Decluttering Challenge: What to Store, Donate, or Toss?

Is clutter taking over your home? If you’re feeling overwhelmed by piles of stuff but don’t know where to start, this decluttering challenge is for you! Sorting through belongings can be an emotional and time-consuming task, but breaking it down into simple decisions—Store, Donate, or Toss—can make the process much easier.

Step 1: Gather & Categorize

Pick one room, closet, or area at a time and lay everything out where you can see it. Sort items into categories such as clothing, kitchenware, paperwork, sentimental items, and miscellaneous belongings. This will help you assess what you have and what might be taking up unnecessary space.

Step 2: The Three-Box Method

To simplify decision-making, grab three boxes or bins and label them:

1. STORE – Items you want to keep but don’t use regularly.
2. DONATE – Items in good condition that others could use.
3. TOSS – Broken, expired, or unusable items that need to go.

Now, go through each category one by one and place each item in the appropriate box.

Step 3: What to Store?

Some things are important but don’t need to be in your daily space. Store these items in a secure, organized way, such as in a storage unit:

• Seasonal decorations – Holiday lights, Halloween decorations, etc.
• Off-season clothing – Heavy coats in summer, swimsuits in winter.
• Important documents – Tax records, legal paperwork, and family keepsakes.
• Furniture & large items – If you’re downsizing or in transition.

Step 4: What to Donate?

If it’s still useful but you don’t need it, consider donating:

• Gently worn clothes & shoes – Someone else could benefit!
• Books & toys – Libraries, shelters, or schools may accept these.
• Unwanted furniture & appliances – Charities like Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity can repurpose them.
• Extra kitchen items – If you have five coffee mugs too many, donate them!

Step 5: What to Toss?

Not everything is worth keeping or donating. It’s time to let go of:

• Broken or damaged items – If it can’t be fixed, it’s time to say goodbye.
• Expired products – Medications, beauty products, and food items past their date.
• Old paperwork & junk mail – Shred anything sensitive and recycle the rest.
• Worn-out shoes & clothing – If it has holes, stains, or major wear, it’s not donation-worthy.

Step 6: Organize & Maintain

Once you’ve decluttered, make it a habit! Regularly assess your space and use the “one in, one out” rule—every time you buy something new, consider removing an old item.

Need Extra Storage? We Can Help!

If you’re decluttering but don’t want to part with sentimental or seasonal items, renting a storage unit is a great option. Our facility offers secure, climate-controlled spaces to keep your belongings safe while keeping your home clutter-free.

Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Take it one step at a time, and soon you’ll enjoy a more organized and stress-free space!