When you think about decluttering, you probably picture filling donation bags, organising cupboards and making trips to the op shop.

While that's definitely part of the process, I'd encourage you to start somewhere else.

Turn off the tap.

If you're constantly removing things from your home but don't notice a difference, have a think about what you're bringing in. Tiny toys from party bags, gifts, new clothes, a new kitchen gadget here, a new pair of shoes there.

None of these things seem like a big deal on their own, but over time they add up.

This doesn't mean you should never buy anything again. It's about becoming a little more intentional about what you bring into your home.

Before you make a purchase, pause and ask yourself:

- Do I really need this?

- Do I already own something that does the same job?

- Where will this live in my home?

- Will I still be glad I bought this in a few months?

Every item you bring into your home needs a place to live. It also needs to be cleaned, maintained and, one day, you'll probably need to decide whether to keep it or let it go.

When you slow down what comes into your home, everything becomes a little easier. There's less to organise, less to clean and, eventually, less to declutter.

If your home already feels overwhelming, please don't feel like you need to get this perfect. Everyone makes impulse purchases from time to time, and that's okay. Decluttering isn't about perfection. It's about making small, sustainable changes that help your home work better for you.

Sometimes the biggest change doesn't come from getting rid of hundreds of things. It can start with simply turning off the tap.

If you're in Sydney or surrounding areas and need some help with decluttering and organising, contact us to book, enquire, or for a confidential, obligation free chat.

Phone 0466 110 153

Email hello@simplifyanddeclutter.com.au

🌏 Servicing Sydney and surrounds.

The never-ending guide of where you can donate and recycle common household items.

Toys

Big W Toys for Joy provides the opportunity for used toys to be re-used or recycled. Drop eligible toys into the Toys for Joy chest in-store. The donations get sorted into different types. Toys that are suitable for another life are given to the Salvation Army for them to sell in their stores. Remaining toys that can be recycled under the scheme are, where possible, recycled into their raw materials so they can be used to make new products.

E-waste: Officeworks, TechCollect, council

Every Sydney Officeworks has a small e-waste drop-off bin that takes cables, chargers, printer cartridges and batteries.

TechCollect has a Sydney site for larger computer items like desktops, laptops and peripherals.

For TVs, microwaves and large appliances, use your council's e-waste pickup or transfer station drop-off.

Soft plastics: supermarket trial

Select Sydney Coles, Woolworths and ALDI stores are part of the Soft Plastics Taskforce trial. Check out Soft Plastics Taskforce for the live list of participating stores. If your local store isn't on the list, Recycle Smart offers paid home pickup for soft plastics in metro Sydney.

Beauty packaging, cosmetics and personal care

Most major beauty chains in Sydney (Mecca, Sephora, some Priceline stores) have partnered with brand take-back programs. These typically accept their own products only.

For a mix of brands, BRAD is the cleaner option. Either post a box or drop one off at our hub.

Phones and mobile accessories: MobileMuster

Every Telstra, Optus and Vodafone store in Sydney accepts MobileMuster drops, plus most Officeworks and many Australia Post outlets. Bring the phone, the charger, the headphones, whatever you've got. Free.

Batteries: B-cycle

B-cycle drop-off bins are at every major Sydney Bunnings, Woolworths, ALDI and many council libraries. Look for the yellow bin with the B-cycle logo. Accepts all common household battery types.

Bulky and hazardous waste: your council

Every Sydney council runs a version of bulky waste collection, e-waste collection and hazardous waste drop-off. Coverage and frequency varies, so check your council's website.

• City of Sydney: regular bulky waste bookings, free chemical cleanouts

• Inner West: quarterly chemical drop-off events

• Northern Beaches: permanent e-waste and battery centre at Kimbriki

• Other councils: check Nextcycle or your council's A-Z waste guide

Textiles and clothes

Upparel runs a paid textile collection with Sydney pickup. Your local op shop, Salvos, Vinnies or Lifeline takes wearable items (please only donate clothes in actual re-wearable condition).

Printer cartridges and ink

Every Officeworks in Sydney has Cartridges 4 Planet Ark drop-off bins. Accepts all major brands free.