Decluttering Dictionary
Our decluttering dictionary is a curated guide or reference tool designed to assist you in making decisions about your belongings during the decluttering process.
The dictionary categorises items based on three main themes — Keep, Donate/Sell and Recycle — and provides specific criteria or considerations for each category.
This decluttering dictionary helps you evaluate what to hold onto, what can be given a new home, and what should be disposed of responsibly.
Keep it to hand as you begin your journey.
Clothing:
Keep items that you wear regularly, seasonal pieces, or those with sentimental value.
Donate/Sell gently used clothing, items that no longer fit, or trendy pieces that you haven’t worn.
Recycle worn-out clothes, items with irreparable stains, or clothes that are beyond resale; consider textile recycling programs.
Books:
Keep special editions, reference books, or your most-loved novels.
Donate/Sell gently used books, bestsellers, or children’s books that are still in good condition.
Recycle old textbooks or damaged books; you can often recycle covers, spines, and pages separately.
Electronics:
Keep devices that you use frequently, like your laptop or phone.
Donate/Sell working older models or gadgets you’ve upgraded.
Recycle broken or unusable devices and check for local e-waste centers to properly dispose of outdated items.
Kitchenware:
Keep everyday dishes, high-quality knives, or your favorite mugs.
Donate/Sell duplicate items, good-condition bakeware, or appliances that you no longer use.
Recycle chipped or broken dishes; some materials like glass or ceramics can be recycled.
Toys:
Keep sentimental toys or those your child still plays with.
Donate/Sell gently used toys or popular name-brand items.
Recycle broken toys; some plastic parts may be recyclable.
Furniture:
Keep favorite pieces or high-quality items that you use daily.
Donate/Sell gently used items or vintage furniture in good condition.
Recycle broken pieces that are beyond repair and check local recycling centers for options.
Linens & Towels:
Keep regularly used sets, guest towels, or heirloom quilts.
Donate/Sell extra sets that are in good condition or lightly used linens.
Recycle worn-out linens; consider donating to animal shelters for use.
Stationery:
Keep journals and notebooks that you actively use.
Donate/Sell unused notebooks, pens, or office supplies.
Recycle dried-up pens, broken binders, and used paper responsibly.
Decor:
Keep sentimental pieces or timeless decor items that you love.
Donate/Sell trendy decor that is out of style or duplicates of items you already have.
Recycle broken decor, old frames, or plastic plants; check material types for recyclability.
Cosmetics:
Keep frequently used products or recent items that you love.
Donate/Sell unused, sealed products or unopened gift sets.
Recycle expired products and used containers, and check local recycling programs for specific cosmetics.
Tools:
Keep frequently used and high-quality tools.
Donate/Sell working duplicates or lightly used power tools.
Recycle rusted or broken tools, often at metal recycling centers.
Shoes:
Keep frequently worn pairs or well-maintained shoes.
Donate/Sell gently used or unworn pairs that could benefit others.
Recycle damaged or worn-out shoes; check for textile recycling centers.
Craft Supplies:
Keep supplies that you actively use or specialty items for ongoing projects.
Donate/Sell extra supplies or hobby items that you no longer need.
Recycle dried paint, used brushes, and scraps beyond use; check local recycling for art materials.
Bags & Luggage:
Keep regularly used bags or high-quality luggage.
Donate/Sell extra purses, backpacks, or lightly used luggage.
Recycle broken bags or worn-out luggage; separate materials for recycling where possible.
Jewelry:
Keep sentimental items or frequently worn pieces.
Donate/Sell good-quality but unworn jewelry.
Recycle broken or tarnished costume jewelry, often at metal recycling centers.
Pet Supplies:
Keep essential items that you use regularly.
Donate/Sell extra collars, toys, or gently used beds.
Recycle damaged or worn-out toys; check for material-specific recycling options.
Tips:
When decluttering, focus on what to Keep—items that truly bring value, joy, or frequent use. For what to Donate/Sell, consider the condition and demand of the item, and if it could benefit someone else. Lastly, for items that need to be Recycled, research local recycling programs, as many offer specific solutions for electronics, textiles, and other materials.
Keep this decluttering dictionary on-hand as you begin your decluttering journey.