Creative ways to declutter your space

If you are thinking about downsizing, you might be worried about what to do with items you can’t take. From bulging wardrobes filled with clothes you no longer wear, to furniture that won’t fit in your new place, it can be daunting to decide what to do with your clutter.

While the usual options are to keep, toss or donate, here are some other ways you can get rid of unwanted clutter.

Get crafty

If you have a pile of unwanted things, whether it’s clothes, accessories, shoes or household goods, but you can’t face throwing them in the bin, why not get crafty and give them a new lease of life.

That old dress you can no longer squeeze into could be repurposed to make cushion covers, cleaning rags and even peg-bags for the washing line. Or that old vase could find a new home in your garden as a plant pot, perhaps? While knitted hats make great teapot cosies and old beaded necklaces could make a pretty unique set of curtain tie-backs.

There’s no shortage of home projects you can do to turn your unwanted clutter into useful items – all you need is some preloved belongings, time and a sprinkling of creativity!

Host a swap event

Swap-shops have enjoyed a resurgence in recent years as Millennials wake up to the value of cool items from years gone by, from original Doc Marten boots, 1960s fashion, vintage movie posters or mid-century furniture. So if you have some quality items you’d like to part with, that may be too special or sentimental for the bin or local op shop, this could be the option for you.

Unlike garage sales, the best thing about swap events is that you don’t have to spend any money and you can trade your unwanted items for something that may hold more appeal for you. The premise is simple, all participants take along belongings they’re happy to part with and then simply barter with each other to find suitably good swaps for their items.

You could turn up with a lamp and several pairs of vintage shoes and leave with a new handbag, dress or something else entirely!

Gift them

As the saying goes, ‘One man’s trash is another man’s treasure’, and you could be holding onto something that you no longer want, that a friend or family member has been lusting after for years. Maybe your granddaughter has a penchant for fashion and would love some of your vintage clothes, or your son might like the framed artwork you no longer have space for.

Gifting your unwanted things to a loved one is a win-win as you get to free up some space for new items, or ahead of a downsizing move, whilst potentially making someone else’s day – just make sure you’re giving them something they actually want or will value, as you could simply be contributing to their pile of clutter.

Hold a garage sale

It’s a long-held Aussie tradition and if you haven’t held a garage sale before, we bet you’ve attended plenty over the years, maybe even snapping up some bargains! Holding a garage sale is a quick and easy way to get rid of unwanted items in bulk – not to mention you could stand to make some good cash from the sale too.

Once you’ve gone through the whole house and decided what you no longer need, simply fill your garden, garage or outdoor space with the items you’re prepared to part with, price them up and let your neighbours take what they want. All you need to is relax and collect payment.

Give them to a good cause

While it might not be a very ‘unusual’ method for getting rid of clutter, it remains one of the most worthy. Donating your unwanted items to the local op shop can go a long way, with the proceeds from the potential future sale of your goods going to good causes.

Depending which charity shop you choose to donate to may affect what you can drop off, however most shops accept good quality clothing, shoes, accessories, homewares, books, toys, DVDs and more. Many op shops also accept used furniture, with some stores even offering a collection service for larger items.