4 Decluttering Tips For Items You Don’t Know What To Do With
When you start decluttering, you quickly realize that even though you’re able to make some progress, you find that certain items are too valuable to trash, not quite worth selling, and simply something you don’t want or need…
When you come across these items, it can cause some serious decision fatigue due to the fact that they don’t seem to fit into the main categories:
- Sell
- Donate
- Trash
- Keep
Donating seems like the answer at first, but what about those items that belong specifically to you, like an old graduation gown or a gift you received when you were younger…
In these cases the main question arises, “what do I even do with this?”…
In this post, we’ll cover 4 Tips you can use to declutter items you have no idea what to do with!
4 Decluttering Tips For Items You Don’t Know What To Do With
1. Use The 90/90 Rule
Using the 90/90 Rule is one of the best ways to get rid of those items you may be on the fence about.
This is because you’re forced to ask yourself if this particular item has been used in the last 90 days and if it will be used in the next 90 days…
If the answer is no to both, then you should probably get rid of it.
But hold on, what about seasonal items and other things you haven’t used but will for emergencies and other rare situations?
This is completely true that not all items will fit into this framework, but it’s best to use your judgement as to the need for your stuff. Just because you haven’t used something in a while, it doesn’t mean it isn’t something that’s still practical for your life or home.
2. Â Practice Acceptance
This is definitely the hardest pill to swallow when it comes to decluttering…
Accepting that you may just have to trash something of value that’s in good condition, or simply keep something you may not want but can still be used.
When you declutter clothes and are able to donate them and know others are getting use from them, it can be an enjoyable process.
However, when you come across items that seem to have no category, it can be a painful process to find the right way to go about decluttering.
Here are two of the hardest paths/choices to make with the items you’re not quite sure of:
- Reluctantly Keeping: Ultimately, with items that “can’t” be donated, the best solution may be to keep them. They may not have resale value or be in good enough shape/ fit the needs of family members or friends. In this case, keeping the item may be best since it may be something that is in good condition and can be used or repurposed after all. The good news is that these types of items are rare, and more often than not, you should be able to donate to family or places like Goodwill.
- Painfully Trashing: If you have somewhat sentimental items that really can’t be donated, practicing acceptance to trash an item may be the best option if it’s something that you just need to move on from and let go of. One way to get over this is to take pictures of these items so that the memory never goes away.
Furthermore, sentimental items don’t always need to be the target of decluttering…
Keeping a special area in your home for those older “passed down” items and pictures can be a positive experience that gives those items a “home” instead of them being randomly scattered stuff that’s also really important to your family.
Think of a special bureau, or even a room, that holds all your old family pictures, jewelry, and other sentimental items worth keeping.
3. Ask For Help
This seems pretty obvious, but sometimes decluttering can feel lonely especially if you’re the only one in your household trying…
The best part about asking for help is that you may find that your junk is something your family can you or even wanted.
Before making a final decision, check if your spouse, kids, grandkids, or even pet can make use of it. You may actually find that the items you have no use for anymore may be perfect for someone younger or even under the same roof.
Instead of donating to friends or people outside of your home, maybe the easiest answer was there the whole time.
4. Repurpose
Finally, repurposing your difficult to get rid of items may be best depending on the situation.
Old, worn house clothes became dust rags growing up for me…Maybe an old beauty product that isn’t hazardous can be a toy for your pet.
Repurposing can help make use of something you had no clue what to do with and can transform your idea of what decluttering looks like.
Be creative and find ways to repurpose items you’re ready to give up on!
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