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Episode Summary: In today’s episode of Decluttering Untangled, I’m tackling the topic of hand-me-downs. You know, those clothes and baby gear you save to pass down from one child to another? On the surface, it seems like a great way to save money and be efficient, but is it really? I work with so many parents who are drowning in clothes and chaos because of the sheer volume of stuff they’re holding onto for someday.

Spoiler alert: I’m not the biggest fan of hand-me-downs, and I explain why. From the clutter they create, to the mental energy it takes to manage them, I share my expert opinion on when hand-me-downs might be worth it and when it’s time to just let them go.

I also give you some practical tips and guidelines if you do want to save items for future use, and how to do it in a way that doesn’t overtake your home or your sanity.

Key Takeaways:

• Holding onto items can cause more stress than it’s worth, and most kids need less than we think.
• Hand-me-downs only work well if you have a tidy, organised system in place and can actually use the items in a reasonable timeframe.
• Storing clothes or baby equipment for long periods often leads to damage like mould or makes them outdated and unusable.
• If you do decide to save items, store them properly, label everything clearly, and set reminders to actually use them before they become irrelevant.
• It's often easier (and cheaper) to buy second-hand items later on than to save and store them for years.

Practical Tips:

1. Check the Gap: If there's more than a 2-year age or size gap between kids, don’t hold onto clothes unless they're truly sentimental.
2. Organise Well: Use clear plastic boxes, label them by size, and store them in a damp-proof, temperature-stable location.
3. Set Reminders: Schedule a reminder to revisit stored items so you don’t forget about them.
4. School Uniforms: Consider uniform swaps through school associations instead of storing them for years.
5. Let Go: If the storage feels overwhelming, ask yourself if saving the item is helping or hurting your peace of mind.

Get in Touch: Let me know your thoughts on hand-me-downs! Do you find them helpful or more hassle than they’re worth? Send me a message or drop by the Facebook group.

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In today’s episode, Heather dives into the challenges of living an eco-friendly life when you’re dealing with a cluttered home. Inspired by Zero Waste Week and Clients passion on the subject, Heather shares relatable insights into how difficult it can be to maintain sustainable habits when your living space feels overwhelming - with some practical steps to be greener.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

• The pressure of trying to be perfect in eco-friendly living, and why it's okay to prioritise your personal well-being.
• Why decluttering is the first step towards a greener life, making it easier to adopt sustainable habits.
• Simple tips to get started with eco-friendly practices, even if you’re currently battling clutter.
• Realistic steps like reusing shopping bags, shopping at refill stores, and decluttering responsibly by giving away items you don’t use.
• Why it’s important to go easy on yourself, embrace imperfection, and focus on what’s manageable for you.
• Ideas on how to avoid clothing waste, from buying secondhand to donating items you’ll never repair.

Resources Mentioned:

• Olio – a great app for sharing surplus food and reducing waste.
• Zero Waste Facebook groups – perfect for giving away unused items.

Whether you're struggling with clutter, feel overwhelmed by the pressure to live perfectly green, or are looking for small, manageable steps towards an eco-friendly lifestyle, this episode has something for you. Declutter your space first, then move forward to a more sustainable, less wasteful life.

Listener Challenge:
Heather invites you to take a look at any items you’ve been holding onto with the intention of fixing or reusing "someday." What’s your plan to deal with them? Will you repair them, donate them, or let them go? Share your thoughts with Heather on social media or send her a message via the text me on the podcast!

Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you!

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Summary

In this episode, Heather Tingle discusses back-to-school organisation strategies. She emphasises the importance of establishing routines and designated spaces for school items such as book bags, water bottles, and lunchboxes. Heather also suggests using hooks for book bags and school shoes, as well as creating a system for kids' artwork. She provides tips for labeling school uniforms, decluttering old clothes, and setting up a breakfast station and homework area. Heather encourages parents to be kind to themselves during the transition back to school and offers reassurance that they are not alone in feeling overwhelmed.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Overview

04:11
Using Hooks for Organization

06:32
Managing Kids' Artwork

07:25
Labeling and Preventing Loss

10:25
Streamlining Morning and Evening Routines

11:44
Practicing Self-Care During the Transition

Pens for Kids Charity

Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you!

Follow me on Facebook

Buy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link)

Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home.

Follow me on instagram