan to keep
- Clear off surfaces and put away misplaced items
- Utilize under-bed storage bins for items that don’t have a designated place
Closets
Closets are often a space where clutter accumulates behind closed doors. Instead of treating every closet the same way, I taught my children to let the condition and purpose of items in a closet guide their decision-making.
- Establish a systematic decluttering approach (i.e. starting from the top and working your way down)
- Set aside items that don’t belong in the closet
- Separate dirty laundry and place it in a hamper or laundry basket
- Divide clothing into two piles: a pile to keep and a pile to discard
- Sort clothing in the keep pile by type (i.e. shirts, pants, jackets, shoes)
- Sort the clothing in the discard pile into items for recycling, donation, and disposal
Living Room
The more time you spend in your living room, the more likely clutter is to accumulate there. Our living room is our main space for relaxation and family time, so I use these tips regularly to help keep it free of clutter:
- Remove items that don’t belong in the living room and put them in their designated places
- Assess your storage needs and use baskets or drawers to keep books, electronics, and knick-knacks organized
- Group electronics and accessories together for a more organized setup
- Clear off coffee tables, drawers, and shelves, and find a home for items that typically reside there
- Establish a decluttering routine to help keep your living room tidy over time
Kitchen
The kitchen is another area of the house where frequent use and clutter accumulation often go hand in hand. Use these tips while decluttering your kitchen to create a more functional space and encourage proper food preparation.
- Clear countertops of anything you don’t use on a daily basis
- Find a home for items removed from countertops, either in the kitchen or elsewhere in the home
- Systematically empty drawers and cupboards and decide whether or not to get rid of each item
- Put spices and other loose items in storage containers, bins, or racks for better visibility and accessibility
- Declutter methodically, either by item type (i.e. cookware) or by zone (i.e. drawers)
Bathrooms
Maintaining an organized bathroom promotes a clean and relaxing environment. Use these tips to guide your bathroom decluttering efforts:
- Clear surfaces and floors of items that don’t belong in the bathroom
- Discard trash, empty containers, expired medications, and anything else that needs to be thrown away
- Get rid of things from drawers, closets, cabinets, racks, or the medicine cabinet
- Sort items into categories to organize them efficiently (i.e. toiletries, skincare products, medications, cleaning supplies)
- Designate a storage place for everything you decide to keep in the bathroom
Work Area Or Home Office
As a mother who works from home, I know the importance of having a clean and organized workspace to promote productivity and focus. Decluttering your workspace can go a long way toward keeping you on track and moving toward your goals!
- Clear off surfaces like desks, tables, and shelves
- Remove items that don’t belong in the office or workspace
- Empty and organize drawers to ensure everything has its place
- Sort paper items into categories (i.e. to file, to do, to discard)
- Keep cords tidy using twist ties or rubber bands, and consider labeling cords to clarify which devices they belong to
- Consider digitizing records and documents to streamline your storage
Foyer Or Entryway
The constant flow of traffic through entryways and foyers can quickly turn them into clutter hotspots. Use these tips to declutter your entryway and make it an inviting and functional area of your home:
- Clear items from the floor and surfaces and remove items that belong elsewhere
- Check racks, drawers, boxes, and storage spaces as you decide whether to get rid of things
- Assign designated areas for each family member to hang coats, backpacks, and other belongings
- Declutter entryway closets methodically, similar to bedroom closets
- Maintain an orderly entryway by revisiting and re-evaluating the area regularly
Laundry Room
Laundry rooms, much like kitchens, can easily become cluttered through frequent use. Organizing and decluttering your laundry room can help streamline your laundry process by making your workspace more functional.
- Remove unnecessary items from the laundry area
- Put dirty laundry in hampers or load it into the washing machine
- Clear the surfaces of the washer and dryer
- Organize shelves and cupboards using storage bins
- Get rid of things that serve no purpose in the laundry room
Basement Or Attic
Basements and attics are often used as storage space, and being mindful of clutter in these areas can help prevent chaos and dysfunction.
- Divide the area into zones or sections and tackle one at a time
- Empty out boxes and storage containers to assess their contents clearly
- Sort items into “keep”, “recycle”, and “get rid of” piles
- Promptly remove the “get rid of” pile from the basement or attic
- Label boxes and bins when decluttering items so you can easily locate and organize them in the future
Garage
Regularly decluttering your garage can help you avoid accumulating unnecessary items, like withered plants, broken tools, and empty bottles. The less junk you have in your garage, the more functional it will become!
