After recently helping a client declutter her linen cupboard, we introduced her to a simple yet effective method to make the process feel far less overwhelming — the 5 R’s of Decluttering. These five decision groups — Rubbish, Rehome, Return, Repurpose, and Remain — provide a clear framework for sorting through belongings with confidence and ease.
By categorising items into these groups, decluttering becomes more structured, intentional, and manageable. Below, we’ll take a closer look at what each of the 5 R’s means and how they can help you transform any space in your home.
Client Story: Our lovely client was feeling overwhelmed by the clutter in her linen cupboard and didn’t know where to start — so she dreaded the thought of having to open it! Compassionate Home Clearing came to the rescue, transforming it into a functional, manageable, and beautifully organised space she now loves!
Check Out The Results Here!
The 5 R’s
Rubbish: Items that need to be disposed of or recycled. Think about that board game that’s missing so many pieces the game is no longer functional or the condiments at the back of the pantry that expired in 2022. When you’re struggling with the sentimental items and hard decisions opt for some easy dispose of items and make some easy decisions.
Rehome: Items that should be in a different location in the house. Sometimes the garage or living room end up cluttered with items that are essential but just don’t belong there, so if you’re garage is filled with cooking pots, mops, the vacuum and utensils then once you found a place in the kitchen for the pots and utensils and the mop and vacuum find a spot in the laundry the house will increase its functionality and free up the garage for its true purpose.
Return: Items that belong to other people. Think about that tupperware container you never returned to your mum or the books you borrowed from a friend, these are easy items to clear that don’t require a hard decision and are just about getting around to returning.
Repurpose: Items that you wish to donate or sell. Donating items is a great way to declutter your home whilst giving your items a second life to people who need it the most, this helps with the emotional element of decluttering and letting go. Selling is a great way to make back some money on those items you no longer need but still have their worth. Places like Facebook marketplace, Gumtree and Ebay are great sites to use however make sure you sell items proactively at a reasonable price where they are likely to sell otherwise items will creep their way back into your home. Setting a sale time also helps e.g., “If this item doesn’t go in 3 weeks I will donate it” to make sure items don’t just fall back into the bottom of the garage.
Remain: Items that you have deemed essential to your daily life and want to keep. Decluttering isn’t about getting rid of everything you own, just make sure you ask yourself those key questions like “When was the last time I used this? Could I go without this item? Do I have a similar item that serves the same purpose?” and if you’ve established it as a must have, then find a suitable and functional space for it.
Happy Decluttering!
