I decluttered my home with the help of one thing

Organising your home can be challenging, it’s tricky to find a place for everything sometimes, but when your living space is tidy, I think we feel so much better – and even less stressed. So when it was time to get rid of unwanted clothes, books and some other items, I put a couple days aside and allocated some large plastic boxes for everything that needed to find a new home.

I don’t like to think of things going into landfill, I’d much rather repurpose useful items somehow, but in recent months many charity shops in my local area have not always been accepting donations. But then I came across the perfect solution, a company that helps people “all around the UK to effortlessly declutter their homes”. The handy service makes the whole process simple “by collecting unwanted clothes and household items” straight from our doorsteps.

You need to book in advance, but this service from Anglo Doorstep Collections is “free and efficient”, plus you get to select a charity to support when you book a time and date for pick-up online.

On the Anglo Doorstep Collections website, the company explained that they “operate a fleet of vehicles making doorstep collections five days a week”.

The company only makes a collection “once a customer has placed a booking”, so that they can operate more “efficiently and sustainably”, this, they say, means “customers can organise and plan their charity donation collection in the most hassle-free way possible”.

Anglo Doorstep Collections added: “Once the booking is made, our customers simply put their charity donations into boxes or bags and leave them outside their homes at the allotted time and date.”

There are a few things to follow to make the collection seamless for the driver and yourself, one being that there is a limit of “10 boxes of books per collection”.

Clothes, shoes and household items have “no limit”, however, be mindful of box size as the driver needs to be able to pick it up and move it to the van safely, a “medium box only” is stipulated.

Furniture and mattresses are not accepted, neither are Christmas trees or Christmas decorations, bikes or lamps and lampshades – you can find a full list here of what is and is not accepted by Anglo Doorstep Collections.

Of course it’s also best to sort out your clutter in an organised way before it goes out the door, so books in one box, clothes in another for example – and as well as this being helpful for the driver, I found it rather rewarding too.

Items you are letting go of should also be in good condition, ready for a new home where they will be appreciated and possibly cherished.

On the website, Anglo Doorstep Collections explained the process: “Once the donations reach our warehouse, they are categorised, and buyers request items such as winter coats, toys, or books.

“Proceeds, after covering operational costs, go to our partner charities. We also donate items directly to animal shelters, children’s organisations, and women’s shelters, ensuring everything our customers donate is re-homed.

“We’re passionate about raising nationwide awareness on how everyone can make a difference for the planet, support charities, and clear their homes.

“By decluttering and organising your home, you not only create a sense of harmony but also contribute positively to our environment.

“Donating items you no longer use is a great way to make sure they find a new purpose. Alongside reducing waste and supporting those who need it.

“As a result, this simple act benefits your personal space while making a lasting impact on the charities you are supporting. Just by donating your clothes, shoes and household items this is helping to lead us to a more sustainable and compassionate world.”