Clutter. It's annoying. Today, we're sharing a list of things you think you need, but really don't - these things are just clogging up space in your home.
Give them away to charity, sell them on eBay, shift them at a car boot sale, depending on what it is. The choice is yours.
Editor's Note: This post was originally posted in June 2016 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness in March 2018.
1. Get rid of sport stuff
Yes, I believe you when you say you were definitely going to use that mini trampoline and jump every day and I'm certain you were going to incorporate an excellent workout using those pretty yellow free weights.
Who are we kidding, none of that happened and now your cupboard is full of retired sporting equipment. Getting rid of stuff requires being honest with yourself - are you really going to use it?
Give it all away and try some easy exercises for the person that can't be bothered instead.
2. Bread makers
Do you really need a bread maker?
These big clunky machines take up valuable space, gather dust and let's face it, aren't really necessary.
For baking bread, use your oven and clear a huge amount of space in your kitchen cupboard. Bbcgoodfood.com has plenty of recipes for you to have a go at, so what are you waiting for?
3. Unwanted Christmas presents
Auntie Edith meant well, but unfortunately, you know that pair of pink fluffy slippers will never be worn. If you've got a load of unwanted Christmas presents, sort through them and give them away or sell them.
Getting rid of stuff might seem rude, but it's better they go to a home where they're wanted and used rather than shoved to the back of the cupboard, forgotten.
4. Hotel toiletries you've 'acquired'
If you got a bit giddy on your last few hotel stays, then you might have a load of mini toiletries in your bathroom gathering dust.
Unless you plan on going camping or have a lot of house visitors lined up, these are definitely things to get rid of. Donate them to your local shelters if they haven't been used.
5. Musical instruments
Did someone in your house think they would take up the ukulele then suddenly lose interest? Is that expensive electric drum kit now a clothes hanger?
Learning how to get rid of stuff that you had full intention of using can be hard, but if you haven't used it by now, you probably never will. Take the plunge now, and enjoy the free space. You could also make some serious cash by selling it.
6. Your landline phone
We understand that there's something sentimental about having a landline phone - you grew up with one, right?
But if everyone in your house owns a mobile phone, and you live in an area with phone reception, is there really any need for you to have a landline?
Check the cost of having one and, if you're wasting money, say goodbye.
7. Bits & bobs are things to get rid of
You know what I mean, the thingamajigs, those thingamabobs, that thingummy. Those knick-knacks are just taking up room on your shelf and be honest with yourself, does it look good?
These are really things to get rid of. Have a sensible sort-out and get rid of all the items you don't like or need anymore.
8. Pizza gadgets
I know you thought that a snazzy pizza maker and those cool pizza cutting shears were a good idea, but when was the last time you actually used them?
Unless you're making a pizza once or more a week, there's really no point in those items taking up valuable space in your kitchen cupboard.
9. Old receipts
Our bags, wallets and coat pockets are all FULL of receipts that we don't need anymore. Are yours?
Collect them all together and have a quick look before you throw them away and see what you've been spending your money on. You might be shocked into spending a lot less!
Learning how to get rid of stuff regularly and systematically will help you streamline your life and reduce clutter.
10. Getting rid of stuff that is broken
Why are they still in your house?
Either fix your broken stuff or find a new home for it. Sometimes artists work with donated toys, so have a look around at local boards first.
11. Popcorn makers
The concept may seem great, but let's put this into perspective:
Do you watch films every night? If you do, you're excused. Otherwise, what are you doing with a popcorn maker? You can easily make popcorn on the hob or in the microwave.
Get rid of it now!
12. Surplus USB sticks
Yes, they can be cute. But do you really need one? Or ten for that matter?
Nowadays transferring files from place to place is pretty easy - whether it's e-mailing or using the cloud.
Before you get rid of them, be sure to transfer any files to a new location.
13. Getting rid of makeup
How long have you been using that mascara?
