As we head into the season of Lent, why not make it a time not just for spiritual reflection, but also for some good old decluttering fun? Imagine your home transformed into a relaxing space, free from the excess stuff that's been piling up. So, let's use this time to say goodbye to 40 items that have overstayed their welcome and make room for joy and order!
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40 items - one per day and where you can take them:
Mar 05 - Outdated makeup and toiletries - check each bathroom and area that you store toiletries, recycle where possible. Some stores may take them in special recycling schemes.
Mar 06 - Excess/expired food items - go through cupboards and create a pile of out of date or duplicate food. Recycle where possible. Excess items can be donated to local food banks.
Mar 07 - Duplicate kitchen utensils - do you need 3 potato mashers? Donate to a local charity any that are not required, or recycle if possible.
Mar 08 - Worn out towels - as not suitable for charity, repurpose as cleaning rags or donate to local animal shelter or vets.
Mar 09 - Unused kitchen gadgets - regret the soup maker taking up cupboard space? Sell on a local site or donate to charity.
Mar 10 - Mismatched socks - recycle as cleaning rags, use for craft project or recycle in fabric bin at local centre.
Mar 11 - Excess hangers - return wire hangers to dry cleaner, donate others to charity if they are taking them or recycle/bin.
Mar 12 - Old magazines - donate to local health centre or library or recycle.
Mar 13 - Unwanted clothing - sell on eBay, Vinted or similar sites. Donate to charity or if in poor condition, recycle the items.
Mar 14 - Broken or unused electronics - recycle at local centre or shop if they have a take back scheme.
Mar 15 - Old and unused cables - check if local community groups could use them. Recycle if not.
Mar 16 - Out of date paperwork - shred confidential documents and recycle other paper.
Mar 17 - Expired medication - take to local pharmacy for correct disposal. Some local centres will take empty blister packs.
Mar 18 - Boxes - no need to keep all boxes for a rainy day - recycle.
Mar 19 - Old pens and markers - recycle if possible. Some office supply stores will take them.
Mar 20 - Extra or unused bedding - donate to charity. Recycle or donate to local animal shelter if too used for charity. www.dunelm.co.uk also take bedding at their stores.
Mar 21 - Old phone cases - donate to charity or recycle if possible.
Mar 22 - Outgrown or unused children's toys - ensuring they are in good condition for safety, donate to charity or local schools/childcare facilities.
Mar 23 - Empty or old candles - clean out and repurpose jars or recycle where possible.
Mar 24 - Chipped dishes - break up and repurpose in the garden for drainage in plant pots or bin them.
Mar 25 - Unused vases or decor - sell if possible or donate to local charities.
Mar 26 - Expired condiments in fridge - empty and recycle containers. Refill shops will often be happy to take clean and empty containers.
Mar 27 - Excess coffee mugs - sell or donate to charities.
Mar 28 - Old receipts - shred/burn anything sensitive and then recycle.
Mar 29 - Broken jewellery and accessories - recycle the metal components and donate or repurpose other parts.
Mar 30 - Old calendars - recycle where possible. Some pictures could be donated to someone wanting a craft project.
Mar 31 - Unread or unwanted books - donate to charities, book banks or other schemes which will take them.
Apr 01 - Unwanted pet supplies - check with local shelters and vets.
Apr 02 - Unwanted or old rucksacks - donate to local schools or charities.
Apr 03 - Unused gift wrap and gift bags - if you cannot use them, list on freegiving site or donate to charities.
Apr 04 - Unwanted holiday decorations - donate to charities but make sure it is to close to the correct season as they won't want to store them. Or freecycle schemes.
Apr 05 - Empty or half-used cleaning products - follow local guidelines for safe disposal or donate to a food bank recycling scheme.
Apr 06 - Unwanted or outgrown shoes - donate to charity or in local shoe recycling bins/programs.
Apr 07 - Excess plastic containers - recycle where possible.
Apr 08 - Old warranties - check you still have the item and it is in date. Most instructions can be found on the internet.
Apr 09 - Non sentimental or no longer wanted greeting cards - keep ones you want in a memory box and recycle others where possible.
Apr 10 - Hotel toiletries - donate to local recycling scheme or in a store.
Apr 11 - Old tools - donate to a local "Men's shed" scheme or recycle where appropriate.
Apr 12 - Alcohol no longer wanted - donate to friends or empty down the sink and recycle the bottles.
Apr 13 - Garden pots - use a freecycle scheme or give to local garden centre for them to use.
If you need further help on where items can be donated and recycled, click below to go to my Useful Info recycling guide.
In conclusion, so there you have it - easier than giving up chocolate?
By giving these 40 items the boot, you're not just tidying up your physical space but making room for your home to flow freely.
Happy decluttering, and may your Lent be as light and bright as your newly organised space!
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