Sustainable Decluttering: 9 Ways to Declutter in an Eco-Friendly Way

Want to declutter your home without contributing to waste and damaging the planet? In this article I’m exploring sustainable decluttering and 9 ways to declutter in an eco-friendly way.

SUSTAINABLE DECLUTTERING TO HELP YOUR HOME AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Decluttering can feel like a fresh start, a way to simplify your life and make space for the things that truly matter. However, it’s easy to overlook the environmental impact of all the stuff we’re getting rid of. Many of us want to live more sustainably, but we also want to get rid of the excess in our homes. How do we strike that balance?

Sustainable decluttering is all about finding mindful, eco-friendly ways to clear out the clutter without contributing to waste. It’s a slower, more thoughtful process than simply chucking things in the bin. Instead, it focuses on reducing waste, reusing items where possible, and recycling responsibly.

MY APPROACH TO SUSTAINABLE DECLUTTERING

In this article I’ve tried to summarise some of the ways that we can declutter in an eco-friendly way but my tips are not exhaustive. With many of us feeling more responsible about our impact on the planet, there are more and more initiatives popping up to help us get rid of our unwanted stuff in eco-conscious ways, and of course, these can differ from country to country. So, please use this article as general inspiration and encouragement to do your own research.

But, I’ve got to say that my approach to decluttering has changed over the years. In the beginning of my own decluttering journey, over a decade ago, I was just desperate to clear my home of stuff as quickly as possible.

I’d take my unwanted stuff down to my local charity shop, recycling centre or rubbish dump and be done with it. I definitely tried to do my bit for the environment but, in all honesty, it was often out of sight and out of mind once it left my home without much further consideration or research.

As I decluttered to the point where I was just tweaking my home and replacing things as they became used up or worn out, I also became more aware of (and had more bandwidth to consider) the impact of my decluttering and relationship with stuff in terms of sustainability, waste and the environment in general.

I hope the tips in this article can be a starting point to help you explore this topic for yourself. And, if decluttering feels tough but wanting to save the planet in the process feels even tougher, I hear you! Just do what you can, when you can, the best you can – and I hope this article helps.

9 WAYS TO DECLUTTER IN AN ECO-FRIENDLY WAY

If you’ve been looking for a way to declutter your home while still doing your bit for the planet I hope this article gives you some ideas. Here are 9 ways to declutter in an eco-friendly and sustainable way.

1. Start with Intention

Before you begin decluttering, take a moment to set your intention. Sustainable decluttering isn’t about getting rid of things as quickly as possible, but rather finding a balance between letting go of what you no longer need and making sure that your unwanted items are disposed of responsibly.

Sustainable decluttering requires more thought and diligence, from the point at which you decide you don’t want something any longer to the moment it leaves your home and your hands to its onward destination.

As with anything that requires a little effort in life (from getting out of debt to losing weight), you need to know why. Why gives motivation, a reason, and that helps you decide the process, even when it gets tough! Decluttering, and particularly, sustainable decluttering, is no different.

Ask yourself what you want to achieve. Do you want to create more space in your home? Reduce the time spent on cleaning and organising? Or perhaps your goal is to live a more minimalist lifestyle, only keeping the things that you truly love, want and need? Whatever your reasons, keeping them in mind will help guide your decisions.

It’s also helpful to consider what you want to avoid – such as contributing to landfill waste, mindlessly purchasing replacement items, or getting overwhelmed by the decluttering process itself. Decluttering can be an ongoing journey, and it’s okay to go at your own pace and really consider what you’re keeping and what you’re not, the why behind it and, as this article explores, how.

Intention sets the goal and helps you get clear on your reason. It won’t make for perfect decluttering or make you perfectly eco-friendly, but it does encourage a purposeful and mindful approach to what you’re doing and how you’re doing it.

2. The “Less is More” Mindset

One of the most important aspects of sustainable decluttering is shifting to a mindset of “less is more”. How much do we really need to be happy? Does more stuff equate to more happiness? In today’s world, so many of us have more than our grandparents, but our happiness levels have gone down. There are lots of factors at play here, not just clutter and stuff, but where does that leave the future (and our planet) for our children and their children and grandchildren?

There are many reasons to own less stuff – your home is easier to clean and tidy for starters. For many, owning less stuff might also mean that you can focus on quality over quantity so what you do buy lasts for longer, especially if you care for your items and appreciate them. We could treat our items with respect instead of being swept along with the throwaway culture that’s prevalent today.

