Blog

Declutter your space sustainably

Long, long ago in a land before lockdowns and Kondo, decluttering was something that hardly sparked joy in anyone. Now though, we get that it’s super hot to have clean lines and surfaces, like some minimalist influencer on Insta.


Decluttering, why tho?

Maybe you’ve thought about the financials of selling your unwanted stuff already. Maybe you know that a simpler life means less organising, cleaning and more time. But have you ever wondered why decluttering can be good for the planet?


Doesn’t getting rid of stuff just create more waste, and pave the way for you buying more? We’re so glad you asked...


Much like all the great decluttering gurus of yore, Yoda said it best, “Change your shopping habits, decluttering can.” Clearing the decks can start you on the journey to thinking about what you buy or bring back in.


Does anyone need my stuff?

Most savvy secondhand shoppers aren’t stuff accumulators. Lots of them are looking for “that one special thing” and that might be the item that's sitting right next to you.


Holding on to the unappreciated stuff you have might force even the most ardent environmentalist to buy a similar product new and that's why in the words of Disney’s Elsa you’ve just got to “Let it Go."


Taste-shapingly good

When we hold on to stuff, we start to feel that those things are needed. And with time comes an obligation to hold onto things for “sentimental reasons." What that really means though is keeping the things that we don’t find stylish or that we don’t really love.


Clearing the decks lets us keep the stuff that aligns with who we are now (not who we were in 1988, despite, trust us, that person being completely awesome). A decluttered wardrobe can hone a personal style, so maybe start by culling those ill fitting pleather pants.


Honey, I cleared out the house!

If you’re onboard and want the how-to of decluttering, Sally Flower at Home Sanctuary has your back.


Sally is the first Australian to be trained by Marie Kondo in the now world famous KonMari method. Her whole approach to decluttering is centred around climate change, acknowledging that changing how we consume stuff can have a big impact on our environmental footprint.


Watch Sally's Trail Tutorial or visit her website for free sustainable decluttering resources.


Once you’ve got a pile of gear that’s going to be leaving your home, the easiest way to move it on quite frankly is to have a garage sale.


Naturally, we think Garage Sale Trail is a no brainer when it comes to finding the ultimate clean up cure for your newly decluttered life (or lockdown induced online shopping spree). Just remember to thank us when you see some minimalist wearing your pleather pants on the socials.


Garage Sale Trail, Australia's biggest festival of pre-loved stuff, returns on 9-10 & 16-17 November 2024. Join the wait list to get exclusive early bird access.