When it comes to decluttering craft and hobby clutter, it may be difficult to let go. Because you’ve invested time, money and energy in your craft or hobby, it’s hard to see the supplies as clutter.
Note: This article on decluttering craft and hobby clutter is written by contributing writer, Tammy Strobel.
Roughly ten years ago, knitting was my favorite hobby. At the time, we lived in Portland, OR in a very tiny house. The local yarn store became a favorite place because I loved looking at colorful yarns and needles. It would have been easy for me to acquire way too much yarn (and beautiful needles). However, living in a tiny house meant that I didn’t have a lot of space to stockpile knitting supplies; that was a good thing. I didn’t want to deal with decluttering craft and hobby clutter.
One of my favorite parts of knitting was connecting with friends. For example, I biked to a local shop each week and spent a few hours knitting with a fellow group of makers. It was such a fun time! I learned to knit hats, scarves, baby blankets, and I even made a large blanket for a standard sized bed. After I finished making my big blanket, I decided to take a tiny break from knitting. My short break turned into 6 months. Since I wasn’t actively engaged in knitting, I decided to give my knitting supplies to a friend.
Letting go of old hobbies – and the stuff that’s paired with each craft or hobby – is a freeing process. For instance, letting go of knitting gave me the opportunity to declutter my little house and explore new interests like bike camping. Below are tips that have helped me let go of hobby clutter. I hope they help you, too!
Decluttering craft and hobby clutter
1. Journal about your hobbies
Journaling about your hobbies can serve as a powerful tool for letting go. Here are some effective writing prompts that have helped me:
- Why do you want to release this hobby?
- Do you want to create space to start something new, or will this help you simplify your life?
- What do you want to learn through this process?
2. Get your hobbies out into the open
Gather your hobby supplies and put them into one location like on your bed or the living room floor. Then assess your stuff. As you sort through your hobbies, consider these questions:
- Do these hobbies – and the stuff associated with them – bring value to your life?
- When was the last time you used your hobby supplies?
- Does your hobby still align with your interests and values?
Keep your journal handy so that you can take notes.
3. Sort hobby stuff into categories
Once you have everything out in the open, it’s time to start sorting your hobby clutter. Put your hobby stuff into piles like keep, donate, sell, or discard. Categorizing your stuff will help make the process manageable.
Next, find a home for the things you want to keep. Then you can put other hobby stuff into bags and boxes to be donated, sold, or discarded.
4. Use the KonMari method
If you can’t decide what to keep, try the KonMari Method. Marie Kondo encourages folks to only keep items that “spark joy.” She says, “Tidying is about looking forward, so devote your energy into choosing objects that spark joy for you.”
Here’s how:
- “Pick up each item one at a time.
- Ask yourself if it sparks joy – you should feel a little thrill, as if the cells in your body are slowly rising.
- If it does, keep it!
- If it doesn’t, let it go with gratitude.”
I love this method because it’s so simple!
5. Donate your craft and hobby clutter to a good cause
Francine Jay, author of The Joy of Less and Lightly, writes about how it’s easier to donate one’s stuff when it goes to a good cause. “Something that’s been sitting in your house, unused and unloved, may bring a great deal of joy to, or fill the genuine need of, someone else. Make their day, and give yourself a pat on the back. Knowing that you’re doing good can make it much easier to part with your stuff,” says Jay.
She inspired us to create Where To Donate Stuff: The Ultimate Guide. I hope the guide will encourage you to donate your hobby stuff to a good cause. It’s also a helpful resource for folks who are interested in donating stuff but may not know where to start.
6. Do a hobby swap with friends
Why not propose a hobby swap to a friend? Your craft and hobby clutter may be a welcome addition for a friend. For instance, you can share your unused hobby supplies, like yarn and knitting needles, an old watercolor set, or a collection of puzzles with a friend. In return, your friend can reciprocate by offering their own neglected supplies. It’s a fantastic way to breathe new life into old hobbies!
7. Create a designated space for your hobby stuff
My favorite part of this process is setting up a specific home for my hobby stuff. For example, I have a small box in my closet that is dedicated to my hobbies (like letter writing and art journaling). The box is placed in a location that I see frequently, and it’s easily accessible. Keep this in mind as you organize your hobby stuff. If you can see your stuff, you’re more likely to use it daily.
Bonus Tip: “Do the thing you most want to do.”
Author Elizabeth Gilbert said, “You have to stop doing things you want to do so you can do the thing you most want to do.” This idea can be applied to many areas of life, like hobbies. Letting go of old hobby clutter is a wonderful way to make room for new activities that you want to spend time on.
Resources
Looking for more resources to inspire you to let go of your craft and hobby clutter? Explore the resource list below:
Articles
Where To Donate Stuff: The Ultimate Guide
75 Things To Declutter And Let Go Of This Year
Transform Your Home with the 30-Day Declutter Challenge
Podcast
Starting New Hobbies (as an adult)
Books
Project 333 and Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver
The Joy of Less and Lightly by Francine Jay