I think the minimalist mindset and less is more approach is key to preventing future clutter from building up in the first place.

When you’re sorting through your belongings, ask yourself whether each item truly adds value to your life. Does it serve a purpose, bring you happiness, or hold sentimental value? If not, it might be time to let it go. Not only does this approach help you understand what you want to keep in your home and life but it will also help you avoid bringing new things that won’t add value, purpose or happiness.

You might ask what if my lifestyle changes, what if I change my mind, what if I can’t afford to declutter, what if I need it someday, what if I regret decluttering, what if I lose that weight and squeeze back into those jeans? Decluttering decisions aren’t clear-cut but re-evaluating just how much we really need vs what our stuff makes us feel and requires of us if we have too much, is a great start – particularly when it comes to the effect of stuff on our planet.

Sustainable decluttering also involves being mindful of the way we consume in the future. Try to adopt the habit of asking yourself whether you really need something before you buy it. If the answer is no, then this can be vital when it comes to stopping clutter coming into your home right from the start – and this is also key when it comes to reducing future clutter and waste.

Stopping clutter in its tracks before it enters your home is perhaps one of the most important ways you can prevent the negative effects of clutter – for your mind, body and the planet. Less clutter coming into your home means less new clutter to deal with and you can focus on sorting through what you have already.

Except for essentials like food, try a no-spend week or month, or more. Reflect on how this benefits your home, your self and your bank balance.

3. Donate Responsibly

One of the best ways to declutter sustainably is by donating your unwanted items to people who can use them. But before you load everything into your car and drop it off at the nearest charity shop, take a moment to consider where your items would be most appreciated.

Charity shops are a great option, but they’re often overwhelmed by donations, especially after big decluttering pushes like spring cleaning or before Christmas time. They may not be able to accept everything, especially if items are damaged, outdated, or simply don’t sell. In fact, a high proportion of clothes that are donated to charity shops, doorstep collection services and clothing banks ends up overseas.

I was surprised to find that less than a third of donations make it on to charity shop shelves after the original donations have been sorted through.

Scarily, our waste can also find its way across the world so the more responsibility we take for disposing of our rubbish safely, the better it is for the environment.

So, to reduce some of these risks try to donate only high-quality items that are in good, usable and resalable condition, and if you’re putting the environment first – try to sell or give to a friend instead.

If you have items that charity shops may not take (like large furniture, specific types of clothing, or electronics), you could donate them to specialised organisations. For example:

• Women’s shelters often need clothing and household items
• Community centres might welcome craft supplies or sports equipment
• Animal shelters often take old blankets and towels
• Food banks can sometimes accept unopened toiletries and household products

Another great option is using online platforms like Freecycle, Facebook Marketplace, or Gumtree, where you can offer items for free and/or at a price you choose to people in your local community. This way, your items can find a second home without having to go through the charity shop system.

Buy Nothing groups are fantastic local spaces where neighbours can share and pass on items they no longer need – all for free. Instead of throwing things away, you simply post what you’re giving away, and others in the group can request it. You’ll find all sorts, from books and clothing to furniture and household bits. It’s a brilliant way to reduce waste, keep items in use, and foster a sense of community. These groups are usually on Facebook and are a wonderful, eco-friendly way to declutter.

4. Recycle with Care

When it comes to items that can’t be donated, recycling is the next best option. But it’s important to recycle responsibly, as not everything is as easily recyclable as we might think.

Start by familiarising yourself with your local council or community’s recycling guidelines. These rules can vary by area, so it’s worth checking to make sure you’re recycling properly. For example, many areas won’t accept certain types of plastic, glass, or paper products if they’re contaminated with food residue. Give items a quick clean before recycling them to ensure they’ll actually be processed and remove any labels.

If you’re not sure what to do with certain items, such as electronics, batteries, or large household goods, look for dedicated recycling centres. Many supermarkets, hardware stores, and even some libraries have collection points for items like old batteries, light bulbs, and small electricals. You can also check out the recycling centre finder on websites like Recycle Now to find a place to drop off more unusual items.

For things that are harder to recycle, such as broken furniture or textiles, consider whether they can be repaired or upcycled instead. Sometimes, a bit of creativity can breathe new life into old items.

Consider what kinds of boxes or bags you’re emptying your decluttered items into. Go for recyclable and environmentally friendly wherever possible.

5. Sell or Swap Items

For things you no longer need but that are still in good condition, why not sell or swap them? It’s a great way to pass along items to someone who’ll appreciate them, and you might even make a little extra money in the process.