It's recommended that you throw away eye make-up 6 months after opening in order to prevent infection. This includes mascara, liner and eye shadow. Before you throw any lightly-used makeup away, check with close friends and family to see if they would get use from it.
If you have makeup that is new and unopened, donate it to a woman's shelter.
14. Deep fryer
Another item on our list of stuff you don't need is that deep fat fryer you never use.
Unless you're hosting regular dinner parties, or really need more fat in your diet, then get rid of that deep fryer machine now. It's smelly, cleaning it up is a pain and you don't need it.
15. Memorabilia
Old greetings cards, gift tags, letters, cinema stubs - chances are you've built up quite a collection of memories.
Want to know how to get rid of stuff like memorabilia? Go through it and see what you really don't need anymore and be truthful to yourself.
Consider making a scrapbook, or a memory box so you can organise your memorabilia. You could even scan your memories into digital files so you are less weighed down by the clutter.
16. Old cookbooks
They might look pretty but do you use them a lot? If you don't, then it's time to let them go.
Getting rid of stuff you're fond of can be hard, but there are also lots of online resources for you to use when cooking to make up for the loss. Print out your favourites and make your own recipe book! It'll seriously cut down on space taken up by less-loved recipes.
17. How to get rid of magazines
It's nice to keep a few magazines around for guests, but you're probably not going to read those out-of-date magazines again (unless they're recipe magazines) so recycle them.
You may be able to donate your magazines to the local doctor's offices and libraries, so see if you can do this first before putting them in your pile of things to bin.
18. How to get rid of stuff like old DVDs & CDs
We're all guilty of having a load of old DVDs & CDs that we're just not going to use anymore.
Apart from a few box sets that we can't bear to give away, it's a good chance to get rid of all the unwanted ones. It's always useful to have a few DVDs, especially when you're moving house and haven't sorted out the internet yet and crave some entertainment!
For the rest, donate them to your local charity shop - they'll definitely appreciate that series you've grown tired of.
19. Old kitchen sponges
How long have you been hoarding your kitchen sponge?
A dirty, battered sponge is destined for one place and one place only - the bin.
Get rid of yours today.
20. Get rid of old running shoes
Getting rid of stuff like sportswear is important, not just for removing clutter, but your health too.
Shoe cushioning deteriorates over time and they'll start to feel uncomfortable. Replace running shoes between 300 to 500 miles so wear and tear does not cause injury.
You can still donate them to a clothes collection bin, as they might be used for day-to-day wear or recycled.
21. Christmas decorations
Broken Christmas lights and ornaments are not worth keeping. Next Christmas, get all your decorations out and check over them. If you haven't done so yet, you're unlikely to ever fix them.
If they're damaged or you don't think you're going to use them again, add them to your 'things to get rid of' pile and say farewell.
22. Old toothbrushes
You should change your toothbrush every three months, or if your bristles are frayed, then more often.
Children clean their teeth more rigorously than adults so they may need their brushes replaced more often.
We recommend keeping an old toothbrush in your cleaning kit!
23. Unwanted hair ties/ accessories
If you've got broken hair ties, rusty old hair grips and curlers you don't need, then get them out of your bathroom cabinet.
24. Getting rid of stuff like expired spices, herbs & sauces
Head to your spice rack and take a look at the expiry dates. You might be shocked!
Now go to the cupboard and look at the best before date on any bottles of sauces. Anything that's out of date, chuck, anything that's nearly out of date, move to the front so you know you need to use them up.
Learning how to get rid of things regularly will save you time and effort in the future. Start now!
25. Old suntan lotion belongs in the bin
The expiration on your sun cream bottle matters because they lose their ability to block out ultraviolet rays after a year.
Out of date suntan lotion belongs in your things to get rid of pile.
Make sure your sun lotion is relatively new in order to protect your skin.
26. Getting rid of books
Be ruthless, if you haven't read those old books in years and you can't see yourself doing so in the future then, donate or sell. Easy!
