Home Guide

10 Ways to Get Rid of Clutter

Just let it all go

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Need to get rid of some stuff? You know, those boxes and bags of unwanted items that are taking up precious space in your basement, garage and closets? Here’s a few ways to get rid of the clutter once and for all.

1. Have it picked up
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State (BBBSOS) makes it super easy to get rid of clothes and home goods. Schedule a free pick up, leave your stuff on the curb and poof! Your unwanted stuff gets delivered to a nearby Savers for a chance of a second life while BBBSOS makes a tidy profit to offset their operational costs. bbbsos.org

2. Drop It Off
The Salvation Army accepts everything from appliances and clothing to furniture and vehicles. With 55 drop off locations in Rhode Island (plus a pick up service as well), it’s easy peasy.

3. Donate It
All sorts of non-profits have wish lists on their websites seeking used items. Blankets for animal shelters and cell phones for domestic abuse shelters are just a few examples of how your trash can be someone else’s treasure. Serve Rhode Island has a comprehensive list of charities. serverhodeisland.org

4. Consign
Consigning your stuff is a great way to get rid of gently used clothing and home goods, and also get paid for it. Each store has a different policy, as some will pay up front and others pay you as items sell. See Yelp for a local roundup.

5. Sell It
If you have items in demand, like collectibles or electronics, then eBay is the way to go. Half.com is ideal for selling books, video games and DVDs. Both sites are so simple to use and with money deposited in PayPal, it’s just as safe. eBay.com

6. Host a Swap Party
Clothing swaps are a fun way to not only get rid of your stuff, but also get some “new” stuff in return. Ask your friends to bring a handful of clothes and accessories they no longer want, then let the swapping begin.

7. Find a Virtual Yard Sale
Facebook has a load of local ongoing “yard sales” in which you upload a picture of something you’re selling, and get messages from those interested. Providence Online Yard Sale and RI Second Hand Children’s Toys and Gear are just two of the many pages available to join.

8. Pay It Forward
Freecycle’s mission is to “keep good stuff out of the landfills.” With a few chapters available in Rhode Island, members post what they are offering for free, and what they’re searching for. freecycle.org

9. Hire an Expert
Organizing experts can help if the first eight tips listed here just create more anxiety about your clutter. Organizing in RI can organize your closets, kitchens and even your paperwork. organizinginri.com

10. Unplug
Goodwill Industries will take anything with a plug, like an old computer, television, printer and other e-waste. A 24 hour drop off bin is available outside of their Providence location. goodwillri.org

BBBSOS, salvation army, Serve Rhode Island, swap party, virtual yard sale, organizing in RI, good will, jeanette st. pierre, hey rhody, hey rhody home guide

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