- Take everything out of the garage (as overwhelming as it may seem!)
- Group similar items together (i.e. power tools, gardening supplies, hardware, camping equipment)
- Methodically sort through each pile to decide what to keep and what to get rid of
- Discard duplicates, damaged items, and anything you haven’t used recently
- Implement storage solutions like shelving and storage bins to keep everything organized
21 Things To Get Rid Of While Decluttering
Need some help getting the ball rolling? Use the list below as your guide to identifying items for decluttering.
Note: “Get rid of” doesn’t necessarily mean “throw away!” Giving things away to family, donating items, and selling things on Facebook Marketplace for extra cash are all great ways to declutter without producing a lot of waste. (And don’t forget about recycling — there are plenty of items you may not know you can recycle!)
1. Unworn Clothes
Personally, I find it easier to declutter a closet full of clothes than a storage bin full of miscellany, so I often start my home organizing efforts by going through a closet. I know what clothes I do and don’t wear, so it’s not hard to determine which clothes to get rid of.
If you wind up with lone socks that have lost their partners, use them as a mop head for your Swiffer or fill them with baking soda to help deodorize smelly shoes.
2. Knickknacks
Knickknacks, tchotchkes, trinkets… whatever you call them, small display items can easily become a source of clutter. Paring down a collection of these sentimental items can be difficult, but it can go a long way toward making your home look tidier (and cutting down on dusting!)
One way to declutter knickknacks is to put all of them in a basket or box and store them out of sight for a month or two. When you pull the box back out again, be honest about which items you missed and which you could live without.
3. Old Gadgets, Cords, And Chargers
At our house, there’s often a remote control that doesn’t seem to control anything or an old phone charger of unknown providence floating around somewhere. After making sure your important remotes and device chargers are accounted for, get rid of the mysterious extras by recycling them.
The same goes for cords and cables that are cluttering up outlets, drawers, and other surfaces around the house. (Keep an extra of each type of cord if you wish, but just the one!)
4. Office Supplies
If you have a bunch of pens, pencils, and sticky note pads around the house that rarely get used, it’s a good idea to collect them in one place to evaluate them more easily.
Toss dry markers, pens low on ink, and other junk, then set aside unwanted items of good quality to donate. Store any office supplies you want to keep in one drawer, box, or basket.
5. Flower Vases
Unless you’re single and being courted by several suitors at once, you don’t need more than one or two flower vases. (I actually had eight vases cluttering up my cupboards at one point, but I eventually saw sense and got rid of most of them!)
6. Paper Items And Stationery
Papers, documents, and junk mail are some of the biggest contributors to household clutter. During my kids’ school days, we often had multiple piles of report cards, permission forms, art projects, and other paper items scattered around the house, but these days I try to keep paper clutter at a minimum.
To cut down on paper items:
- Download digital copies of your owner’s manuals and user guides online.
- Go through your gift wrap and recycle anything wrinkled, torn, or too small to be useful, then set up a gift wrap station on the back of a door!
- Recycle travel guidebooks that are more than a few years old, as they almost certainly contain outdated information.
7. Unused Or Incomplete Games And Puzzles
When decluttering your entertainment area or living room, check board games, card games, and puzzles to see if they’re missing any important elements. Get rid of anything incomplete, unplayable, or unused, and store the games you want to keep in a closet, basket, or rack to keep them organized.
8. Unused Linens
Is your linen closet overflowing? Start by setting aside unused blankets and sheets to donate to homeless shelters, the Salvation Army, or another charitable organization that would appreciate them.
9. Old Or Expired Food
As much as I love a clean, organized pantry, my pantry usually houses a few expired items and things that will never get eaten. Decluttering your pantry regularly can help keep the contents current, and if you clear off and clean the shelves while you’re at it, it’s like getting a mini pantry makeover!
10. Unused Kitchen Tools, Utensils, And Containers
Counter space is a valuable commodity in any kitchen, so it’s important to keep yours free of clutter or things you rarely use. The same goes for drawer space — go through your utensil drawer, get rid of things you don’t need, then organize the remaining utensils to make everything easier to find.
