Have you ever heard of the Zero Waste movement? It’s becoming more and more popular as people try to reduce their carbon footprint and be better stewards of the earth.
There are even some hardcore zero-waste aficionados that are able to cut their yearly garbage down to a mere handful — small enough to fit in a mason jar!
Of course, that extreme isn’t for everyone, and it takes a fair amount of time to seek out recycling options for all the detritus of your everyday life.
But most of us have more junk lying around the house than we’d like to. Want to know how to get rid of junk easily? Read on for our best tips!
See What You Can Sell
As the old adage says, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. You may very well have some items that you could sell to someone else.
Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are good places to start selling everyday objects like kitchen gadgets, kids’ toys, home furnishings, craft supplies, and more.
Using these platforms, you probably won’t be able to ask a lot of money. But something is better than nothing, and it achieves your objective of getting junk out of the house.
1. Try Consignment
Consider selling clothes and accessories that are a little more upscale, or that are hardly worn, to consignment shops. It’s easier, since someone else does the selling, and you may get better prices than going it alone.
Check to see if there are brick-and-mortar consignment shops in your area, or look to online outlets for consigned goods like ThredUp, Poshmark, or LetGo. These aren’t just for clothes, either!
2. Donate to a Good Cause
Most charity shops will arrange to pick up donations if you can’t make the trip to their collection sites. This is an especially convenient way to get rid of large or heavy items like mattresses, furniture, or boxes of books.
Don’t forget to ask for a receipt, so you can write off the donation when you do your taxes. There are other services that will help you get rid of your junk, too. Check them out at this page.
3. Freecycle
Freecycle has been around for a long time, and it’s still going strong. Think of it like Facebook Marketplace, but everything is free. You might feel better about giving away your stuff if you know it’s going to a good home, but of course, you can always put your unwanted items on the curb.
Chances are that they’ll disappear pretty quickly.
4. Reuse or Recycle
Just because an item no longer serves its intended purpose doesn’t mean it’s junk. Get creative, and give your belongings a new life! Old console TVs can become cozy cat beds.
Turn a rickety old ladder into a shabby-chic shelving unit. Cut up faded or torn shirts to use as rags — or braid them into a rag rug! It’s a lot of fun to recycle in this manner. Plus you’ll feel good about keeping stuff out of the landfill.
5. How to Get Rid of Junk – It’s Easy
Now that you know how to get rid of junk, you’re probably itching to clear out a closet or two. There’s no time like the present to get started!
