It's March, the days are getting longer, and something in the air makes me think every year: time to tidy up. The Japanese call it "Oosouji," we call it spring cleaning. Whatever you call it -- it's the perfect time to part with things you no longer need.
But throwing them away? Not necessary. Most things gathering dust at your place can be put to good use by someone else. Here are some ideas for what you could give away right now.
Clothes You Haven't Worn in a Year
Let's start with the obvious. Open your wardrobe and look at every item. When did you last wear it? If the answer is "last summer" or even longer ago, that's probably not going to change.
I had shirts in my wardrobe for years that never really fit me. I always thought: I'll wear those someday. Someday never came. When I finally gave them away, someone was genuinely happy -- and I finally had space.
Especially in demand, by the way, are winter jackets (now that winter is over, few people think of them), business clothing, and children's items. The latter fly off the shelves because kids outgrow them so quickly.
Books You'll Never Read Again
Be honest: how many books are on your shelf that you read once and will never open again? For me, it was over fifty.
Letting go of books is hard for many people. It almost feels disrespectful to the knowledge inside them. But what good is a book collecting dust? In someone else's hands, it fulfills its purpose much better.
A friend of mine gave away his entire crime novel collection -- over a hundred books. A retired woman from the neighborhood got in touch and was overjoyed. That's surely better than the books rotting in a box in the basement.
Kitchen Appliances You Used Once
You know exactly what I'm talking about. The juicer you bought after your New Year's resolution. The ice cream maker that came out once and has been sitting in the cabinet ever since. The bread maker that became too complicated after two attempts.
These appliances work perfectly, they just don't fit your life. But they might be perfect for someone who actually drinks fresh-pressed juice every morning.
Last year, I gave away my raclette grill. Sounds odd in Switzerland, but I'm usually on my own and raclette for one is somehow sad. A family with three kids got in touch -- they now use it regularly.
Sports Equipment for Hobbies You've Given Up
This one gets personal. We've all had that phase where we were absolutely convinced that this time we'd really start jogging. Or yoga. Or climbing.
The running shoes you wore three times. The yoga mat you rediscovered during the move. The dumbbells serving as doorstops. All of that can go.
I know, it feels like admitting defeat. It's not. It's realism. And there are people out there who will actually use these things.
Electronics Cables and Chargers
Everyone has that drawer. The one with cables you no longer know what they belong to. USB cables in three different versions, chargers for phones you haven't owned in years.
It's worth sorting through here: what still works and is current? Almost everyone needs a USB-C cable. A charger for a Nokia 3310, not so much. Working cables and power adapters are often sought after -- the rest can go to electronics recycling.
Furniture That No Longer Fits Your Style
We change, and our taste changes with us. The KALLAX shelf that was perfect in the student flat might not fit the new apartment anymore. The colorful coffee table that was ironic back then just looks odd now.
That's okay. Things that no longer fit your life can find a second life elsewhere. Students and young people in particular are often grateful for furniture they couldn't afford new.
Toys and Children's Items
If you have kids -- or had ones who are now older -- you know the problem. Toys somehow multiply on their own. And suddenly you have three boxes full of Lego, Playmobil, and stuffed animals.
Children's items, by the way, are the category that disappeared the fastest when I started giving things away. Young parents are constantly looking because kids grow so quickly and toy preferences change every few months.
Decoration and Small Items
This one is tricky because you somehow get used to decorations. The vase that's been sitting on the shelf for five years. The candle holders that have never seen a candle. The framed posters from your university days.
Walk through your apartment and look consciously. What actually brings you joy? What is just there because it's always been there?
Less stuff also means less cleaning, less dusting, less mental load. That might sound a bit out there, but since I decluttered my apartment, I genuinely feel lighter.
How to Best Get Rid of the Stuff
Okay, you now have a box full of things you want to give away. What now?
The easiest way: make a post on PIKITUP. Photo, short description, location -- done. People near you see it and can pick it up. No shipping, no stress, no back-and-forth messaging.
For clothes, there are also Givebox locations in many cities. These are public cabinets where you can put things in and others can take them out. Anonymous and uncomplicated.
For larger quantities -- for example, after a proper decluttering session -- you can also consider offering everything at once. "Box of books," "carton full of kitchen stuff." Sometimes someone takes the whole lot and sorts through it themselves.
A Final Thought
Spring cleaning isn't just decluttering. It's also a moment of reflection. What do you really need? What have you accumulated even though it has no place in your life?
I do this every year now, and every year it gets easier. Not because I have less, but because I collect more consciously. Before I buy something, I ask myself: will I give this away in a year? If yes, I probably don't need it.
So, what are you waiting for? Spring is here, the sun is shining, and somewhere out there, someone is waiting for exactly what's gathering dust at your place.
What did you let go of during your last spring cleaning? Write to me at hello@pikitup.ch -- I'm curious.