Decluttering feels great — but the process can create a surprising amount of waste if we’re not mindful. Trash bags full of “stuff” often end up in landfills, even when many items could have been reused, recycled, or repurposed.
At Best Day Housecleaning, we believe a clean home shouldn’t come at the cost of a clean planet. Here’s how to declutter responsibly — making your home feel lighter and doing good for the environment at the same time.
♻️ Step 1: Start With Intention
Before diving into drawers and closets, take a few minutes to decide what “eco-friendly decluttering” means to you.
- Do you want to reduce waste overall?
- Support local charities?
- Minimize what you buy going forward?
A clear goal helps you make thoughtful decisions — not just quick tosses.
🏠 Step 2: Sort Into Four Smart Piles
When organizing, skip the classic “keep, toss, donate” trio and add one more: compost.
Here’s how to break it down:
- Keep: Items that serve a real purpose or bring you joy — and that you use regularly.
- Donate: Clean, functional items others could use (clothing, kitchenware, small furniture).
- Recycle: Paper, glass, metal, and certain plastics — just check local recycling rules.
- Compost: Food waste, yard waste, and certain paper goods can become valuable soil instead of garbage.
Pro Tip: Keep donation boxes and recycling bins handy as you work — it keeps momentum going and prevents a “pile of good intentions” later.
👕 Step 3: Donate Responsibly
Not everything is donation-ready. To make sure your generosity truly helps:
- Wash and fold clothing before donating.
- Avoid broken or heavily worn items.
- Match donations to the right place:
- Local shelters for clothing and blankets
- Community centers or schools for books and supplies
- Habitat for Humanity ReStores for furniture and building materials
If you’re in the Fox Valley area, check with nearby thrift stores and non-profits — many post updated lists of what they can accept.
🧴 Step 4: Recycle the Right Way
Recycling rules can vary by city or county, but here are some universal tips:
- Flatten cardboard boxes and remove tape when possible.
- Rinse containers to prevent contamination.
- Drop off specialty items (like batteries, electronics, or lightbulbs) at local collection sites.
- Skip wish-cycling: tossing non-recyclable items in the bin “hoping” they’ll get reused often causes more harm than good.
Pro Tip: Check your town’s recycling website or app — many now list what’s accepted right down to the item type.
🍎 Step 5: Compost for a Cleaner, Greener Home
Composting turns everyday waste into nutrient-rich soil. Even small efforts add up!
You can compost:
- Fruit and veggie scraps
- Coffee grounds and filters
- Eggshells
- Paper towels and napkins (if unbleached and food-safe)
- Yard waste
Avoid composting meat, dairy, or oily foods — they attract pests.
No yard? Try a countertop or balcony compost bin, or check if your town offers a community compost drop-off.
🧘 Step 6: Keep the Momentum Going
Decluttering isn’t a one-time event — it’s a mindset. Once you’ve simplified your space:
- Be intentional about what comes in (shop less, choose reusable items).
- Schedule seasonal mini-declutters before each big cleaning.
- Store items by use — what you need most often stays most accessible.
By doing this, your home stays naturally organized — and your cleaning routines become easier, faster, and more rewarding.
💚 The Best Day Way: Clean Home, Clear Conscience
At Best Day Housecleaning, we care about more than spotless counters — we care about the health of your home, your family, and the planet. That’s why we use eco-friendly, fragrance-free cleaning products and support mindful home care practices that reduce waste and create calm, healthy spaces.
When your home feels lighter, so do you — and when we all do our part, the whole community benefits.
Ready for a Fresh, Eco-Friendly Start?
Let’s help you declutter, clean, and breathe easier — sustainably.
📞 Contact us today or visit www.bestdayhousecleaning.com to schedule your next cleaning with a company that’s as eco-conscious as you are.
About The Author
Best Day Housecleaning has been serving the Fox Valley area since 2023. We service Geneva, North Aurora, South Elgin, West Chicago, Batavia, Elburn, and St. Charles, IL. Along with offering top-rate maid service trusted by families for exceptional cleaning, we also offer a range of services including recurring cleaning, deep cleaning, and move-in/move-out cleaning, all performed by our highly trained and trustworthy team of Cleaning VIPs. All of our Cleaning VIPs are insured, bonded, and background checked. We use eco-friendly products to ensure your home is transformed into a spotless sanctuary with a personalized approach and attention to detail that exceeds expectations.
Give us a call at 630-463-9041 or send us an email to happy@bestdayhousecleaning.com to get started!
