To wonder how you get rid of your clutter?

[PastelPompoms]

We are in the process of decluttering the house. There is lots I want to go from clothes to toys, towels etc.

I am finding it hard to let go of some things that are new e.g. clothes with labels still in etc. I have tried selling but not much had much luck and I’d rather the things just went than hung around waiting for someone to collect who never shows. I am planning to donate to charity and then take the rest to the tip that’s not worth the charity shop.

How do you get over the thought of losing money by giving so much away? My DP wouldn’t be pleased to know I was giving it away rather than selling due to the money that was originally spent and I think that’s making me hang onto more than I want to.

I can’t think of a better way to try and sell it than eBay or Facebook though.

iSecondThat, great as your new business may be, I'm finding it frustrating that you are filling the discussion with all your messages of thanks.

Meanwhile, there has been plenty of useful advice and I have been inspired to clear a few drawers today. Thanks to all for the wise words.

Remember I said that charities (if you gift aid donations) had to offer you the money less a fee? Here's proof - I received a letter from BHF today. Relevant paragraph is the last one in image 2 (if I manage to upload in the right order!)

I have taken two big bags to the charity Shop today and have my bag from I second that heading my way later this week!

Well done

I found the Marie Kondo method quite helpful - I’m also a one for buying stuff I then never use. It’s embarrassing tbh.

I do find that consciously giving myself permission to accept the item has done its part simply by being bought and owned, and now I can ‘set it free’ really helps. Especially when I know there is no point putting on eBay or whatever!

Omg that’s really interesting scream. There have been a few times charity shops have kept items accidentally donated and so this seems a good way to balance things.

Our local charity shop is very grabby with extremely over priced items. You’d assume charity shops are there to support a cause (cancer or whatever) and the needy of the local community by selling items at a reasonable price. But no, no community service involved. All take take take.

There thing is @Porridgeoat if you do this it looks like you cancel out ever being able to gift aid donations.

Which IMHO is worse than accidentally donating something of value.

With so many areas of fundraising income affected this year - charity shops will be so important for those charities that have them.

Almost every single area of fundraising income has been negatively affected.

Be ruthless. You have already spent the money.
I know people who have put free stuff outside their house. And people who have been so pleased to take donations like this.

Local Children’s charity for clothes and toys.
Do you have a HomeStart or children’s centre?
Ok ow it means lugging it around but it’s not wasted.

Just ordered a bag from
I second that!

Inspired by this thread I've just been to the charity shop and the Rio, and ordered a bag from thrift +

I was inspired to declutter the boat and took two bags to the charity shop yesterday. Good job I did it yesterday as they've closed the borders from today

Decluttered the boat??? ⛵

For those asking which charities do or don’t take clothes/fabric for rags, Primark currently has big donation bins stating ‘any brand, any condition’. (At least my local one does.) What they can’t donate, they recycle.

On the ‘But I can’t waste the money!’ point, I’m afraid you’ve already done it. Let me share an example. My parents have had their old dining table and chairs in storage for seven years - SEVEN - because it’s too big for their new house. They will never own a house big enough for it again. It costs them money every month. I ask why they don’t sell it and it’s ‘No one wants big furniture like that anymore’. If I suggest giving it away, it’s ‘But it cost so much money! We’re supposed to just give it away, just like that?!’

They’re trapped in a cycle of not wanting to ‘lose’ the money, yet must have paid out more than the original cost in storage by now. The only person getting anything out of it is the owner of the storage unit.

Depop is a good way to sell off unwanted things , I have gotten rid of a lot of things on there.

Reading the comments on here has helped me to let go of loads. 6 more bags to charity now and 2 for rags that I haven’t worked out where to deposit yet.

Wow, you're doing so well OP!

OP that is brilliant. How do you feel about it? Getting rid of a lot of stuff can be quite liberating

It feels good. I’m trying to sell some bits on FB too!

My new motto is “less is more!”

@BefuddledPerson

Decluttered the boat??? ⛵

Yep, I live on my boat 6 months of the year in warmer climes and stuff accumulates just as in a house, but there's less storage! I really don't need 5 duvet cover sets, 19 dresses, 17 t shirts with short sleeves and 14 vests. I can only wear one at a time! 🤔

@Lineofconcepcion I would love to live on a boat

Happy decluttering!