7 easy ways to declutter your home
This spring, Global Action Plan launched our Simplify Life campaign — a tool and guide to inspire people to declutter their homes, recharge their minds, unplug from technology and have a fresh start. Here are 7 easy ways you can declutter your home.
1. SORT THROUGH YOUR WARDROBE
Most of us have an item of clothing (or 2 or 3) that we don’t wear anymore. Maybe it doesn’t fit, doesn’t suit you, or you just don’t like it. Have a rummage through your wardrobe and find something to take to your local charity shop, put in a clothes collection bin, or recycle it. Visit the Love Your Clothes website for ideas on what to do with your unwanted clothes.
2. TACKLE YOUR SHOE COLLECTION
Those trainers you never wear, those sandals you wore once and never again — clear some space in your cupboard and take a pair of shoes to a charity shop or recycle them. Most shoes will be accepted at recycling centres, or charity shops.
3. LOOK THROUGH YOUR SPORTS AND GYM EQUIPMENT
Got some gym-wear, a yoga mat, tennis racket or set of dumbbells you don’t use? Get them out! Take them to your local charity shop, donate the equipment to a local school or community group who may need it. You could also donate them to an organisation like A Mile In Her Shoes who encourage women who are at risk of homelessness or affected by related issues to try running as a way of exercising, socialising, lifting confidence and boosting self-esteem.
4. PASS ON YOUR BOOKS TO A FRIEND
‘My best friend is a person who will give me a book I have not read’ — Abraham Lincoln. Look through your bookshelves and pass on a great read to a friend or loved one. Alternatively, you can pass books on to your local charity shop, or to charities who send books abroad such as Books2Africa.
5. SORT THROUGH YOUR CD AND DVD COLLECTION
In the age of streaming, how many of us still watch DVDs or listen to CDs? Have a look through your collection — are there any you can pass on to a friend or charity shop or sell? Imagine all the shelf space you could clear.
6. TAKE A LOOK AT TOILETRIES AND MAKEUP — HAS ANY OF IT EXPIRED?
Perfume, aftershave, lipstick, shampoo — it all has an expiry date. Look through your toiletries and throw away the stuff that is past it. Many of the bottles can be recycled — visit the Recycle Now website for guidance.
7. SCAN YOUR SHELVES FOR ONE FINAL ITEM YOU COULD LIVE WITHOUT
Clothes, shoes, DVDs, books — there’s got to be one more thing you can live without? You know the drill — charity shop it, recycle it or give it to a friend!
If you don’t know where your nearest charity shop is, you can use this handy charity shop finder tool.
LOOKING FOR MORE INSPIRATION?
- Check out our Simplify Life 28-day calendar for more ideas on decluttering and simplifying your life.