27. Donate old pillows
Getting rid of old pillows can be tricky. They're not cheap, and we often think they last forever.
Find out if you need a new one with this trick:
Fold your old pillow in half, if it stays folded then it's time for a new pillow.
Your hair and body oils will have penetrated into the pillow and it will start to change colour will be a breeding ground for dust mites and odor-causing bacteria - especially if you tend to sleep with wet hair!
Wash and donate old pillows to local pet shelters, where they will put them to use as pet beds.
28. How many cables & cords do you really need?
I've been transporting a bag of old cables and cords from home to home and I have no idea what half of them do.
I know these are things to get rid of really.
There's no real point in keeping them - they're taking up valuable space in a drawer, so get rid of everything you don't need.
29. Jewellery
If you don't wear that necklace then why not give it to someone else who does? There might be loads of jewellery that you don't use anymore so take it down to the charity shop or give it to a family member who might love and wear it.
30. Getting rid of stuff like clothes you never wear
If you have a tiny wardrobe, you don't want to be filling it with clothes that you don't wear. Don't hold onto those jeans that don't fit anymore just because it reminds you of a wonderful time.
31. Old boxes
You may think you're being organised by hanging onto old product boxes such as mobile phone packaging, but they're not needed in the home.
Keep the details and leaflets in a folder instead. It will save on space and clutter.
32. Medication
Check the expiry dates on your vitamins and any other medication you may have lurking about in your bathroom cabinet.
Getting rid of stuff like out of date pills will clear up a surprising amount of space!
Be careful, because medications need to be disposed of properly. Return them to your chemist - don't just throw them in the bin or down the drain.
33. Unused perfume
If you're not a fan of the perfume sitting on your dresser that Auntie Sal gave you, then don't keep it.
Give it away to someone else. Check for out-of-date scents as well.
34. Get rid of your stuff like incomplete games
Unless you're willing to source the missing pieces from a shop, there's not much point in keeping games that you know you can't play anymore.
35. How to get rid of old mobile phones
Mobile phones come on so much year by year these days, that there's really no point keeping old ones.
Recycle old mobile phones by giving them away or selling them. You might be able to make some quick cash from websites like Environfone, or get vouchers for high street shops.
Phew, that's a lot of items you don't really need! Let us know of any more by commenting below.
I don't use perfume very often but when I used to have a bath (we have a shower, now) I used to put a few drops in when I had a soak. It used up the perfume and I smelt lovely!
That's a lovely idea Susa, I'll certainly try that one. Thanks!
Most perfumes come in sprays these days. I bought some good perfume in a charity shop, sealed and in date. I hadn’t used it before so it was a bit of a gamble. Unfortunately it didn’t suit me. I put it in the bathroom as a posh air freshener. It smelt absolutely divine and I got compliments from visitors on how nice my house smelled Funny old world!
Great idea!
Books: Change your bookshelf for a ereader or use Apps on your smartphone or tablet. EBooks take up much less room and hold more books than a book case and are cheaper to buy. You can also lend them from the library or your friends and hold less dust than one book.
Fantastic tip Sue, thank you!
I tried changing my bookshelf for an eReader and more lately a tablet. Yes, it's ideal for reading in bed (no need for a lamp and you don't lose your place). However, I find I need to handle a proper book. My rule is: I only buy books that I knew my friends or relatives will want to read and pass them on, that way they don't become clutter.
I agree with you about things that are broken and obviously about out of date cosmetics and medicines which could actually be dangerous, but please, let me keep my knick-knacks and thingummy-bobs!
Ha ha Debbie, I suppose you're allowed a few!
My maisonette no longer feels like home since packing up my bits and bobs prior to moving. The move fell through but things remain packed. I have totally lost interest in the place because it is not as it should be i.e. cluttered.
