Less Clutter Project Part 4 Furniture

Some people like to have lots of furniture in their house, feeling it adds to a cosy vibe. There are those who have inherited antique or vintage furniture they don't want to part with. Perhaps someone is holding onto extra furniture because they think their kids will need the items when they move out of home. There are numerous reasons to have more items of furniture than is really necessary.

Different life phases, different furniture needs
Most people go through different phases in their life and their beliefs about how much and what type of furniture they need will change.

When I had my first home my husband and I often had a group of friends over for a meal. We used one of the bedrooms as a dining room because we had no children and already had a spare room/study. My husband made a dining table that seated eight and we made plenty of use of that table.

By the time we had a baby we entertained less frequently and ate at the kitchen table. We parted with the dining table.

Over the decades my furniture needs changed. Obviously there are big changes when one has babies and as they grow up the changes keep happening.

What furniture you need is a personal matter
No one else can tell you what furniture you need. You also need to decide what style of furniture suits your needs and taste.

I think decluttering in regard to furniture can be rather tricky. I have a few items stored in the shed because quite truthfully they may come in handy again. That's not just an excuse.

Before moving house three years ago I parted with a number of pieces of furniture. I had to as the house I was moving to was smaller. The funny thing is I haven't missed any of those items.

I did hold onto a few things in the belief my son would find them useful when he moved into his own place. Actually, he didn't want most of them in the end. Once he had his own house and I knew what was surplus to his needs I was able to part with those items.

Selling Furniture
Over the years I have sold a few pieces of furniture at garage sales. Although I didn't get much for the items I made some pocket money and got to talk to people.

Last year I sold a bed and mattress in good condition through Gumtree. This week three outdoor chairs found a new home through the same site. I have found it easy to use and been pleased with the results. Other people use a local swap/sell/giveaway internet site.

Swapping Furniture
Sometimes you no longer need an item but can swap with someone else. Years ago we swapped a big television for a smaller one that suited our needs better.

Another time we swapped our glass topped coffee table with friends for their 'safer' wooden one. Yes, the arrival of a baby can make you rethink your furniture.

We swapped bunk beds for a ceiling fan a neighbour had purchased and then decided he didn't want. It was still in the box.


Donating Furniture
In the past I have contacted a charity and arranged for them to collect excess furniture in good condition. Only some charities collect furniture and they may only want certain items. Many are particular about items being in very good condition. They also may not take large items such as wall units.

I have used Gumtree to give away items that aren't in good enough condition to sell.

I have also left items near the front gate with a big "Free. Please take' sign. I have made sure the items aren't on council property as I don't want to incur an illegal dumping fine.

Needing less furniture
Since decluttering and parting with many books I need less bookshelf space. Fewer large plates and other crockery means I need less cupboard space. When I gave away bags of clothes I didn't wear I was able to donate my second wardrobe.

A house can feel larger when excess furniture is gone. Cleaning can be easier if you don't have to sweep, vacuum or mop around lots of fiddly bits of furniture. Why dust any item of furniture which isn't really needed?


#_charities
#_clutter
#_declutter
#_donations
#_furniture
#_giving




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