Alright. You’ve started organizing that space that’s been driving you nuts for…well…years. In fact, you’ve sorted through the piles of <insert clothes, paper, toys, electronics, furniture…whatever!> and thrown away the obvious things that are soiled, broken, cracked, and outdated. Congratulations! That’s a lot of hard work, mentally and physically! But now that you look around sipping on your beverage of choice you realize there’s still a lot of stuff that is useful and valuable to someone…just not you. So, what do you do with it? The good news is that there are actually quite a few options! Here are a few ideas, but you might have a host of other resources available to you as well. A bit of online research will go a long way to finding the best one for you.
Hazardous Waste (Chemical &/or Electronic):
Let’s start with the category that scares people the most – hazardous waste. While things like paint, old computers and lawn chemicals do require a bit of extra attention, they needn’t be a roadblock to clearing out what you no longer use or need. Most municipalities now offer facilities and/or events to handle this type of waste. To find out what is available near you, reach out to your city’s trash/transfer/recycling department. They can direct you to the appropriate drop-off locations and/or inform you of periodic events, like dedicated electronic recycling or chemical disposal days. For electronic recycling, many ‘big box’ electronics stores are also a good bet. They will often first evaluate the items for any residual value and handle the recycling for you.
Construction Materials:
Sometimes that shard of sheetrock or leftover insulation might simply be a loss and need to be relegated to the municipal trash/transfer station. You might also offer tools, nails and/or equipment to your handyman, painter, landscaper, etc. It might be just what they need and will be valued by them. Let’s face it! This stuff can be expensive! However, don’t be dismayed if it’s not their ‘cup of tea.’ They might not need it, and it would simply be an inventory problem for THEM. Another option is to reach out to foundations like Habitat for Humanity. You might have to drop off at a location or schedule a pick-up, but sometimes this works out well for everyone.
Clothing & Housewares:
What about the bone china set you inherited from your great aunt? It’s missing a few of the saucers and one of the plates is chipped, but many of the pieces are in good condition and you hear the pattern is now in vintage vogue. You also have a pile of sweaters, tops, pants and handbags that still have some life in them. (Well, hopefully, not too much life!) While Goodwill is always a good option (shout out to my local friends here!), there are also thrift shops, consignment stores and vintage retailers that might be worth a try.
Books:
You’ve read and re-read your favorites, but there are boxes of books that have informed your world view but are no longer a reference to which you wish to return. Often your local library is a good place to start. In fact, many libraries will take book donations to shore up their own collections and/or resell to fund community library programs. If that’s not an option where you live, Goodwill will gladly take books as well. If textbooks are part of the discard box, consider online resources like Sell Back Your Book. It might put a bit of money in your pocket and a less expensive textbook in the hands of another.
Furniture/Art:
This category can be a bit challenging, especially if you are still a bit attached to pieces for sentimental reasons or otherwise AND remember the value of them. You know they are valuable, and you want others to recognize that as well. And a local art/antique expert or online buyer might! But, if not, don’t abandon the idea of removing them from your home or business if they no longer serve you. Donating these items does not take away their true value. They might be just the thing that will bring joy to someone else!
CAUTION:
One word of caution here when you are considering how best to remove your ‘stuff’… Your first inclination might be to become a semi-professional online consignor via Facebook Marketplace, Mercari, or PoshMark®. In some cases this is perfectly appropriate, such as with valuable art, antiques and ‘black label’ clothing, shoes and handbags. However, consider the time, energy and potential return this strategy will require. Besides listing the items with specifications and pictures, you will need to monitor the listings, respond to inquiries, adjust pricing and arrange for pick-up or delivery. These are all manageable activities, but the truth is that they require a fair amount of time and energy. If the return (after negotiations and delivery/online site fees) still feels compelling, then, by all means go for it!
O.k., don’t give up now! Remember why you started this organizing project in the first place and envision the space you’ll have to create the life you want to live now. You’ve got this!
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