I like to keep and reuse various types of food containers, but I try to make sure each container has a lid and each lid a container. Go through your collection of food storage containers, pair lids with the containers, and get rid of the extras.
11. Unread Books And References
Among the list of things you probably have too many of, books can be one of the more painful ones to cut down on. Here are some ways to streamline your collections of books and reference guides:
- Books you don’t (and probably won’t) read: donate, sell, or trade them in on Amazon
- Books you want to read again: keep physical copies of beloved books and replace others with e-books
Free up even more bookshelf space by getting rid of things like old reference books and maps. Recycle those old phone books too!
12. Old Makeup And Toiletries
Check your makeup for expiration dates and toss out anything expired or rarely used. If you have several mini toiletries that are unused, you could look into donating them (or turn your mini bar soaps into hand soap!)
13. Old Air Fresheners And Cleaning Supplies
It’s easy to overlook air fresheners and home fragrances when decluttering! Look for old and dried-out potpourri, empty plug-in air fresheners, and stubs of old candles and get rid of them.
Be sure to declutter your cleaning supplies too! Gather your most-used cleaning tools and supplies into a cleaning caddy, and then throw away what you don’t use.
14. Expired Medications
After going through my medicine cabinet, I realized I had several bottles of expired vitamins, allergy medicine, and ibuprofen cluttering up my space. If you have any expired or old medications on hand, be sure to dispose of them responsibly.
15. VHS Tapes
Do you still have old VHS tapes lying around somewhere? Unless they’re keepsakes or you watch them regularly, those tapes are just too bulky to justify keeping. Try selling them on eBay or OfferUp!
16. Old Eyeglasses
There is no point in keeping old eyeglasses when your prescription changes. Gather up all those glasses you can’t see well with and recycle them.
17. Extra Shopping Bags
After gathering up all the reusable shopping bags and promotional totes I had sitting around the house, I realized I had more of them than anyone could ever need! For efficient decluttering, collect all your totes and shopping bags, pick out your favorites, and get rid of the rest.
18. Old Instruments And Sports Equipment
Garages can quickly turn into holding facilities for old instruments and sports equipment from days gone by. If it’s been years since someone has actually played that French horn or used that lacrosse stick, find them a new home with someone who will!
19. Old Schoolwork
Your children’s schoolwork can be a great keepsake, but you don’t need to keep every single piece. When decluttering, keep the stuff that makes you proud (or makes you laugh), and get rid of the stuff that isn’t as meaningful.
20. Old Keys And Keychains
When it comes to your keys, there’s no sense in carrying around dead weight! Lighten up your keychain by removing keys you don’t use and keychains that have seen better days.
21. Old Paint
Latex paint can last several years when properly stored, but it won’t stay good forever. If you have old cans of latex paint stored somewhere, crack the lid and give it a stir. If it smells normal and blends together readily, it’s fine to keep; if it smells weird or looks lumpy, dispose of the paint responsibly.
Related Questions
How Do You Get Rid Of A Lot Of Stuff Fast?
To declutter and get rid of a lot of your things quickly, adopt a ruthless mindset and be prepared to make swift decisions. Set a time limit, gather your possessions in one area, and work quickly to sort items into “keep” and “discard” piles. Try to keep your emotions out of it, and you’ll be done sorting in no time!
Why Do I Find It So Hard To Get Rid Of Stuff?
If you find decluttering and letting go of possessions challenging, you’re not alone! Many people (including myself) form emotional attachments to our belongings, even the ones that sit around for years gathering dust.
According to Psychology Today, studies suggest that getting rid of things can be genuinely painful for some people. Being mindful of your emotions while decluttering your home can help you acknowledge your attachments without letting them dictate what stays or goes.
What Should I Do With Things I Want To Get Rid Of?
As I mentioned earlier, there are plenty of options for getting rid of things you don’t want to keep around the house. While some of it may need to go in the trash, much of your clutter can likely be donated, traded, sold, or recycled.
Here are some options for getting rid of specific types of items:
- Formal wear, prom dresses, etc. Seek out local organizations that buy and sell used formal wear.
- Linens, towels, and blankets. Donate them to animal rescue organizations to help keep animals comfortable.
- Office supplies. Find out if nearby schools accept donations of pencils, pens, etc.