I hope you find a new home soon Hazel. :)
Good advice generally, charity shops are a good destination for many unwanted items, provided that they are in reasonable/good condition, books particularly (provided that the charity shop is not inundated with books), that way they may provide much needed funds to help others. Don't necessarily throw away ALL your redundant toothbrushes, they can still be useful for cleaning awkward nooks and crannies such as on and around your cooker, around the control knobs etc. Remember though that one definition of rubbish is something you find a use for three weeks after you've thrown it out!
That's a great use for an old toothbrush Donatello, thanks for pointing that out!
I had 3 large bookshelves in my bedroom and loads of books on them. I went through them and took out all the ones I had read and knew I would never read again and donated them at the local Fire Station as they collect them. That freed up 1 and a half cases. I then went through again and found some I had never read. i took them to work and people chose which they would like to read. I then had 2 empty ones, i was going to get rid of the shelves and then decided they make perfect shoe storage. My shoes are no longer thrown in the bottom of the Wardrobes and I can see exactly what I have. It also prompted me to get rid of the shoes that were either painful to wear or damaged. Win Win
Wow you've done a phenomenal job at decluttering Angela!
Anyone with babies or young children or who is in poor health or disabled should never get rid of their land line. One never knows when there could be a medical or other emergency and a fixed land line does not run out of battery or develop a dodgy reception so is far more reliable than any mobile.
Thanks for your comment Hazel, a good point.
How can you advise people to get rid of books if you have not read them over a certain time, I love the look of a library, I think they can be part of a room's furnishing. Keep your books, yes sort through them and get rid of the ones you did not like or maybe out of date text books. Try to see them as more than books to read.
Sorry Margaret, we didn't mean to get rid of all of them - just the ones you don't want to read anymore!
Homeless centres are always delighted to received individual shampoos et al. if you are homeless you don't want to carry around a big bottle of shampoo, but personal pride is really important to many
Brilliant tip, thanks Petra!
I wouldn't throw old toothbrushes I use them to clean grout
That's a great tip, thanks Jojo!
Don't get rid of your phone / tablet / electronic gadget packaging. When you get bored of them and eventually sell them on eBay or elsewhere, a boxed product will sell for 10-15% more than an unboxed one.
10 - 15% more - that's a lot! Thanks for your tip Ian.
Superb Tips , i was just looking for the same , because i have my flat locked for many years with lots of furniture , clothes , and things .
Good luck with the sort out Henry, you'll be happy once it's done!
I have a rule- 1 in, 1 out- if I buy a new anything, the old one goes to the charity shop Put hotel toiletries in the food bank box at the supermarket- they really need soap, shampoo etc Keep a bag in your wardrobe for charity shop donations and take there when it's full
Great tips Jane, thank you. I especially like the bag-in-the-wardrobe idea!
Join a freegle or recycling for free site. This matches people who need something with people who need to avoid it going to landfill. Everyone is a winner and there is no cost but the person who needs to pick it up. In our large block we also put things out near the bins but on show to give people a chance to pick it up. Again that works well and think smart and make sure it does not include out of date medical products or dangerous electricals.
Thanks Lizzie, brilliant tip.
When sorting things out to give to charity, don't be afraid to donate things that you may think that no one will buy because it's old fashioned or unusable (such as used underwear, etc) Charity shops sell unsellable items to 'the ragman' to be recycled, The charity shop I used to work in made at least £180 a week from recycling unsellable clothes. If anyone is embarrassed about giving these items them pack them in a separate bag and when you drop them off tell the assist that they are for recycling and they will go straight into the recycling hopper. Your favourite charity will benefit from your donation instead of it going to landfill.
Thank you Sue, a wonderful tip for everyone. :)
Its a bit silly saying get rid of the landline, most home broadband requires a landline. Maybe think again on that one?
