Many of us are overwhelmed by the sheer number of our belongings, but can we change our consumption habits? And is there a more sustainable way to declutter?
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Whether you call it decluttering, death cleaning or a clear out, many of us face the onerous task of paring back our possessions, or those of a loved one.
There can be many reasons: from managing the mountains of stuff that comes with small children, to downsizing or moving house, or dealing with a deceased estate.
Sometimes, it’s the desire for a simpler life. About one in three Australians can’t stand the amount of stuff in their home, according to a survey commissioned by insurance company Choosi.
“In consumer society it’s very easy to acquire, but a lot of people find it difficult to get rid of things,” says Julie Whiting, founder of The Decluttering Co.
Clutter – stashed in cupboards and drawers, spare rooms, and storage facilities – usually involves items that people have been avoiding, she says. Decluttering is hard because it requires people to make multiple decisions at once, as well as the logistics of where to take things and the emotions of letting go.
Sorting through stuff may be physically and emotionally draining, but is it sustainable?
Jennifer Macklin, who researches waste systems and behaviour change at Monash University’s BehaviourWorks, says the overall aim is “to rehome what you can, then recycle and appropriately dispose of what remains”.
Aside from navigating the various platforms, collections and drop off points, the process can be emotionally fraught. People hold on to things because they value them, she says, so part of the difficulty with giving things away or selling them is the realisation that other people may not want them.
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Whiting recommends people tackle the area that is most annoying, first. Then start processing things into piles: keep, donate, recycle, discard.
When it comes to giving things away, donating to a charity store may seem like an easy option, she says, but it’s not always the best. Re-sale platforms and buy nothing groups can ensure the item goes to someone who wants it.
“Get familiar with your council recycling options, and what sort of things they take,” she says, adding that these services are often available free of charge.
