As the sun starts to show its beautiful face and slowly defrost our bones, we feel more like getting out and about and possibly pursuing more of an exercise routine in advance of the warmer months ahead.
Let’s get a head start by reviewing what we have, what we want/need/use and getting things ready for upping the ante in our exercise and sporting routines.
If you are more of a winter sports person, you will already have a head start on this week’s challenge as you will have a good handle on what you are using and what no longer has a place in your home.
So how do we decide what stays and what goes?
As always, 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.
Here are some questions you can ponder as you plan your attack:
- Do I use it? How frequently?
- How many do I have, need and use?
- Does it fulfil the function it was purchased for?
- Is it past its useful life?
- Do I have something else that can fulfil the same function?
- How many can I fit into the allocated storage space?
Put everything aside that no longer has a useful purpose or home in your kitchen.
What do I do with the keepers?
That’s right, everything must have a home! Whether you live in a 1 bedroom apartment, or a 10 bedroom mansion, you need to live within your capacity. This also helps you to find things when you want them and also to maintain your home.
Things that you use frequently (multiple times) should be placed in easy reach – that is generally between shoulder and knee height in your designated storage area. The items that are used less frequently should be stored up high or low, keeping in mind that it is best not to store really heavy items up high as that can be dangerous trying to access them.
What do I do with the ones that no longer have a purpose for me?
If the items are broken or no longer functional they are just taking up valuable space in your home and need to go in the bin (recycling whatever you can of course!).
Recycle items appropriately wherever possible. Refer to the ACT Government’s Recyclopaedia for a list of items and options for responsible disposal or recycling.
If items are still in good condition or reasonable quantities of contents but no longer have a purpose in your home, here are some sell/swap and donation options.
- Sell or Swap:
- Swap with your friends or family
- Gumtree
- Facebook Marketplace or any of the myriad of Buy/Swap/Sell groups
- Garage Sale
- Donate options:
- GIVIT
- Charity shops such as the Salvos or Vinnies
- The Recyclery for bikes (based at the Green Shed in Mitchell
- Green Shed (Mitchell or Mugga Lane)
- Let’s Recycle Canberra (Hume)
You could also ask at your local childcare centre or community centre if they are in need of any of the items too, or know a member of their community who may benefit.
There are also a few other charities who specialise in passing forward sporting equipment including Fair Game and Boots for All. Unfortunately they don’t have any drop off locations in the ACT at this time, but you may consider posting items to them.
How did you go? Feel free to share your successes, challenges and tips on our Facebook page.
Happy decluttering!
Melissa x