What to Do With Old Stuff When Decluttering — 5 Simple Ways to Cull Clutter

Sometimes, the thought of getting rid of stuff stops us from decluttering our homes. Separating our belongings into different categories and thinking of what we can and can’t part with can take a lot of brain power. This is why it's important to know how to get rid of old stuff — in the correct way.

The items in your home shouldn't always be considered clutter. Many hold significant emotional value. However, things that aren’t used or serve no purpose should make their way out of the door. What should be done with them? Well, it's time to learn how to declutter your home the right way and get rid of what no longer serves you or your space.

We spoke to the experts, who outlined their decluttering tips and the best ways to get rid of old stuff. Keep reading to find out.

1. Donate To Charity

When decluttering clothes, one of the easiest ways to deal with old stuff is to donate it. Many items that no longer serve you can bring happiness and fulfillment to somebody else. Donating items like clothing, furniture, and household goods not only helps others but also reduces waste.

Muffetta Krueger from Muffetta’s Housekeeping explains why donating is a fantastic option. "Items in good condition can directly benefit those in need such as local charities and community programs. Make sure to research organizations that are relevant or local to you. Before donating, ensure items are clean and in usable condition."

If you want to donate your clothing in bulk, you can place them in these 90 L Large Storage Bags from Amazon for easy access and storage.

2. Sell Your Items

If you have an item that has significant value, then you may want to consider selling it. Ensure your items are in good condition before selling them. You can separate the items you want to sell and place them in Clear Weathertight Totes — which can be purchased at The Container Store.

"The categories that can be sold are exactly what you think they are. Gold, silver, high-end fashion and tech are good examples. Think about how much you paid for it, how much wear it has and how much it would cost you to buy new," explains Ben Soreff from H2H Organizing.

3. Recycle Responsibly

When items can’t be sold, donated, or reused, recycling them is the next best option. Proper recycling keeps harmful materials out of landfills and supports sustainable decluttering practices.

"Recycling your old items protects the environment by reducing waste and helps repurpose materials into new products. Check with your local recycling center for accepted items and look for retailers that have recycling initiatives," says Muffetta.

4. Upcycle or Repurpose

"Upcycling is a creative way to breathe new life into old stuff. By turning items into something functional or decorative, you can add personality to your home while reducing waste," explains Muffetta.

She suggests turning old Mason jars into planters or storage containers. A genius hidden storage idea if you ask me. "Use worn-out t-shirts as cleaning rags and sand/repaint old furniture for a fresh look," says Mufetta. "One of my favorites is transforming a wooden ladder into a stylish bookshelf or towel rack."

5. Put It in the Trash

If you're looking to declutter without making a mess in the long run, you can throw what is broken and damaged into the trash. But throwing your stuff away should be a final option that’s well thought through beforehand.

"The last category of unwanted items is trash. Unless you have a truck, friends, time and access to your local transfer station then your best bet is to hire a hauling service," explains Ben.

He continues: "In some cases, it may make sense to go cheap but if they are coming inside your home and you don't want damage done to walls etc, you get what you pay for."