Navigating Decluttering, Death-Cleaning and Downsizing in Australia

Commentators and columnists note that many Australians are confronting the task of paring down possessions—whether to manage the accumulation that comes with small children, to downsize after a move, or to handle a deceased estate. A survey commissioned by insurance company Choosi found that about one in three Australians cannot tolerate the amount of stuff in their homes. Another study reported that approximately 84 % of Australians own garments they have not worn in the past year, highlighting the scale of unused personal items.

The Guardian

Julie Whiting, founder of The Decluttering Co, explains that “In consumer society it’s very easy to acquire, but a lot of people find it difficult to get rid of things.”

The Guardian

Professional organiser Susanne Thiebe of Less Mess advises starting with the most irritating area, then sorting items into four piles: keep, donate, recycle, discard. For furniture, designer-woodworker Ashley Eriksmoen suggests modifying existing pieces rather than discarding them, emphasizing a “caretaking stewardship mentality.” Local repair cafés, tool libraries, council recycling depots and retailer take-back schemes can handle items that charities reject, such as books, e-waste and chemicals.

The Guardian

Dr Melissa Norberg, director of the Behavioural Science Laboratory at Macquarie University, points out that acquiring goods provides a fleeting boost, prompting further purchases.

The Guardian

• “In consumer society it’s very easy to acquire, but a lot of people find it difficult to get rid of things,” — Julie Whiting, founder of The Decluttering Co

The Guardian

• “The decluttering process can be quite energy and time-consuming, and it does make people think twice about buying that stuff,” — Julie Whiting, founder of The Decluttering Co

The Guardian

• “Everything in our house, someone will have to make a decision on at some stage, and if it’s not us, it’ll be our loved ones.” — Overconsumption

The Guardian