You can get mobile broad band and I have had it 6 months just check the gigabytes but I can watch films etc and very good price
AS SOMEONE WHO LIVES ALONE, IS ELDERLY AND DISABLED, I FEEL THE NEED FREQUENTLY TO HEAR A HUMAN VOICE. MY DAUGHTER AND I TALK FOR AN HOUR ON A DAILY BASIS AND I HAVE A FEW FRIENDS WHO LIVE TOO FAR AWAY FOR US TO MEET UP EXCEPT ON VERY SPECIAL OCCASIONS. (SOME OF THEM). I COULD NOT AFFORD THE KIND OF MOBILE PHONE TARIFF THAT I WOULD NEED TO BE ABLE TO PHONE ANY OF THEM ON MY MOBILE EVERY TIME. BUT USING A LANDLINE, PROVIDING YOU PAY AROUND £7-£8 A MONTH EXTRA FOR IT, YOU GET UP TO 60 MINS FREE , RE DIAL AND YOU GET ANOTHER 60 MINS IF YOU WANT TO STILL GO ON TALKING. ELDERLY AND DISABLED WOULD BE LOST WITHOUT THEIR LANDLINES AND MUCH MORE LONELY AND DEPRESSED. LANDLINES ARE A NECCESSITY FOR THOSE GROUPS.
I'm sorry Dee Ross, but that's simply not true. Mobile phone plans can be great value now, in fact, in a check on a comparison website today showed me you can get a plan with unlimited phone calls, texts and even 1GB data for only £6 per month. That's cheaper than what you're paying extra for a land line now, plus in addition you can call from anywhere in the house, and you don't need to hang up the phone and call back either. Colleen was right - there is no need for landlines for anyone any more.
Thanks for sharing that insight, Julia!
I had loads of toiletries floating around. I used up the open ones, starting with the ones closest to empty. Then I started using the smallest unopened ones and worked my way up, disposing of the packaging as I finished. It let me try different products and saved me so much shopping time and money. And it's so motivating watching the supply of clutter dwindle. I've been doing the same with my perfume and makeup. It really makes a difference.
Easy does it Monica, good luck with your decluttering!
Sadly, I have a husband and son, who just collect 'stuff' won't let me get rid of anything, it's very frustrating, I binned most of my rubbish, and sold lots on ebay. Got any advice on tearing junk away from them?
I have an idea... store away their "stuff" for 2 months, and if they can tell you what it is they're missing, then you can give it back to them! ?
My mom did this when I was a kid and I'm still bitter. I lost cherished things just because she had some kind of asthetic she wanted to foist. I get being orderly and neat, but hands off on other people's stuff. Simply have a keep or toss day with some prize as an incentive.
My mum and her family swap books with eachother, it saves them all buying lots of new books!
That is a great idea Lucy, thanks for your comment.
this did not help me at all it was crap!
Sorry to hear you weren't a fan of this one John, hopefully you'll enjoy some of our other articles more. :)
I decant the little hotel shower gels into a dispenser and use as hand wash. Hadn't thought of the homeless shelters, that's a great idea
Hi Lesley. That's a great way to use up all those miniatures without them cluttering your home - good work! Thanks for sharing :)
Love...love...the idea of giving or selling the things that you already don't need any more, my mom is the one who alwasy say " you never know if you need it someday" sometimes that day come and many time they don't and all the stuff is just sitting in my house for years. its make my house clutter all the time even though I already sweeping and moping but it still looks clutter. Thanks for this informative article Love from Indonesia
Hi Kartika. We're so glad you liked our tips! The New Year is the perfect time to make positive changes in your life. Giving away things you don't really need not only clears clutter from your own home, but will also benefit others in the process. I wish you good luck with your decluttering mission and send love back to you in Indonesia :)
What about things that remind you of your mother? Mine just died and I am now having to live in her house so I can do it up and the house if stuffed full of items that remind me of her and even my dad who passed about 17 years ago. That's how I ended up here, do I throw away every little thing that reminds me of my mother and father? RIP both of them.
