Stationery, cards and gift wrap are things that we often need right then and there making it more important that we can put our hands on them when we need them.
So how do we decide what stays and what goes?
One big factor in my decision making is that my extended family (all adults now) have decided not to exchange gifts on birthdays and Christmas and rather just enjoy one another’s company. This has meant that I don’t have much of a need for a stack of birthday cards and wrapping paper on hand any more.
The criteria you created during Week 1 of our challenge will assist you in making decisions about your items. If you are new to the challenge, you can see our Week 1 post here.
What do I do with the keepers?
Keep them where they will be easily found and used but also in a way that minimises any chance of damage.
As for stationery, consider where the items are used and how frequently. That will give you valuable clues for which zone in your home to store them in and how accessible they need to be. When it comes to stationery like pens, notepads etc, you may actually need a couple of locations such as where you write your shopping lists, and where you manage your incoming and outgoing paperwork.
You can keep your wrapping paper, gift cards and embellishments in a dedicated box or tub, or you can even purchase storage bags specifically made for storage of these items.
What do I do with the ones that no longer have a purpose for me?
If they are still in good condition but no longer have a purpose for you, or you are simply paring back on the volume, here are some sell/swap, donation and recycling options for your items.
- Sell, Swap or Gift:
o Swap with your friends or family
o Post on your local/regional “Buy Nothing” group on Facebook
o Garage Sale
o Pass on to friends with children for craft activities
- Donate options:
o Donate to a local preschool or childcare centre for craft activities
o Canberra Paper & The Works based out at the Green Shed in Mitchell
o Charity shops such as the Salvos or Vinnies
o Green Shed (Mitchell or Mugga Lane)
o Let’s Recycle Canberra (Hume)
- Recycle options:
o Wrapping paper and tissue paper (excluding foil-style paper and curling ribbon) and cards can be placed in your recycle bin. There is no need to remove sticky tape beforehand. Unfortunately foil-style paper can’t be recycled so needs to go into your normal bin.
o Drop off at one of the local recycling centres.
o Cellophane paper can be placed in the soft plastic recycling bins at most Coles and Woolworths supermarkets. It must not be placed in your recycle bin. If you can’t get to a drop off location, just put it in your normal bin as it can’t be recycled through our normal system.
o Fabric ribbons should either be gifted, reused or donated if they are suitable, otherwise they need to go into the bin.
How did you go? Feel free to share your successes, challenges and tips on our Facebook page.
Happy decluttering!
Melissa x