10 Things to Remember to Declutter After Shopping
“One in, one out” is a useful concept when it comes to maintaining a (relatively) clutter-free space. For every item you bring into your home, you let go of one other item. But while there’s no doubt it’s a helpful practice, the trouble comes in remembering to actually do it. The 10 categories on this list are good starting points.
1. Decor
When you purchase a new vase, candle, throw blanket or other accent piece, it’s tempting to simply pile on the new without letting go of the old. But accumulating new decor without assessing what you already own is a recipe for clutter. If you’re buying a new throw, for instance, consider whether you have a worn-out one you could donate.
What to do with it: Donate gently used decor to a charity or sell your items through a local consignment shop.
2. Exercise Gear and Equipment
If the new year has you embarking on a new workout program, take a look at the gear you’ve already acquired and see if there’s something you can let go of to make room for the new. Have you used that treadmill or rowing machine in the past year? If not, make room for a rewarding new practice by getting rid of it.
What to do with it: Exercise gear is expensive! If you’ve been using the cost as a justification for keeping bulky equipment, consider listing it for sale on Craigslist or with a local neighborhood group. You can recoup some of the cost and feel good knowing someone in your community is making use of it.
3. Bedding and Towels
If you’ve recently scooped up some fresh bedding or fluffy new towels, peek in your linen closet to see if there’s an old set you can get rid of. Having a spare set of bedding for each bed is a good idea, and you might want different weights for winter and summer, depending on your region. But it’s unlikely you really need more than three sets per bed.
What to do with it: Homeless shelters and churches may accept bedding and towels in good condition, while worn-out linens can be donated to an animal shelter. Wherever you are considering taking your donation, be sure to call first to make sure the place is currently accepting bedding and towel donations.
4. Shoes
Gone shoe shopping? Scan your shelves for a pair or two that have seen better days. If you have kids, don’t forget to check their shoes too. With fast-growing feet, it can be hard to keep up with which shoes still fit!
What to do with them: Shoes in good condition can be donated to a local charity shop or sold on consignment. Very worn-out shoes may be able to be recycled: Nike’s Reuse-a-Shoe program takes old sneakers of any brand and recycles them into sports surfaces.
5. Clothes
It’s easy to let clothing build up, but if you don’t get rid of anything, it’s just a matter of time before your closet will be bursting at the seams. When you purchase new clothes, hunt through your closet and drawers for something you’re ready to let go of.
What to do with them: Gently worn clothes can be donated to a local shelter, domestic violence support network or charity shop. If you’d like to recoup some of the cost of pricey items, bring them to a local consignment shop.
6. Cleaning Supplies
The area under the kitchen sink is a notoriously mess-prone zone. Keep yours from getting overstuffed by taking a moment to remove one item each time you pick up a new cleaning tool or product.
What to do with them: Empty containers can be recycled. But what about unused cleaning products that you simply don’t like? Instead of letting them languish in your cupboard, see if a local charity, church or homeless shelter could use them.
7. Toys
Do you feel as though your home has been overtaken by a toy avalanche? This feeling can be especially strong after the holidays, when little ones have received gifts from friends and family. If your children are old enough to participate, it’s best to involve them in the clutter-clearing process. It can help to talk with kids about the benefits — providing for kids who otherwise wouldn’t have toys (if donating), earning money to spend on something new (if selling) and (either way) making more room for playing.
What to do with them: Donate to women’s and family shelters, or offer them for sale or free in a local parent swap group. If your community has a used-toy store, you may also be able to consign toys for cash or store credit — this option may especially appeal to older kids, who can enjoy saving up for bigger purchases.
8. Tech Devices
When you spring for a new phone, laptop or tablet, it can be easy to procrastinate getting rid of the old one, simply because you’re not sure what to do with it. But those old devices — and the cords and accessories associated with them — take up precious space in your home. As soon as you set up a new device, take a moment to wipe the data from your old device (if you’re not sure how, check the manufacturer’s website) and put it in a bin in your home dedicated to this purpose.
What to do with them: If the device is a relatively recent model, you may be able to participate in a buyback program for cash or store credit. To recycle it, try Goodwill — most locations accept e-waste — or check with your city to find out if your community participates in a free collection day for electronics.
9. Pens and Markers
Pens are a small thing, but they have a way of multiplying when you’re not looking. Prevent your drawers from becoming junked up with dried-up pens and markers by testing — and, if necessary, tossing — them every time you bring home a new pack.
What to do with them: Unfortunately, as of this writing, most curbside recycling programs are not able to accept pens and markers. If you have extra pens and office supplies that are in working order, you may be able to donate these to a local church, charity, homeless shelter or school.
10. Books
From one reader to another, I would never presume to tell you to get rid of your books. That said, if you’re a book lover, you know how easy it is to let your stacks get out of control. When you bring home a new book to add to your collection, make a point of scanning your shelves to see if there is a title you didn’t enjoy that you could let go of.
What to do with them: Donate books to your local library, place them in a Little Free Library in your neighborhood, sell them to a local used-book shop for store credit or give them to a local nursing home or homeless shelter.