Throw cushions are often something that people love or hate. The same can’t be said for our sleeping pillows, unless of course they are at either end of their life cycle!
Pillows and throw cushions are items which can hang around in your house and fill up your cupboards so it is time to stop fluffing about and cull!
So how do we decide what stays and what goes?
When was the last time you replaced your pillow? Some sleep experts suggest replacing a pillow every year, others every few years. Some pillows now have an expiry date printed on them or you can write the date of purchase on the tag with a laundry marker.
If you find that you need to fluff up your pillow for support, or it feels a little lumpy, it is probably time to treat yourself to a new pillow.
I have found that after a year, they just don’t seem to be as supportive and affect the quality of my sleep so I generally head off to the after-Christmas sales for a new pillow.
With regards to throw cushions, trends come and go and our décor and tastes change.
If it doesn’t work with your décor any more, it is time to pass it forward to someone who will love it.
If it isn’t quite that straight forward for you and you have a bit of a collection, revisit the criteria you created during Week 1 of our challenge to assist you in making decisions about these items.
What do I do with the keepers?
Use them! Create a luxurious sanctuary in your bedroom or a comfy space to curl up on the lounge.
It’s ok to cycle through some cushion covers to suit the season – just the covers though, not the cushion insert as they take up too much space.
As we always say, we should use the absolute top or bottom of a cupboard for things that aren’t in regular use when popping the out of season ones back in the cupboard.
I highly recommend using a removable pillow protector underneath your pillowcases to extend the life of your pillow. You can usually find one at a reasonable price and it will reduce some of the moisture and allergens that affect your pillow and you can just throw them in the wash on a regular basis.
I also recommend that you use one of the pillowcase covers from a matching sheet set or doona cover to house the rest of the set in. That way, when you go find the pieces you need to make the bed, they are already together and you don’t have to hunt around.
What do I do with the ones that no longer have a purpose for me?
Pillows especially have limited options for recycling. It is a hygiene thing which is understandable.
If you have some new pillows that have not been used but are no longer needed, donate them via GIVIT they have a listing right now for pillows so don’t delay.
If your throw pillows are in good condition, you could sell, swap or donate them, or get crafty.
- Sell or Swap:
o Swap with your friends or family.
o Gumtree
o Facebook Marketplace
o Ebay
o Garage Sale
- Donate options:
o Charity shops such as the Salvos or Vinnies
o Green Shed (Mitchell or Mugga Lane)
If you are crafty, you can reuse pillows to make things like pet beds, or a kneeling pad for gardening.
If they are well worn, have holes or stains etc. they probably just need to go in the bin.
How did you go?
Feel free to share your successes, challenges and tips on our Facebook page.
Happy decluttering!
Melissa x