We started with luggage and backpacks last week and honestly, I have been dreading this week. I don’t think I am a shoe addict, but some (aka my husband) may disagree and also suggest that I have a handbag problem. I don’t necessarily agree with him, but with our big goal of downsizing and making our move as simple as possible I need to revisit my collection, set some limits and be honest about which ones I do and don’t use.
My hubby doesn’t get away scot-free this week though as he has a number of wallets. We also have a stash of shopping bags that always seem to breed, like at the homes of many Allsorts clients.
So how do we decide what stays and what goes?
Revisit the criteria you created during Week 1 of our challenge to assist you in making decisions about your handbags, wallets and shopping bags and set a limit for each.
If they are damaged beyond repair, unloved (or too loved) or just haven’t been used in years they should go. If they are collecting dust on a shelf or the top/bottom of the wardrobe, dust them off and pass them forward so you can reclaim some space. Don’t forget to check all pockets before you let them go to make sure they are empty!
What do I do with the keepers?
First and foremost, make sure that everything has a home. Everything must have a defined space to support order. It also means that you know exactly where to find them when you need them and they are easy to return to their home.
Store handbags and wallets that aren’t in immediate use high or low in your wardrobes as they aren’t items you necessarily need to access every day.
What do I do with the ones that no longer have a purpose for me?
If your handbags or wallets are in good condition, you could sell, swap or donate them.
- Sell or Swap:
o Swap with your friends or family
o Gumtree
o Facebook Marketplace
o Garage Sale
o Second hand/consignment stores such as the Designer Op Shop or Material Pleasures in Canberra. It is worth noting that many of these stores want current styles.
o There are also a number of online options for selling second hand designer handbags such as Modsie or LuxeItFwd. Some of these services have limited labels that they will accept.
- Donate options:
o Handbags and wallets in good condition can be donated for the Comms@Work Clothing Program which provides clothes and accessories for people to attend job interviews or start a new job. Drop off locations are listed on their website here.
o Charity shops such as the Salvos or Vinnies
o Green Shed (Mitchell or Mugga Lane)
o Let’s Recycle Canberra (Hume)
o Drop “green” shopping bags off at Lifeline – volunteers use them to carry books in more manageable loads and they also leave some in their after hours drop off spot for people to pack their books into.
o Ask your local charity shop if they can use reusable shopping bags, many do. Some also like the plastic bags as they can offer them to their customers for their purchases.
o Plastic shopping bags can be dropped off into the recycling bins at most major supermarkets.
Share the Dignity’s #ItsInTheBag initiative collects handbags around November each year which are filled with personal hygiene products and everyday luxuries to homeless women, woman at risk and those experiencing domestic violence. If you have somewhere to store one (or more) of the handbags you would like to pass forward until their next collection, you could use this time to slowly fill them with items such as tampons, shampoo/conditioner, soap, toothpaste and deodorant across the course of the year. You can subscribe for updates through their website or follow them on Facebook to hear when they open their donations and where you can deliver them.
How did you go?
Feel free to share your successes, challenges and tips on our Facebook page.
Happy decluttering!
Melissa x