Kim Kubsch
Let’s explore ways to declutter and rehome your stuff without harming the environment. The temptation is to just throw things away because it’s quick, easy, and convenient.
Since the average American generates almost five pounds of trash every day, a substantial portion of that waste comes from our “out with the old” decluttering behavior. Most of it ends up in landfills where it can take hundreds of years to decompose, releasing toxic gases and chemicals into the atmosphere in the process. Instead, here are five ways to rehome your stuff:
1. Donating items gives them a second life and supports individuals or families who could use a helping hand. We can donate responsibly by giving gently used items to charity, which helps others and reduces waste. Re-think sending your stuff to the dump—give it a second act. For free listings for everything from tools to baby gear, visit Freecycle, Buy Nothing Groups, or Curbside Giveaways. Or place items at the curb with a “Free” sign.
2. Turn trash into treasures. Get creative and upcycle purposefully by repurposing items that would otherwise go to waste. Old T-shirts can become quilts. Glass jars become organizers. Explore ideas: Upcycle.com Upcyclethat.com, Brooklyn Teacup.
3. Recycle properly by checking your local recycling center’s guidelines. Items like electronics, batteries, metals, and plastics often require special handling. Try BigSkyRecycling.com, Recycles.org, GoGreenDrop.com, Tech for Troops.
4. Sell what you can if you have the time and want to earn a little extra cash.
• Online Platforms: Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, OfferUp, eBay, Craigslist
• Consignment Shops: Option for clothing, jewelry, China, art, and furniture
• Garage Sales: Classic and effective. Advertise locally.
• Auction Sites: Online auctions can be worthwhile for specific items, and on-site and online auctions can be a good fit for entire households.
• Estate Sales: If selling your home, verify the terms of your HOA. Interview two or three estate sale operators and choose convenient sale dates for your transition.
China and Silver Flatware
Clothing (Upscale or Designer)
• The RealReal, Poshmark, Plato’s Closet, 1stdibs.com, eBay, local boutiques
Furniture
• Consignment shops (most require pre-approval via email photos), OfferUp, Nextdoor, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist
Books, Media, Games, Comics
• Half-Price Books (in-store)
• Declutter app, Gazelle.com, GameStop stores
• Gocollect.com/comics, cgcomics.com, qualitycomix.com
Toys, Sports Equipment, Hobby Supplies
• Once Upon a Child
• Play It Again Sports
• Lego: tradesbricklink.com and stockx.com/lego
5. Pass it on to family and friends if they want or need anything you’re ready to part with. Arrange to pass it on in a timely manner.
Decluttering without harming the environment entails a little time. It starts with being more mindful of our choices to include prioritizing, reusing, and repurposing.
Practice these rules:
One In, One Out. For every new item coming in, let one go.
Make do and use what you already have.
Practice gratitude for what you own.
Invest in quality over quantity. Higher-quality items last longer and feel better.
As a professional downsizer, I am here to assist with doing any of these tasks! To receive my five-page list of donation venues in the Southeast Valley, email Kim@JoyfulDownsizing.com.
Stay tuned for monthly articles about decluttering, downsizing, organizing, making transitions, and clearing of estates. Call me at 480-720-8566 to learn about my free 30-minute consultation or to speak to your group or event.
To purchase my books Getting Your Life Together Organizer and Joy of Downsizing, purchase on Amazon or at www.JoyfulDOWNSIZING.com.