Hi Marco. Thanks for getting in touch. First of all, I am deeply sorry to hear your Mother has passed away. With regards to her possessions, why don't you set yourself a number, say, 20 things, that you are allowed to keep. Pick only your favourites - things with true sentimental value that remind you of the good times. Also try to pick things you'd like to have in your own home - you'll then have plenty to remember your Mother by, and her things won't end up stowed away in the loft, forgotten. I hope this helps :)
Sorry Stephanie but I have the opposite advice for Marco. How can you just keep 20 items! Keep them all Marco unless you have to live in a uncluttered environment. Don't just get rid of things associated with your parents. If you loved them a lot which I suspect you did the items all have certain memories which mean a lot to you. In time you might feel able to part with some things and only then get rid of them. Get rid of them too soon and you will regret it. My Mum died in 2012 who Dad and I loved dearly, they were married for nearly 63 years. Yesterday we had to get rid of our 14 year old washing machine as it had broken and because Mum helped choose it we were in tears. I think it all depends how deep your love was, how sentimental and 'soft' you are and if you are of the older generation who values items as they were hard to come by as to when is the right time.
Hi Limi. This is an interesting perspective. I think Marco was looking for advice on how to get rid of them, not to keep them all. Of course, if you have the space and really want to keep everything, there's no problem with that either.
I keep my owners manuals for everything, in a zip lock bag, stored neatly, as near as I can to the appliance. Example, washer and dryer paperwork, is on the washer shelf, that sits on the back of my washer. The refrigerator paperwork on top of the fridge. I always find something pretty to sit on the paperwork so it's not noticeable. When something happens I have everything I need close by. This keeps me from accumulating a bunch of manuals, for things I no longer own! You have to be creative in hiding these, my TV manual and all that goes with it, is in one bag, on the entertainment center shelf under a wicker basket display of scentsy bars, behind glass.
Hi Nancy, You sound very organised indeed. This is something I should probably start doing, as I always seem to misplace my user manuals! Thanks so much for sharing, and keep up the good work :)
You can find manuals for almost anything online. Download or print it to a pdf and keep on your computer. This frees up lots of space from those bulky manuals and because it is a pdf, you can use the search on the document to find what ever you are needing to find in the manual.
That's a great tip, Lori!
When you donate things to charity, you are virtually donating money without touching your bank account. You already spent the money when buying the item in the first place! Lots of good tips in the article except getting rid of your landline, As was mentioned earlier, if you want broadband you need the landline. Just going to sort my CDs, have already sorted DVDs in the past and not added to them much. My tip - get rid of all old bills & statements, in fact any old paperwork as often as possible. There will be very little that you will need for future reference. Box files are perfect, try to use only one or two though.
Hi Dee. Glad you enjoyed the article. There seems to be a lot of controversy regarding the landline! I think this is perhaps something younger generations have started doing, preferring to use their mobile phones in their place. However, I do agree it is practical to have a landline, especially in more remote areas.
Put all your clothes in your wardrobe on hangers facing one way as you wear them turn the hangers if after 12 months you still have clothes facing the original way you obviously are not wearing them so either send to charity shop or sell
Hi Lynne. This is a fab idea! Thanks a lot for sharing :)
In UK it's a nightmare for wardrobe clearing,we have such fickle climate! Sometimes I'll wear the same 3/4 outfits in hot summer as I'm not prepared to buy anymore hot weather stuff! Another year we can have drenched and cold summer,what to wear? I know , how about those cooler Chino cigarette pants I thought I'd never wear cos it's either too warm or too cool? Can't win! We have a necessity to have bulging wardrobes simply to cater for the wildly differing weather on a day by day basis! Cashmere jumpers? Not worn for 4 years-warm wet winters.throw out?not a chance! Cost fortune and the big freeze just on it's way.......so UK is unique in having WEATHER and not a climate.big wool coat not worn for 5 or 6 years? Probably ditch, modern jackets and coats much warmer and take less room.looks chic but cumbersome and no use in the car! It's a minefield andno quick answers to these dilemmas.only rule I ALWAYS. Stick to? ALL donations to charity shop of my choice , always children's charities too.i have sold some really expensive stuff online only to recoup some loss on a massive impulsive buy disaster! I'm in my 69s now so am starting to buy stuff that will not outlive me, no more statement peices that will last 25 years!!!