- Cell phones and electronics. Turn gently used devices into cash at an ecoATM, or take old and damaged devices to an e-waste drop-off.
- Crayons. Even broken crayons can be donated to the National Crayon Recycle Program.
- Batteries. Drop off old batteries at Call2Recycle locations inside Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Staples stores.
- VHS tapes. Send old tapes to Green Disk so they can be turned into useful things.
- Running shoes. Send them to Nike’s Reuse-a-Shoe or One World Running.
- Asthma inhalers. Accepted for recycling at many pharmacies.
- Corks. Bottle corks are accepted at some Whole Foods stores, wineries, and breweries.
- Prescription drugs. Drugs and medications are often accepted at local police stations or community drug take-back programs.
- Mattresses. Check out Bye Bye Mattress to find a nearby mattress recycling facility.
- Bras. Donate old bras to Bra Recyclers, who gives them to shelters and developing nations.
- Eyeglasses. Drop them off at certain eyeglass retailers or send them to Lions Club International (they also take hearing aids!)
- Holiday lights. Send old string lights to HolidayLEDs.com to get a coupon for new LED lights.
- Field gear. Backpacks, binoculars, and other field gear can be donated to the American Birding Association, who in turn donates them to researchers, conservationists, and educators.
- Keys. The Keys For Hope Foundation accepts old keys and sells them as scrap metal to fund programs to fight hunger.
- Books and references. OGT reader Helen suggests offering your unwanted travel guides, atlases, and other reference guides on Nextdoor or Facebook. There’s probably a mixed-media or collage artist in your area who would love to have them!
- Musical instruments. OGT reader Jo says her local music store accepts donated instruments, which they clean up and distribute to local school music programs. Look for similar programs near you!
I am a 78year old widower and I enjoy reading the ideas and other information you put out, so thank you for it. My wife was the kind of person who celebrated and decorated for every holiday. I have two disabled sons who live with me, they are 50 and 47. We have a house full of decorations, and books like Good Housekeeping, and others. I collect cook books and have likely 400 or better. I seldom cook anything from the books.
OGT reader Docmo
So thanks to reading your post I will get rid of some of that stuff. I will start with the expensive perfumes and jewelry. Thank you again for the great ideas. Good night.
Conclusion
It may take some time and effort to clear out clutter from your home, but the benefits of having a cleaner, tidier home make it worth it.
How do you keep clutter under control? Share your best decluttering tips in a comment below!
Jillee ,
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Where is this at ?
I’ve looked on your website and I can’t find it.
I have only part of it. Do you still have it?
20 Pantry Staples (March 6, 2015)
My way of digging into cleaning, declutter, closet, whatever will take some time. I give it time–like a TIMER!!! I set it for 20 mins and go straight at it. When the timer goes off, either I’ve made a good dent and will finish the job or come back to it for another 20 mins…Since I do see instant gratification, I usually will finish the task or come back a little while later!! Your ideas are always spot on!!! I do google for the best donation drop-offs to be sure that my donation gets into the right hands…Thank you for all your great ideas!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.A note about donations: Donate only new or gently used items still in excellent condition to charity shops (items they can sell). More than half of all their donations go straight to the landfill, and it costs them much of their profit. So take non-saleable but excellent shoes and clothing, blankets, towels, toiletries, etc. straight to homeless shelters, women’s and children’s shelters, and animal shelters.
My elderly parents just sold their summer house. I helped them clear it out – take home, recycle, donate, landfill. While not “packed to the gills”, over 70% hadn’t been touched in ages and could have been removed easily over time instead of a last minute marathon. Don’t wait for “someday” – start today! And clear those things out every single year.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.There are some things like clothes, vases, books etc you can donate. My mom has one group that calls regularly and they do pickups. We’re guilty of keeping takeout menus – mainly so we have an idea what to order when going out.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Funnily enough I’ve, pretty much, just finished decluttering! I’m moving into a smaller place at the end of this month. I’ve been putting off decluttering for ages, but now I have to, but I’m unable to do it myself, so I’ve had lots of help, my daughter, niece and honorary daughter have been doing the hard work. I’ve been pretty ruthless (surprised myself!) they’re impressed!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.About the towels and sheets, I donate all of mine to our local low cost spay and neuter animal clinic. They and other shelters can use towels and sheets to help clean and dry after treatments and baths.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks for the ideas, I can always use help to declutter!
