Declutter the Eco-Friendly Way

If you want to get rid of clutter in your home, you don't have to just throw everything away. There are many creative ways you can de-clutter your home and still be green.

#1 - Make some money
The most satisfying, green way to get rid of stuff is to make some green. High-end clothes can go to consignment. Collectibles do well on e-bay. Toys, children’s clothing, and knick knacks are yard sale best sellers. For large numbers of antiques, china, silver, or porcelain, try an auction warehouse. I just sold a vintage, black jacket that looks like an equestrian riding jacket on eBay for $40.

#2 - Designate a donation corner in your home
Designate the corner of a closet or your laundry room for housing discards to donate. Try to do this every other month. Keep a hamper or garbage can in your designated spot and whenever you see an item cluttering your home that you or your family members 1) don't use, 2) don't love, or 3) have outgrown, put it in the hamper. At the end of each month, bag the items and take them to a donation center, or call to have them picked up. The Veterans and Big Brother Big Sister will pick up clothing and small household items at your home.

#3 - Have a swap party
An acquaintance of mine has a seasonal purge party. She and her friends all bring items they no longer need or use: clothes, jewelry, purses, home décor, small furniture, magazines, etc. It goes into a pile in the middle of the room and we all dive in! It is a fun way of getting rid of things, getting a few new things, and catching up with friends. At the end of it, these girls bag all the items they don’t want and donate them to a women’s shelter. This also works well with a group of moms and the clothing and toys your children have outgrown. I love this idea? If you are motivated to throw a swap party--be sure to invite me!!!

#4 - Re-use your own stuff
Reusing common house hold items for new organizational ways can really save you money. Try thinking outside the box as to the way you use common items. For example, empty gift baskets make great mail bins, in-boxes, planters, magazine bins, small toy organizers and more. Walk around your house and really look at your stuff. Can any of it be used for a different purpose? A bookshelf hung on the wall instead of on the floor, a TV cabinet for a night-stand, a shoebox to divide different kinds of socks in a drawer? Try to think creatively and objectively.