In a world that seems to be moving at an increasingly rapid pace, stress is an all-too-common experience. We’re often told that decluttering our lives can have a profound impact on our stress levels, but it’s not always clear exactly what we should be getting rid of. In my journey of discovering peace through decluttering, I’ve found that certain items, once removed, had an immediate impact on my stress levels. I’ll share with you the 15 things I donated that instantly reduced stress in my life.
1. Excess Clothing
Clothing can easily pile up in our wardrobes, leading to clutter that can trigger a sense of overwhelm. When I realized that there were clothes I hadn’t worn in over a year, I knew it was time to say goodbye. By donating these items, I not only decluttered my wardrobe but also simplified my daily decision-making process, resulting in less stress.
Donating excess clothing is an act of kindness towards yourself and others. Not only do you create more space physically, but you also open up mental space. Plus, your donations can make a big difference to someone else in need. As they say, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.
2. Unused Kitchen Appliances
I had a habit of collecting kitchen appliances, imagining that I would one day become the perfect home cook. However, these items ended up being more of a burden than a help, taking up precious kitchen space and adding to my stress levels when I saw them unused.
Donating these appliances was a freeing experience. It allowed me to focus on the essential items that I actually use, making cooking a much more pleasant and less stressful activity. Plus, I was able to help others who might not have the means to buy these appliances brand new.
3. Old Electronics
Old phones, chargers, laptops, and other electronics were taking up drawer space and collecting dust in my home. Not only were they physically cluttering my space, but they were also a constant reminder of outdated technology and jobs left undone.
Donating these items was a double win. I managed to declutter my home and also help others who could make good use of these electronics. Plus, it’s an environmentally friendly way to dispose of electronics.
4. Unread Books
Books are wonderful, but when they start piling up unread, they can become a source of stress. Each unread book was a reminder of something I ‘should’ be doing, adding to my mental load.
Donating these books to my local library not only freed up space in my home, but also gave others the opportunity to enjoy these books. In addition, it helped me to focus on reading the books I truly wanted to read, rather than feeling obligated to read everything on my shelf.
5. Unused Furniture
Furniture that isn’t being used can take up a lot of space in your home. For me, these pieces were a constant reminder of money wasted and space that could be better utilized.
Donating unused furniture freed up physical space in my home, creating a more open and calming environment. Plus, knowing that my furniture was going to a good home where it would be used and appreciated was a bonus.
6. Outgrown Toys
Children’s toys can easily multiply and take over your home. Not only do they create physical clutter, but they can also add to your mental load as you constantly try to keep them organized.
Donating outgrown toys was a great way to declutter and teach my children about the importance of giving. Plus, it was a relief to know that these toys were going to children who would truly appreciate them.
7. Unused Craft Supplies
Craft supplies are one of those things that are easy to accumulate but hard to use up. They can quickly create clutter and add to feelings of overwhelm.
Donating these items cleared up space in my home and reduced the pressure I felt to use them. Plus, it was a joy to know that these supplies would be used by someone who would truly appreciate them.
8. Old Magazines
Old magazines were another source of clutter in my home. While they can be enjoyable to flick through, they can also quickly pile up and create clutter.
Donating these magazines to local schools, libraries, or nursing homes was a great way to declutter my home and provide reading material for others. Plus, it was a relief to have less paper clutter in my home.
9. Unused Exercise Equipment
Exercise equipment can take up a lot of space in your home, and when it goes unused, it can be a constant source of guilt and stress.
Donating this equipment not only freed up space in my home, but also removed the guilt I felt about not using it. Plus, knowing that it would be used and appreciated by someone else was a bonus.
10. Old Linens
Old linens can easily pile up in your linen closet, taking up space and creating clutter. They can also be a source of stress as you try to keep them organized and tidy.
Donating these linens was a great way to declutter my linen closet and reduce stress. Plus, knowing that these items would be put to good use by someone else was a bonus.
11. Unused Gardening Tools
Gardening tools can easily accumulate and take up space in your garage or shed. When they’re not being used, they can create clutter and add to your mental load.
Donating these tools not only cleared up space in my garage, but also reduced the pressure I felt to use them. Plus, knowing that they would be used by someone who could truly appreciate them was a joy.
12. Old Cosmetics
Cosmetics have a shelf life, and when they exceed this, they can create clutter in your bathroom or makeup drawer. They can also be a source of stress as you try to use them up before they expire.
Donating unopened cosmetics to women’s shelters was a great way to declutter and help others at the same time. Plus, it was a relief to have less clutter in my bathroom.
13. Unused Pet Supplies
Pet supplies can quickly accumulate and create clutter in your home. Unused pet beds, toys, and accessories can take up space and add to your stress levels.
Donating these items to local animal shelters not only cleared up space in my home, but also helped animals in need. Plus, it was a relief to know that these items were being put to good use.
14. Old CDs and DVDs
In the age of digital media, CDs and DVDs can quickly become obsolete. They can take up space and create clutter in your home.
Donating these items to local libraries or schools was a great way to declutter and provide entertainment for others. Plus, it felt good to know that these items were being put to good use.
15. Unwanted Gifts
Unwanted gifts can be a tricky area to declutter. They can create clutter and also cause feelings of guilt.
Donating these items was a liberating experience. It freed up space in my home and also removed the guilt I felt about not using these gifts. Plus, knowing that these items would be appreciated by someone else was a bonus.