I share your frustration, Jane! I just switched my wardrobe from summer to winter, but the summer days just keep coming... I'm ready to wear my jumpers!
Old medication should never go in the bin or be flushed down the loo. Instead it should be taken to a chemist to be disposed of properly.
I think I am probably quite an organised clutter free person but every time I find something new that I’ve not thought of especially things like landlines and old mobiles thanks for these brilliant ideas
Hi Annette. Glad you liked the tips! Now your home will be more streamlined than ever :)
I use the mini toiletries acquired in hotel stays in a grown up advent calendar for my son and daughter in law. Or in pamper jars! Get a lovely storage jar add some mini toiletries, a scrunchie, a nail file, a scented candle etc. Close the jar, add a label and some lovely ribbon and you have a doubly useful gift for a birthday or Christmas.
Hi Ann. I love the pamper idea you have - it sounds great! Thanks for sharing :)
I am deaf and therefore cannot use a telephone. However, it is impossible to get rid of the landline because it is essential if you want to use the internet on a computer.
Hi I can see a lot of ideas of things to dispose but few ideas of how it should be done even on those headed "How to get rid .....". Many things like electronics, toiletries, medicines, etc cannot go in the bin for several reasons, not least the environment. I think you should be sure of the completeness of your facts before publication. Generally I think your site is interesting and has good ideas but I have noticed similar errors on several occasions.
Hello John! You make some very good points. I've now updated the post for clarity. Hopefully, it isn't misleading anymore. Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
OH MY GOD that made me cry and kinda scared a little. Is that bad. I really need to de clutter it’s too much stress organizing it all everyday. I just get so overwhelmed and why do I get so upset whe it comes time to throw things away. Why do I wanna keep everything. Is is because I’m the outsider in my family and is always being left alone. Even now as the age of29. Someone please help.
Hi Danielle! It's okay to find the process daunting - it's very normal to feel the way you do. We build a lot of sentimental attachment to our personal belongings. If you can tackle just one thing on the list you will have accomplished a huge feat. Just take it one thing at a time!
Great advice!! Makes me want to go through my bedroom closet and drawers right now and purge.
We're with you, Laura!
Good advice and insights. I hate throwing good things in the garbage. So when I think I will take this bag and go through my flat and find things for the thrift shop it is so much easier to get rid of things. I chose an item and check the condition. My choices are keep, thrift shop, sell, use up and recycle, bring to art school, or put out for someone to take. Not putting something that is still usable in the garbage helps the environment. Before I buy something I make thoughts about its future. My parents have also died. If I need it and have one of my own. I get rid of my own. What I do need to know is how to find out what something is worth. Too many people are throwing stuff away that could be very valuable. I have a Limoges piece. I checked the internet and cannot not find anything that even looks like it.
Donating to art schools is a wonderful idea! Thanks for sharing.
Yarn, embroidery thread and fabric and any sewing notions that you know you will never use. Any craft supplies that you will not have use for of have to much/many of. Halloween costumes, that you will not wear again. Hat, scarves, coats. and jackets.
Great ideas, Sue!
Books are like money, they have to circulate to be useful. Altho I have old ones with gold letter and other shelf with books facing the pages out for decoration.
That must look very pretty, Marcela!
I think that sell buy dates are mostly a ruse to get you to buy another 'whatever'. Example - On holiday in Africa to meet an old friend from Uni. a colleagues friend had a child who was extremely ill and asked me to look at him. He was being cared for by his grandmother who spoke no English. I am an educated mother not a Doctor. It did not take long to realise that the motherless child would die of pneumonia unless I could get hold of an antibiotic. Fortunately I found a pharmacy and asked for what was needed. The lady bought me the tablets and I questioned the date on them. She told me not to worry 2 years out of date would still work. She was right, they did work, I had saved a life. Poor grandmother had done her best, but traditional medicine had not worked.
