Sustainable Organising: How to Declutter and Organise in an Eco-Friendly Way

What is Sustainable Organising?

Sustainable organising goes beyond decluttering and creating a neat space. It’s about making intentional choices that benefit both your environment and the planet. From rethinking what we buy to repurposing what we already own, a sustainable approach to organising is practical, cost-effective, and eco-friendly. In this guide, we’ll walk through ways to organise sustainably, keep your home clutter-free, and reduce waste—all while promoting a more mindful lifestyle.

1. Start with a Mindful Declutter Process

Decluttering sustainably means avoiding simply throwing things away. Here’s how to approach the process thoughtfully:

• Sort with Purpose: As you go through your items, separate them into categories—keep, donate, recycle, or upcycle. Aim to limit what goes to the landfill by focusing on how each item can be reused or repurposed.

• Donate Responsibly: Not all donation centers accept every type of item. Research local charities or organisations that accept specific items, such as electronics, clothing, or home goods. Some places even offer textile recycling for worn-out clothes.

• Sell or Swap: Many items still have value and could be resold or swapped. Online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, and Depop make it easy to sell, while community events or online swap groups offer chances to exchange items.

2. Use Eco-Friendly Storage Solutions

The way you organise matters. Using eco-friendly storage options reduces your environmental impact and often results in more durable solutions.

• Opt for Natural Materials: Choose organisers made from sustainable materials like bamboo, glass, and metal. Unlike plastic, these materials are more eco-friendly, often last longer, and don’t release harmful chemicals.

• Repurpose What You Have: Before buying new bins or containers, check what’s already available at home. Jars, baskets, and even shoeboxes can work as storage containers.

• Avoid Single-Use Plastic Bins: While clear plastic bins might be popular, they are often made from single-use plastics that can be hard to recycle. If you need to buy new, look for products made from recycled materials or choose more sustainable, compostable options.

3. Go Digital to Cut Down on Paper Clutter

Paper is one of the most common sources of clutter, but it’s also easy to reduce by going digital.

• Digitise Documents: Scan important papers and save them on your computer or in cloud storage. Many mobile apps make scanning easy and organised by folder.

• Opt for Digital Receipts and Statements: Many companies now offer digital receipts and bills—switching to digital versions can help reduce paper clutter at home.

• Use a Digital Planner or Calendar: Instead of paper planners, consider digital options like Google Calendar or other apps for organising your tasks and reminders.

“Before buying new items, consider if you already have something similar or if the item is necessary. If you do buy, remove one item in its place to prevent new clutter from building up.”

4. Adopt the “One In, One Out” Rule

A sustainable approach to organising is to prevent clutter from accumulating in the first place. The “One In, One Out” rule can help with this.

• Be Mindful About Purchases: Before buying new items, consider if you already have something similar or if the item is necessary. If you do buy, remove one item in its place to prevent new clutter from building up.

• Apply This Rule to All Areas: Whether it’s clothes, kitchen gadgets, or home decor, this rule encourages a more intentional approach to shopping and helps prevent waste from excess.

5. Choose Sustainable Cleaning and Organising Products

When organising, the products you use to clean and arrange your space also play a role in sustainability.

• Use Eco-Friendly Cleaners: Conventional cleaning products can contain chemicals that harm the environment. Opt for biodegradable, non-toxic cleaners, or make your own using vinegar, baking soda, and lemon.

• Buy in Bulk or Refillable Containers: For items you use often, buying in bulk can reduce packaging waste. Many stores also offer refill stations for soaps, detergents, and cleaners.

• Avoid Disposable Wipes and Towels: Microfiber cloths or reusable cleaning cloths are great for cleaning without the waste of paper towels or disposable wipes.

6. Repurpose and Upcycle When Possible

Sustainable organising often involves rethinking how we use items we already own. Repurposing and upcycling are effective ways to keep items in use and out of the landfill.

• Get Creative with Storage: Use jars, baskets, and other containers in new ways to organise items around your home. For instance, glass jars can be used to store small pantry items, toiletries, or even office supplies.

• DIY Projects: Consider small DIY projects to upcycle old items into something useful. An old ladder can become a bookshelf, while wooden crates can be turned into shoe storage.

• Shop Secondhand: When you do need organising solutions, check local thrift stores or online marketplaces. Buying secondhand reduces demand for new products and often results in unique finds.

7. Maintain a Minimalist Mindset

Sustainable organising aligns well with a minimalist approach, focusing on essentials and letting go of the rest. Here are a few minimalist-inspired tips:

• Evaluate Your “Must-Haves” Regularly: Periodically review what you own and let go of items that no longer serve you. This habit keeps clutter at bay and ensures that you’re only surrounded by what you need and love.

• Be Intentional with Decor: Instead of excessive decorative pieces, choose a few key items that bring joy and purpose to your space. Less decor means less dusting and cleaning, which helps reduce product use.

• Avoid Impulse Buys: When you shop, try to ask yourself if the item will truly add value or if it’s just a momentary impulse. This not only saves resources but also prevents clutter from re-entering your home.

Conclusion: Embrace a Sustainable Organising Lifestyle

Sustainable organising is more than a one-time task—it’s a lifestyle shift toward mindfulness, simplicity, and environmental consciousness. By making thoughtful choices about what we buy, use, and keep, we can create spaces that are both functional and eco-friendly. With each organised drawer and each repurposed container, we can create homes that support our lives and protect our planet.

Whether you’re just starting out or refining your space, sustainable organising allows you to live more intentionally and enjoy a clutter-free, planet-friendly home. Let’s embrace organising as a way not just to manage things but to celebrate what matters most.