There are plenty of online marketplaces where you can sell second-hand items, like eBay or Vinted. These platforms are especially great for clothing, accessories, and small household items.

If selling feels like too much hassle, you could try organising a swap party with friends, family, or neighbours. Swapping items is a fun way to refresh your wardrobe or home without buying anything new. You can also look for local community swap events – many areas have groups dedicated to swapping everything from clothes to books to plants.

6. Upcycle, Repurpose or Repair

If you’re looking to declutter in a way that’s both sustainable and creative, upcycling is the way to go. Upcycling involves taking something that might otherwise be thrown away and transforming it into something new and useful.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to upcycling. Old jars can be turned into storage containers, an old ladder could become a quirky bookshelf, or a piece of worn-out clothing could be repurposed into cleaning rags or a tote bag.

The beauty of upcycling is that it encourages creativity while reducing waste. Plus, it’s a great way to give a second life to items that might otherwise end up in the bin. If you’re feeling crafty, there are plenty of tutorials online to help get you started.

You may want to try repairing some items yourself. This depends on your confidence, experience and ability so keep in mind safety at all times. You can find YouTube tutorials on most things and online websites such as www.ifixit.com can provide some excellent step-by-step guides to fixing household appliances, gadgets and electronic goods.

These days we’re so encouraged to buy more and buy new that the “make do and mend” ethos gets forgotten about. Whilst life may feel too short to be darning socks over and over, I often wonder whether a little time spent caring and repairing our stuff would prevent unnecessary shopping and clutter.

7. Mindful Disposal of Textiles

Textiles are one of the biggest contributors to landfill waste, with millions of tonnes of clothes and fabrics discarded each year. If you’re decluttering your wardrobe, it’s important to be mindful of how you dispose of your unwanted clothes.

Donating or selling clothing is always a great option, but if your clothes are too worn or damaged, consider textile recycling. Many councils have textile recycling points, and some clothing stores (like H&M or M&S) offer schemes where you can drop off old clothes for recycling or repurposing.

For items that are beyond saving, try using them for cleaning rags or DIY projects. You could also check if any local animal shelters need old towels or blankets.

8. Go Digital

Decluttering doesn’t just have to apply to physical items – your digital space can benefit from a tidy-up too! Digital clutter, such as old emails, documents, and photos, can take up mental space and make it harder to stay organised.

Consider decluttering your computer, phone, and other devices by deleting files and apps you no longer need. You could also back up important documents and photos to cloud storage, freeing up space on your devices.

Going digital where possible (such as opting for digital subscriptions instead of physical magazines and online bills and statements instead of paper copies posted out to you) can also help reduce paper waste in the long run.

9. Adopt Sustainable Habits Moving Forward

Once you’ve decluttered your home, the key to maintaining a clutter-free space is to adopt sustainable habits moving forward. This means being mindful of the things you bring into your home and finding ways to live with less. None of these need to be done overnight as it takes time to settle into any new changes but they’re something to aim for if you’re feeling mindful of how your clutter affects the environment as well as your home and mind.

Start by choosing quality over quantity when buying new things. Where possible and your budget allows, opt for eco-friendly, durable products that are made to last, rather than cheaper, disposable items.

It’s also helpful to implement a “one in, one out” rule – for every new item you bring into your home, try to let go of something else.

Another tip is to plan your shopping and do a regular check around the home before you shop. This stops you buying extras of things that you’ve already got lurking at the back of your cupboards! Use up what you have instead of throwing away products such as beauty or cleaning products wherever possible.

And, speaking of checking around your home, before you buy something new always take a moment to ‘shop your home’. Do you have something similar already? Could you use what you have already? Could you repurpose something? This circles back to the idea I mentioned at the start of this article and re-evaluating and becoming more mindful in our shopping habits.

CONCLUSION

Sustainable decluttering is all about making mindful choices that help reduce waste and support a more eco-friendly lifestyle. By donating, recycling, selling, or upcycling your unwanted items, you can declutter your home while still doing your part for the planet.

Remember, it’s a process – you don’t have to declutter everything at once, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time. With a little thoughtfulness and creativity, you can create a clutter-free, sustainable space that’s kind to both you and the environment.

If you have any experience of sustainable decluttering or tips to share that would help others declutter in a more eco-friendly way, please leave a comment below as I’d love to hear from you.

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

• How Minimalism Benefits the Environment
• How to Stop Buying Clothes You Don’t Need
• How To Declutter Without Feeling Wasteful
• The Benefits of a Capsule Wardrobe for Reducing Waste

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