Why I declutter my home via Craigslist (2024)

It was nearing 11 p.m. when the stranger finally showed up. A petite woman in her mid-20s, she bounded up the stairs of my Brooklyn brownstone and breathlessly apologized for her tardiness. “I’m soooo sorry I’m late. I had to transfer to the 3 at Atlantic Avenue, and I wasn’t sure where it was, and I just got turned around,” she explained as I handed her a bag containing a heavy, multipart juicer that I hadn’t used—much less looked at—in a couple of years. “Thank you so so much for this!” she exclaimed brightly. “Oh my god—I make this juice that’s to die for, it’s a mix of apples and beets and ginger and kale, sometimes I add celery, depends on what I have around…” I smiled and told her she was most welcome, attempting to politely curtail her juice sermon so I could return to my apartment and go to bed.

Any dedicated Netflix-binger would have noticed when, on January 1 of this year—just in time for all the resolution-makers to get serious about their New Year goals—the streaming platform launched Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. The eight-episode series features the soft-spoken author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up coming to the rescue of homeowners, relieving them of their literal and figurative burdens by encouraging them to part with the majority of their clutter, boxing and bagging up any clothing, furniture, or toys that don’t “spark joy” within them. Participants in the show, by each episode’s end, appear as changed as a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis: wiping tears from their eyes as they take in their newly minimalist quarters, they remark on a newfound sense of calm and promise to never again let those magazine subscriptions or Tupperware collections get out of hand.

It’s a relatable premise: In today’s consumerist world, we all get a little overwhelmed by our stuff sometimes. Who wouldn’t want to live in a tidy, feng-shui’ed-to-perfection space? The buzz surrounding the show, which has far eclipsed the already-considerable attention paid to Kondo’s 2014 book, might lead a person to believe that to attain the “life-changing magic” of decluttering, she’ll need a film crew, an empathetic guide, and a whole lot of oversized trash bags. But for years now, I’ve been getting cheap—indeed free—thrills merely from regularly giving away my possessions on Craigslist.

In New York, where I live, available real estate seems to get smaller and more expensive each year, as the waves of gentrification push ever deeper into the formerly “outer” boroughs. I was lucky, six years ago, to find a cheap two-bedroom apartment that I’m in love with and in which I will undoubtedly live out the rest of my Brooklyn days. Utilities are included and my bedroom boasts a sunny, spacious bay window, but there is, of course, a catch: I have almost no storage space—just one small closet shared between my two roommates and me, and a few cabinets in the kitchen. So as careful as I am to steer clear of stoop sales and thrift stores, it doesn’t take long before I start to feel that I am drowning in my own things.

And so, when my kitchen cabinets begin to spill over with washed and saved almond butter jars, or my cats decide they don’t care for their new food and water dishes, or I’ve propagated a few too many pothos plants, I turn to a website I have bookmarked on my computer: Craigslist Free. A short description and a few iPhone photos later, and my post advertising free stuff to whoever will come take it off my hands is out in the world. And, invariably, my phone and email blow up with would-be takers within a few minutes.

My Gmail history tells me that since 2014, I’ve posted 73 times, giving away everything from a lavender-scented terrycloth eye pillow (I never used it) to a French language workbook (I completed most of it) to a half-empty bottle of Tresemme hair conditioner (it didn’t work for my poofy, frizz-prone curls). At least in New York, where the cost of living is sky-high and inhabitants are constantly looking for creative ways to budget-trim, it’s possible to get rid of just about anything.

Each time I give away a trash bag full of plastic hangers, or a chunky black bracelet I haven’t worn in 10 years, I breathe a little easier. I feel less stressed and more at peace. I feel happier in my home. I feel, I imagine, just like the teary-eyed stars of Kondo’s Netflix show—except I generated these feelings solo, with nary a high-definition camera in sight.

Given the rapidity with which strangers respond to my listings, I’ve concluded that there must be people out there who always have a tab open to Craigslist Free—and in my experience, these people are characters. In text and emails, they tell me they need my unused disposable menstrual cups “desperately,” offer to bring me a loaf of home-baked sourdough to edge out other aspirants to my “well-loved” enameled Dutch oven pot, and share photos of their cooking a few weeks after I’ve gifted them a hodgepodge of near-empty spice bottles ranging from turmeric to Greek oregano.

Corresponding with and meeting these Craigslist characters, in a city that so often feels anonymous, is part of the reason I love Craigslist Free. These men, women, and occasionally children show up at my door grinning, frequently proffering a hug in exchange for my underutilized rice cooker or extraneous pack of playing cards. Part of New York’s charm is its vastness: If you want to disappear into a book—or ugly-cry—on the subway, without being noticed, you can do that here. But sometimes, it’s nice to connect, face to face, with a fellow inhabitant. Craigslist allows me to do that—and I’m not talking about the “Missed Connections” section. So as long as I live here, I’ll continue to go online to part with my unneeded stuff—and spark joy within myself in more ways than one.

Lauren Rothman is a freelance journalist based in her hometown of Brooklyn. Follow her cooking, home improvement and cat-owning adventures on Instagram: @laurenoliviarothman.

