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Donating, selling, recycling and dealing with everything you no longer want
Once you have decided something is going, try to get it out of the house as soon as possible.
I often see people do the hard part, make all the decisions, fill the donation bags… and then leave them sitting in the garage for weeks.
That unfinished pile becomes another weight on your shoulders.
If you can, take donations and rubbish away the same day. Dropping off a few bags usually takes very little time, and there is something incredibly satisfying about driving away without them.
Where I recommend donating in Auckland
Woven Earth is a wonderful charity for good-quality household donations. Their website has a Gift Items section explaining what they currently need, so I always recommend checking that before you go.
Dove Hospice in Glen Innes is very easy for everyday quality donations. They have a dedicated drop-off dock at 179 Apirana Avenue, so you can drive in, unload and go. They accept clothing, children’s items, homewares, furniture, books, linen and more.
For electrical items, furniture and other reusable household items, Tāmaki Zero Waste Hub in Glen Innes is another useful option. They accept good-quality homewares, clothing, toys, books, furniture, tools, sports gear and electrical goods. Good reusable donations can be dropped off, but if an item needs cleaning, repairing, upcycling or recycling there may be a small charge.
If you want to sell something
Sell the things that are genuinely worth the effort.
Take the photos and list them quickly on Trade Me. Do not create a permanent “things to sell” corner in the garage.
If something is not selling, lower the price or donate it.
For everything else
For a bigger declutter where you have more rubbish than will fit in your normal bins, FlexiBin is a great option.
You buy the bag, fill it at your own pace and book the collection when you are ready. They offer 1m³, 2m³ and 3m³ bags, and the collection price depends on your address.
Once those bags and boxes are actually gone, you can properly enjoy the space you worked so hard to create.