Are you feeling overwhelmed by clutter? You’re not alone. Many of us, surrounded by our possessions, are realizing we own more than we need. This realization, amplified by spending more time at home, has sparked a desire to declutter and simplify our lives. If you’re wondering what to do with your surplus of belongings, this guide is for you. From selling and donating to recycling and even giving things away for free, we’ll explore various methods to help you get rid of almost everything, creating a more streamlined and manageable living space.
Many people find themselves in this situation. Randy Sabin, an estate and internet sales expert, notes that people confined to their homes are “sick of their stuff” and are now confronting the sheer volume of their possessions. A survey by Neighbor, a storage marketplace, revealed that 78% of respondents felt they owned more items than necessary due to increased time spent at home. The question then becomes: what do we do with all this excess? Often, our families don’t want it. The anecdote of a grandfather’s estate where a grandson chose a toilet plunger over antiques and an Emmy highlights this changing perception of value. The feeling of being overwhelmed by possessions is relatable, even to the point of humorously considering leaving a note for a burglar to help themselves to the clutter.
Embarking on a decluttering journey involves more than just deciding what to discard; it’s about finding new homes for your unwanted items. One individual’s attempt to give away clothes online demonstrates that even free items can be hard to rehome if they don’t appeal to current tastes or perceived value. While high-profile figures like Melania Trump can auction off accessories for significant sums, the average person needs practical strategies to effectively declutter.
Tip No. 1: Reality Check – It’s Not All Treasure
It’s crucial to adjust expectations. Those items discovered in an attic are more likely to be everyday objects than hidden treasures. A realistic perspective is the first step in effectively getting rid of things.
The initial attempt to sell a collection of vintage folk-art handbags made from cigarette pack wrappers illustrates the complexities of selling unwanted items. Guidance from eBay expert Stan Jennings reveals key selling strategies. Deciding whether to sell items individually or in lots, choosing between auction and fixed prices, and crafting compelling descriptions are all important considerations. For unique or rare items, auctions can generate bidding wars, while fixed prices suit readily available goods, often appealing to impulse buyers. Using descriptive keywords like “unique” and “conversation piece” and highlighting a “smoke-free home” can enhance listings.
Tip No. 2: The Power of Storytelling in Sales
Adding a narrative or provenance to an item significantly increases its appeal and potential sale price. A compelling story transforms an ordinary object into something desirable. Explaining why you’re parting with an item can also resonate with potential buyers, whether it’s downsizing or simply having too many similar items.
Despite attempts to sell a “Vintage Tramp Art Cigarette Pack Wrapper purse prison inmates 1960’s” on eBay and Etsy, no offers were received, even after price reductions and strategic descriptions. This highlights the challenge of finding the right platform and audience for niche items.
Shifting focus to clothing, various online platforms cater specifically to reselling garments. Depop, popular among younger demographics, features trendy and often styled items. Poshmark, appealing to a slightly older audience, emphasizes social interaction through virtual shopping events and themed parties. However, the commission fees and social engagement aspects may not suit everyone.
For those preferring in-person transactions, consignment shops offer a physical space to sell items. A visit to La Boutique Resale demonstrates the rigorous evaluation process, where items are assessed for condition, style, and desirability. Only select items are accepted, and sellers receive a percentage of the sale price, highlighting the selective nature of consignment.
For local sales, online garage sale platforms like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace provide direct connections with nearby buyers. Jessa Lingel’s perspective on these platforms contrasts Craigslist’s community-focused, non-profit model with Facebook’s data-driven, profit-oriented approach. While Craigslist offers a straightforward selling experience, Facebook Marketplace integrates sales with data collection. Selling items like cozy bed linens on these platforms can be surprisingly successful, especially during colder months, with quick transactions, no fees, and local pickup, fostering a sense of community exchange.
However, the effort involved in selling lower-value items can sometimes outweigh the financial return. The experience of a niece trying to sell wedding items on Facebook Marketplace, facing haggling and no-shows, illustrates the potential hassle for minimal profit. This can lead to the decision to simply give items away instead.
The gift economy, a system based on giving rather than selling, offers an alternative approach. Donating items is a long-standing practice, with motivations ranging from altruism to tax benefits. Organizations like Freecycle and the Buy Nothing Project facilitate local gift economies through online networks, where members offer and request items for free. The brief, often poignant posts on these platforms showcase the diverse needs and generosity within communities.
Tip No. 3: Giving it All Away – Streamlining Free Offers
When giving away multiple items online, specifying “winner takes all” prevents cherry-picking and simplifies the process of decluttering.
Even seemingly undesirable items like Trump toilet paper can find takers through free-giving platforms. The Buy Nothing Project also highlights the etiquette of selecting recipients when multiple people express interest, ranging from random selection to choosing based on the most compelling need or story. This reflects a community-oriented approach to decluttering.
For anonymous and less interactive donation, numerous charities offer diverse options. Goodwill, with its long history, accepts a wide range of donations. The Free Store Project in New York City operates on a “take what you need, give when you can” basis, fostering a continuous cycle of giving and receiving. Specialized organizations cater to niche donations, such as Wands for Wildlife, which repurposes old mascara wands for animal care, and organizations that accept fur coats for animal rehabilitation or homeless shelters. Even greeting cards, bras, and wedding dresses can be donated to specific charities like St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, Bra Recyclers, and Stillwhite.com, respectively. Unusual items like resin giraffes and broken stove grates can find new purpose through creative reuse centers like Materials for the Arts, which supplies art materials to underserved communities.
Curbside giving, simply placing items on the sidewalk, is another effective method, particularly in urban areas. The StoopingNYC Instagram account documents the treasures found on New York City streets. However, certain items like mattresses may be less desirable due to concerns about pests. Mattress recycling services like Renewable Recycling and ByeByeMattress.com offer responsible disposal options. Even wine corks can be recycled through companies like ReCORK and the Cork Forest Conservation Alliance, finding new life in various products.
Ultimately, getting rid of almost everything is a multifaceted process with numerous avenues to explore. Whether you choose to sell, consign, donate, or give away your unwanted items, understanding the options and strategies available can make the decluttering journey more effective and rewarding.
Alt Text: Cartoon depicting a humorous interaction on Buy Nothing groups, highlighting community sharing and quirky requests.