Why I declutter my home via Craigslist (2024)

FAQs

Why declutter your home when selling? ›

It helps buyers imagine themselves in the space

Clearing out all the clutter helps them see the home as a neutral space rather than one owned by someone else and gives them the opportunity to start imagining what life would be like if they lived there.

What is the golden rule of decluttering? ›

Take it room by room: Start decluttering one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Focus on a specific area before moving on to the next. Sort methodically: Divide items into categories (keep, donate, sell, discard) and work through each category systematically to prevent decision fatigue.

Why do I get the urge to declutter? ›

Gain Control of Your Environment

You can start to feel stuck in a rut. So, if you're feeling the urge to clean and declutter when you're stressed, your mind and body are probably looking for a way to bring some order to your environment.

How to quickly declutter your home? ›

What Are The Simple Ways To Declutter Your Home Fast?
  1. Create A Fool-Proof Plan. ...
  2. Create A Decluttering Schedule. ...
  3. Decide The Areas That Need To Be Decluttered. ...
  4. Organise The Clutter Into 3 Categories. ...
  5. Know What You Want To Keep. ...
  6. It's Time To Move On From Old Items. ...
  7. Get Rid Of The Trash Immediately.
Feb 8, 2024

Why is decluttering so powerful? ›

Decluttering Sharpens Your Mind

Research from Princeton University has found that decluttering your work and living spaces helps your brain focus. Put simply, the research found that clutter competes for your attention. In turn, organized environments lead to a sharp, productive and concentrated mind.

What is the 20 rule decluttering? ›

The 20/20 Rule streamlines decluttering by asking if items can be replaced for under $20 and within 20 minutes. Apply it across living spaces like kitchens, wardrobes, and garages to keep areas tidy. Regular reassessment and mindful purchases ensure spaces remain functional and pleasant.

What is the 90 90 rule for decluttering? ›

Have you used that item in the last 90 days? If you haven't, will you use it in the next 90? If not, then it's okay to let go.

What happens to your brain when you declutter? ›

After giving these central tips, Desmond reiterated the mental effects of clutter and organization. Without clutter, focus improves, stress lowers, and energy increases. Keeping a space decluttered is merely a matter of maintenance.

What is the 333 decluttering method? ›

The 333 decluttering method simplifies wardrobes by limiting you to 33 items for 3 months. It reduces stress and promotes sustainability. It encourages selecting versatile, essential clothing, fostering minimalist habits, and mindful consumption, while also applying these principles broadly.

What is the psychological reason for clutter? ›

A main driver of clutter is the emotional tie we have with our stuff. Our belongings often carry memories—of family, past events, or distinct life phases. Letting go becomes tough due to these connections, especially when items lose their utility. Over time, this leads to a buildup, resulting in a clutter-filled space.

When should you stop decluttering? ›

If you've tried over and over again to declutter and let go, but always end up feeling defeated and frustrated, stop decluttering. At least, stop decluttering alone. Ask for help from friends and family, or seek professional assistance. You don't have to do this alone.

Why is my house never tidy? ›

If you don't clean your house, it might mean you are busy and have little time to clean and organize. It might be a sign that you have too much stuff. Or it might be the result of having young kids in the house who are usually not motivated to clean up after themselves.

Where is the best place to start when decluttering? ›

“If you don't know where to start, we recommend decluttering room-by-room! Start with the most high-traffic area in your home – probably the kitchen or family room – and go through the decluttering process of deciding what to keep, toss or donate.

What should I remove first when decluttering? ›

Simple Ways to Declutter Your Spaces​
  1. Start by removing trash.​
  2. Begin by choosing one small area to organize — like a drawer.​
  3. Sort items into three piles: Keep, donate and toss.​
  4. Find a specific home for everything you intend to keep — for example, a hook for your keys.​
Jan 15, 2021

How do you declutter without going crazy? ›

The only way to get through an entire house of decluttering without going crazy is to stay organized. Too many people waste time running from room to room trying to find a place for all of their things.

What is the 5 second rule for decluttering? ›

According to Robbins, you should make major decisions in under five seconds, actually counting down five, four, three, two, one. Your brain will know that at the end of that countdown, it has to make a choice; there's a sense of urgency to it. This will push you to make quick, efficient decisions.

How clean should your house be when you sell it? ›

Even if it's a little outdated, you can still impress buyers by ensuring it's spotless, shiny, and clean smelling. Clear the counters, too—fewer items on display makes the space look bigger than it is. Don't forget to clean the inside of the pantry, refrigerator, stove, oven, and dishwasher.

Do decluttered homes sell faster? ›

Decluttering helps sell homes faster and for a better price. One of the top reasons for a home not selling is clutter. Buyers want to visualize themselves in the home. If there is too much clutter, personal items, knick knacks, or mess, buyers will have a hard time seeing themselves living there.

Is it better to donate or sell when decluttering? ›

But if you do not need the money, just give your things away. Reselling your clutter adds time and energy, anxiety and frustration to the minimizing journey. But giving things away, especially to local charities whose values align with yours, brings a joy and fulfillment to your soul that money can never buy.

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