Linda
When I start getting some clothes together to donate, I pull one of my reusable bags and fill it. I am not only donating some clothes, but also giving up one of my bags (I have many). For shampoos and other like products – If I purchase a shampoo or condition, hand cream, body lotion and I try it and don’t really like it, I put it in a local FREE site on Facebook or Nextdoor for a FREE porch pick up. Individually wrapped snacks, or crackers – I carry some in my car and when I come to a corner with someone looking for work, I offer those.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi, if you declutter your linen closet, and decide to get rid of old towels and blankets; please consider giving them to your local animal shelters. They can use them in the cages/crates for the animals so they are not just laying on metal and/or cement. This gives them some comfort and warmth. It does not matter if there is holes in them. The people who work there are grateful, but not as grateful as the animals who are waiting to be adopted in their new furever home. Thank you.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Regarding the atlas, dictionary, thesaurus, etc. Take a photo and put on Nextdoor or other local website for free. Artists love these items for collage and mixed media.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.As an artist, I was sad to see a suggestion to get rid of these paper items! They are “treasures” of the past that I look for/buy at flea markets, thrift stores, etc. Please find a way to pass them along to others who will be delighted to have/use in our various art pieces!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I always keep an extra cell phone charger in my car. I don’t know how many times I have needed it at friends or family.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Both my city and county have paint recycling centers. The city blends all paints together for distribution to those that need assistance in maintaining their homes. The county has a drop off site and a free shopping room with cans of paint, varnish, turpentine, etc. The shopping room is open to anyone. This is great if you have a small project and only need a partial can of something.
A local music store takes donated musical instruments for distribution to school musical programs. They repair, clean, and distribute them. What a wonderful way to help the arts programs that are always in danger of budget cuts.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Extra vases? Bring them to your favorite florist, they can re-use them. Our florist really appreciates getting them.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.That is just what I do, Laura, and they are happy to receive them.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.When it comes to mini soaps, shampoos, conditioners,and lotions we get from hotels, we save them up until we get a bag full and donate to our local church for people in need. During Cova, the hotels also gave out cold food items instead of their “Warm Breakfasts”. Since they weren’t to our liking we donated canned OJ, Breakfast Bars,& small Cereal Boxes. With our family of 6, we had a lot to give to others. . When we moved, I couldn’t believe all the blankets and towels we had saved over the years. Our local Humane Society was happy to receive them to use for drying the animals and the blankets came in handy for bedding in the cages — especially during the winter months. The reusable grocery bags? Since we donate alot of used books to our library, these bags come in handy, also it you go to Trader Joe’s—ask for their paper bags with the handles—great for the books also.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.What I do with the mini samples from the hotels, I bag them up with a toothbrush and toothpaste, a bottle of water, a couple of cereal bars or something like that; I put them all in a small bag I carry them in my car, So when I see a person(s) beggIn for money or I will work for food. They are usually standing at intersections. I refuse to give them money, I will give them one of these little bags. The ones that are actually homeless will actually accept the bag with gratitude. The ones who don’t is trying to scam you. I’m all out for helpin someone out, esp since I’ve been homeless twice and I’ve pulled myself out by my bootstraps, and the help of some wonderful people.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I take unused samples to our battered womens shelter,Circle of Hope.I no longer need ladies monthly personal items but if I get a good deal on them,I buy them.They always need those type of items.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I am a 78year old widower and I enjoy reading the ideas and other information you put out, so thank you for it. My wife was the kind of person who celebrated and decorated for every holiday. I have two disabled sons who live with me, they are 50 and 47. We have a house full of decorations, and books like Good Housekeeping, and others. I collect cook books and have likely 400 or better. I seldom cook anything from the books.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.So thanks to reading your post I Will get rid of some of that stuff. I will start with the expensive perfumes and jewelry. Thank you again for the great ideas. Good night.
