Overcoming Decluttering Procrastination: What to Do with the Things You Don't Want

Many of us find ourselves procrastinating on decluttering precisely because we're overwhelmed with the question of what to do with the items we no longer want. We simultaneously want to throw it all in the trash (hello, easy button!), and find homes for our belongings where they will be used and appreciated (or disposed of responsibly). Don’t let the mental stalemate stop your decluttering journey before it starts!

Here are some destinations for your decluttered items:

Donate: One of the simplest and most rewarding ways to declutter is by donating gently used items to local charities or thrift stores. Clothes, books, household goods, and toys are often in high demand. Knowing that your unwanted items are going to someone in need can make parting with them much easier.

Sell: Turn your unwanted items into cash by selling. Websites and apps like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Poshmark make it easy to reach potential buyers. Clothing and accessories with tags or in like-new condition can be consigned. A word of caution: this is a labor-intensive way to rehome your items. Make sure you the money you earn selling items is worth the effort you will put in!

Recycle: If you have items that can't be donated or sold, check to see if they can be recycled. A quick Google search can help you locate recycling programs for electronics, textiles, and other hard-to-recycle materials.

Give Away: Spread joy by giving away your unwanted items to friends, family, or neighbors who might have a use for them. (Please make sure they really want the items – otherwise you are just passing along clutter!) Posting items on your local Facebook Buy Nothing group can help you find new homes for your belongings while fostering a sense of community.

Dispose Responsibly: For items that can't be donated, sold, upcycled, or recycled, it's important to dispose of them responsibly. Check with your local waste management authority to find out how to properly dispose of hazardous materials like batteries, electronics, and chemicals.

It can be overwhelming to think about the physical work to declutter your space AND the mental work of finding a way to responsibly re-home the things that need to go. To help you get started, I’ve done the mental work for you. Visit my Resources page to get started!

 What’s your go-to way to rehome items that are no longer serving you?