Clear the Clutter, Keep the Good Stuff
Clutter has a sneaky way of migrating through a home. A few out-of-season sweaters in the closet, a drawer of duplicate kitchen gadgets, a garage shelf of tools you forgot you owned. It adds up, and it affects more than your floor space. Many people say clutter leaves them feeling anxious, frustrated, or guilty, and plenty of us have bought something twice because we couldn't find the first one.
Fall is a great time to tackle those long-ignored hot spots. But where should I start?
The Garage: Our garages tend to do triple duty as parking, workshop, and "someday" storage. Start with one shelf or one corner, and watch for duplicate tools and half-empty paint cans.
Closets: Many older homes were built with small closets or none at all, so out-of-season clothes and linens pile up fast. A simple seasonal swap helps, and so does asking whether each item has earned its space. Just ask Marie Kondo.
Flats, condos, and smaller spaces: In places like these, every square foot counts. Under-bed storage, entryway shoe piles, and a crowded pantry are the usual suspects.
Not sure where to begin? Pick one spot and keep it small. A single closet, a junk drawer, or one corner of the garage is plenty for a first weekend. Ask yourself honestly why you're keeping each item, and if you're stuck, make a "maybe” pile and come back to it later.
Give things a second life
Clothing, household goods, and small furniture are often welcome at Goodwill or Salvation Army, so check their current list before you load the car. If you have unused blankets and towels, SF SPCA will gladly accept those. Vietnam Veterans of America has been a recent favorite for donating clothing, and they’ll actually just pick it up from your house for free! The City's guide to donating unwanted items also lists other places that take gently used goods.
Let Recology handle the big and hazardous stuff
Residential customers in buildings of five units or fewer receive two curbside bulky item collections per year at no additional charge, with up to ten items per appointment. Plan ahead, since they ask that you call at least two weeks before you're ready to get rid of your items. You can schedule your pickup here.
If you have any paint cans or other hazardous waste, you can schedule a pickup by emailing a list of items to hhw@recology.com. You must be home for during the scheduled pickup time, but it usually doesn’t take very long.
Call in help if you need it
Professional organizers and haul-away services can make a big project feel manageable, and I'm happy to connect you with someone from my trusted network.
A note on donations and taxes
Some donations may have tax implications. For example, the IRS says Form 8283 must be attached to a return if you claim a total deduction of over $500 for all contributed property. The IRS noncash donations page is a good starting point. Keep your receipts, and talk with a tax professional to get your questions clarified.