Instead of throwing out old toiletry samples and re-usable bags donate them to homeless shelters.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Because of health regulations, shelters can only take new unopened toiletries. If they have been even minimally used, you will need to find another way to find a new home for them.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I find old toiletry’s at thrift stores and see people buying them. I personally put some food and a water bottle (reusable that we have over collected) and a blanket in those re-usable bags and have them in the back floorboard to give people who stand on street corners. They are always thrilled to get them.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.As always your posts are informative and I enjoy your light heartedness honesty! As I read this post I have a small suggestion regarding disposing of OTC medicines……dump the pills (out dated prescriptions qualify as well) in used coffee grounds. We seem to miss the offering from our local pharmacy to dispose of prescriptions when we clean out the medicine basket.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.NEVER flush medicines, they can not be filtered out and are showing up in fish and wildlife. Terribly dangerous practice, please stop
Please log in or create a free account to comment.NEVER – EVER-EVER FLUSH MEDS DOWN THE TOILET/SINK — YOU MUST BRING THEM BACK TO THE PHARMACY FOR SAFE DISPOSAL….OTHERWISE IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AND CONTAMINATES THE SOIL.. – THOSE MEDS GO IN LANDFILLS AND BREAKDOWN INTO THE AIR/HEARTH/WATER AND MAKES US SICK/MESSES -UP OUR METABOLISM/HORMONES… WHERE THE HECK DO YOU THINK YOUR STUFF GOES?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I Love & enjoy reading all of Your amazing ideas !! *-*
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I enjoy your newsletter & site. Thank you for the list of recycling ideas & sites. You’ve listed several I hadn’t heard of & look forward to using in the future. Thanks for all you do!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.DONATE THOSE OLD BLANKETS AND TOWELS TO YOUR LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTER OR HUMANE SOCIETY SHELTER! THEY ARE ALWAYS IN NEED!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This is a truly wonderful idea, thank you for reminding us all!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.We adopted a new adolescent Border Collie 6 months ago. He came with a sturdy blanket and one toy – Mike. He still sleeps best on that blanket and destroys all his toys except Mike! Thanks for reminding others that blankets are so needed at rescue shelters.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Really. It’s hard to find anyone else who will be sincerely happy to receive a set of bedsheets with holes in the bottom sheet and frayed pillowcases!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I took photos of my son’s artwork from elementary school and made it into a book. Then I was able to get rid of the originals without feeling guilty!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Our son just started Kindergarten this year. I love this idea! He brings home so many papers each and every day, it is astounding how much paper. I have kept a handful of things that were unique and made me so proud of his little self. I keep them in a keepsake box by school year, but eventually he will take them with him when he is old enough if he wants. I love the idea of the photo book so Mom & Dad always have the memories too!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This is an excellent idea. Recently while cleaning I found art work and school projects . She is now 32. This is a great idea for a gift. I will pass this on for her to use with my two year old granddaughter. We all have too much “stuff.” Thank you so much for the idea.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.All the leftover games pieces, puzzle pieces and what not can be made into an art arrangement inside a shadow box and used as decoration for a child’s bedroom or playroom. Love this craft!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Does anyone have tips for properly getting rid of expired medicines & prescriptions? Thanks!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.a lot of police stations, well in NY anyways have drop off places to get rid of medicines.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.You can take them to any pharmacy.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The pharmacy in my area will not take them, but the police station will.
Sample toiletries and hotel bits go to homeless shelters they appreciate that stuff.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My local food pantry is always in need of bags – especially reusable ones!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.If you’re cleaning out your linen closet, consider donating old towels to your local animal rescue–they often need donations.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi there ladies and gentlemen (like me)!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My dad used to say that the last thing you throw out is first thing you will have to buy afterwards . For example I am an electronics hobbyist and I have parts over seventy years old. My brother in law came to visit and he asked “What do do with all this junk “and I told him then that I cannot go to spares shop everything new so I reuse my old components and a lot of them were for stuff that still work but part are not made anymore. A couple of days later he came here and he asked for a transistor that was made in 1965 and I scratched in my new transistor box and handed him a new one. Then he asked me for a power cable obsolete now for thirty years and I handed one to him. He never said anything again about my junk
Throw out chopsticks – never……….I use mine to stir coffee, stab and fish out pickles, in the sewing room for everything. I use mine and whoever is with me, I take theirs home too.
And, I will add that the expire date on most everything is a lie.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I agree! Expiration dates are put there my the manufacturer so you will dispose of and feplacse perfectly good item. Ok there is one probable exception – milk (but still the sniff test works best!)
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