In our fast-paced, constantly-connected world, it’s easy to accumulate stuff. And not just the valuable or sentimental kind—we’re talking about the junk that fills up our homes and offices, taking up space and gathering dust. When we finally decide that enough is enough and it’s time for a change, we often don’t know where to start. Do we throw everything out? Donate it? Recycle it? The task of decluttering and recycling can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little bit of organisation and effort, you can clear out the clutter and make a positive impact on the environment at the same time. This guide will show you how.

What is Decluttering?

When you declutter, you get rid of items you no longer need or use. This can be done by donating them, recycling them, or throwing them away.

The benefits of decluttering are twofold: first, it frees up space in your home; second, it can help reduce the amount of clutter in your life. Clutter can be a source of stress, so getting rid of it can help to improve your overall well-being. And sometimes decluttering can be a really cathartic process.

When decluttering, it is essential to be thoughtful about what you are getting rid of to ensure you don’t declutter without regrets. If an item has sentimental value, but you no longer have a use for it, consider giving it to someone who will appreciate it. If an item is in good condition, but you no longer need it, consider donating it to a charity or thrift store. And if an item is worn out or broken, recycle or dispose of it responsibly.

You can also use the 90/90 rule; The 90/90 rule is an easy-to-follow process that requires you to ask yourself two questions about objects you’re unsure about keeping: First, have you used this thing in the past 90 days? And if not, will you use it in the 90 days ahead?

Decluttering can be daunting, but taking small steps is the key to success. Set aside time each day or week to declutter one area of your home. Start with the easiest room or the area that bothers you the most. Be ruthless as you go through your belongings. Once you have Decluttered an area, keep up with the maintenance by regularly putting things back in their place.

What is the best Decluttering Method?

If your home is cluttered, feels cramped, or you’re starting to feel overwhelmed, it might be time to declutter. Decluttering can be daunting, but we’ve got some tips to help make it easier.

Start with a plan: Before decluttering, it’s crucial to have a plan. Decide which areas of your home you want to focus on first, and set aside some time each day or week to work on decluttering. This will help you stay focused and avoid getting overwhelmed.

Set aside some time: Once you have a plan, set aside some time each day or week to declutter. Dedicate at least 30 minutes to an hour each day or a couple of hours each week to decluttering. This will help you make progress without feeling overwhelmed.

Start small: When you’re ready to start decluttering, start small. Choose one area or one type of item to focus on first. This could be a drawer, closet, or countertop. Or you could focus on clothes, books, or kitchen gadgets. Once you’ve tackled the small stuff, you can move on to more significant projects like decluttering your entire house or storage area.

Purge as you go: As you’re decluttering, take the opportunity to purge items that you no longer need or use. This will help keep your home from becoming cluttered again in the future. Recycle or donate items that are in good condition, and throw away the ones that are beyond recycling.

What to do after decluttering: Recycle, Give it Away or Sell

After decluttering your home, you must decide what to do with the items you no longer want. You can either recycle them, donate them, or sell them.

1. If you choose to recycle your items, you will need to find organizations or companies like Scrapays to help you safely dispose of the materials. 
2. If you choose to donate your items, you will need to find a local charity that accepts the items you have, and you can search for charities online or ask some of your contacts.
3. If you choose to sell your items, you must find an excellent way to market them. You sell them online to friends or people in your neighbourhood.

So there you have it, the foolproof plan for decluttering & recycling. All you have to do is stick to the steps and adapt it to fit your situation.

Read more: Classification of recyclable materials.