Sustainable Decluttering Tips: How to Live with Less Stuff

Many Australians feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of household items, prompting a growing interest in decluttering, downsizing and sustainable disposal methods. Whether driven by a desire for simplicity, life transitions or recent surveys showing one in three Australians dissatisfied with the amount of stuff in their homes, more people are rethinking how they manage possessions. Experts from organizations such as Monash University’s BehaviourWorks and The Decluttering Co emphasize that while decluttering can be emotionally and physically demanding, it also offers an opportunity to reduce waste and reconsider consumption habits.

According to Julie Whiting, founder of The Decluttering Co, consumer culture makes it easy to accumulate items but difficult to let go. Clutter often represents avoided decisions, and the process of decluttering requires both logistical planning and emotional resilience. Jennifer Macklin, a researcher at Monash University’s BehaviourWorks, advises prioritizing rehoming usable items, then recycling or disposing of the rest responsibly. Navigating available donation points and recycling centers can be confusing, and people often hesitate to part with belongings they value, fearing others won’t want them.

Professional organizer Susanne Thiebe, of Less Mess, recommends starting with the most irritating area—often clothing—and sorting items into keep, donate, recycle or discard piles. Wardrobes are a common source of frustration, with about 84 percent of Australians owning clothes they haven’t worn in the past year. Thiebe stresses that donated clothing must be in good condition, as textiles are difficult to recycle and often end up in landfill. She also suggests organizing kept items by category to make them easier to find, emphasizing that organization serves personal needs, not just appearance.

Furniture poses particular challenges, especially when downsizing or dealing with an estate. Ashley Eriksmoen, a designer in Canberra, notes that people often feel moral hesitation about disposing of furniture compared to smaller items. With excess furniture driven by cheap production and limited repair options, she advocates modifying or repurposing pieces rather than discarding them. She encourages simple repairs or creative transformations, such as turning dining chairs into side tables, and suggests visiting local repair cafes or tool libraries for assistance.

Books and e-waste also present disposal dilemmas. Thiebe points out that many charity stores don’t accept books, but they can be recycled if covers are removed. Councils typically accept paints, batteries, light globes, cables and other household waste. Some retailers offer take-back schemes for furniture, toys and medicines. In cases of uncertainty, Thiebe advises using the red bin to prevent contamination of recycling streams.

Dr Melissa Norberg, director of the Behavioural Science Laboratory at Macquarie University, highlights the emotional link between shopping and temporary happiness, which can lead to overconsumption. She encourages people to reflect on why items are being discarded and to learn from the process rather than feel guilt. Research suggests decluttering can prompt a broader reassessment of consumption habits, making people more mindful before purchasing new items.

Ultimately, experts agree that overconsumption—not decluttering—is the primary cause of waste. Thiebe urges people to resist unnecessary shopping and find alternative activities. By making deliberate choices about what to bring into the home, individuals can reduce future clutter and ease the emotional burden of letting go.

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