Interesting! Thanks for sharing, Marcia.
I use my old suntan lotion as body lotion after showering. Even though the sun protection has run out the lotion is still alright.
That's a good idea, Chris!
Our electricity supplier recommended that you have a plug-in landline phone for use in power cuts as mobiles may not work in an outage.
That's not a bad idea, Norman!
Sadly with landlines changing they will no longer be powered from line but from home supply. Make sure if you have a medical reason for your landlines or are vulnerable you let your provider know
Thank you for sharing, Dawn!
Just ridiculous. Theres nothing wrong with having a landline . There us nothing worse than throwing out old letters etc....you can never replace them and you dont know what the future holds. People collect ephemera you know. Old toothbrushes have loads of uses. As for knick knacks, they make the difference between a house and a home.
Thanks for sharing your view, Susan!
Be careful with getting rid of things with your name and address on for security reasons. However, have been asked to produce two recent utility bills...and of course, they are all on line these days. If I had kept the hard copies I could have breezed through the ID check.. Have fun!!!
That's true! You should always keep important documents as a physical copy.
I use ends of perfume or perfumes that I'm not keen on in the bathroom. I spray the inside of toilet rolls on the cardboard innrer. I also put empty perfume bottles that still have some scent about them in clothes drawers, or in the bottom of the laundry bin. They can stay there until there is no scent left, then they go into recycling. Old till receipts etc. that you want to throw away but do not want the information to be accessible can be immersed in a small amount of water in a bucket, turned into a mush like papier mache, dried and safely binned.
That's a fab idea!
Mobile phones do nit work during power cuts, nor do digital landline handsets so it is worth keeping an old plug & play handset or buy a cheap one handy for emergencies. How else can you inform your power company of the power cut?
That's a very good point!
I have to disagree re the bread machine. I use mine at least once a week, probably more. My hands are very badly affected with rheumatoid arthritis, so making bread by hand isn't an option, as I simply cannot knead the dough.
Hi Janie! That's fair enough. The suggestion is more for those who have one but never use it.
We have used our breadmaker every other day since the start of lockdown, put it on go out for a walk and come back to beautiful fresh bread!!
Sounds lovely!
I would love to get did of my landline but it is essential.Despite loving in a major city my mobile signal is appalling and only works if I stand at my living room window. It works nowhere else in the house !!
That would definitely be an exception then, Penelope!
If you're clearing out a food cupboard consider using the OLIO app, it's a neighbourhood food sharing scheme and you can list items that are past their Best Before date just not past the Use By date. I've found it great for example if I've bought something and I don't like the taste. They also link up with places like Pret and Tesco and were a godsend at Christmas when my plans got cancelled last minute and there were no veggies in the shops and another Olioer shared some of theirs : )
That sounds wonderful!
If sending costume jewellery to a charity don't send earrings unless they are unused and in a sealed pack. They will usually throw them away (contamination issues). Alternatively check with the charity first. Also, before throwing away an old kitchen sponge I either put it in the washing machine and use it for cleaning (good when decorating) or use it to clean the cooker or anything really mucky, then bin it.
Lovely tips!
Sandra. Unfortunately I have crazes where I’m obsessed with a particular craft, decor etc and buy everything I can about it. Then I’ll get bored and I’m left with a lot of stuff I don’t want . I am getting better and Charity shops benefit from my waywardness. I know I’ve wasted a lot of money over the years and I’m determined to do better in the future!
We know how you feel. At least you're aware of it!
Great ideas. I’m having a declutter year, getting rid of 1 item every day, recycling and repurposing if I can. Having lost my excess weight I am going to have a really critical look at things I hardly ever wear. Sometimes an unused item just needs a change. Today I am wearing a shirt that I never wore and all that was needed was a few inches taken off the bottom.
Thanks for sharing, Janet!