The hierarchy of giving – can you relate?
Are you happy to throw unwanted items in a Salvos bin, or do you prefer to give them directly to a recipient?
Not everyone’s preferences for rehousing household items are the same, however I have noticed a common hierarchy of giving, in order from most preferred to least.
THE HIERARCHY OF GIVING
1. (Most preferred) Someone in your household
This can be a way of letting go without really letting go. Also it makes your purchase seem less like wasted money, and more like a gift. Furthermore, it’s nice to see someone you care about enjoy the item.
2. Someone in your community
A diluted version of above.
3. A targeted charity (homeless shelter, lost dogs home, etc)
Seems likely to be utilised, has a feel-good element.
4. A non-targeted charity (general op shop)
Keeps it out of landfill, at least in theory (a high percentage of donations don’t find another home).
5. A messy-looking unmanned charity bin
The fate of these items feels mysterious and ill-fated.
6. (Least preferred) Landfill
Nobody wants this, but in some cases your items are destined for the bin.
The above preferences are completely valid, but if perfectionism about where the item is going is holding you back, step back and look at the bigger picture.
You are trying to declutter, so make that the priority – especially if you are feeling overwhelmed.
Once your house is in order you can look at processes to ensure future discards are ‘perfectly’ (if there is such a thing) recycled and rehoused.
