Sorting through your stuff to get rid of everything you do not need before you move is a huge blessing on the other side as you unpack. I keep coming back to this because it is a big deal! It might sound like a daunting task, but it is much better to get it done before the movers pack your stuff. Nothing is worse then finding six year old nasty spices stuffed into a box when you are unpacking on the other end. So as I’ve mentioned, for every area or room you sort through you will have a bag of trash (or 6), a stack of stuff to put away, and a stack of stuff to give away. How are you going to get rid of all that stuff?
Donate your Smaller Stuff
If you are giving away a bag of clothes, a small appliance or two, or a couple of toys, using the local thrift store works out well. Just throw it all in your trunk and drop it off the next time you are nearby. Make sure you check and see if they have specific drop off times! If you have books to give away, why not trade them at your local used bookstore instead? Most used bookstores will give a store credit for gently used books.
However, if you are giving away something like a patio table with six chairs dragging it to your local thrift store is difficult. You could schedule a pick up for large items if you wanted. I prefer to Freecycle.
How Freecycle Works
Freecycle is a wonderful organization that arranges to bring people who have stuff together with people who need stuff. You sign up for the group in your local area through e-mail using the website linked above. Every day, people send out emails offering their various extra stuff. Those who want the item then respond through email, and a time is arranged for pick up. On the consumer end, I have brought home some wonderful pots and pans, some clothing, some shoes, even a flower pot or two.
What to Give Away
I have been able to give away clothing, books, appliances, boxes (empty moving boxes!), shoes, and many other random things that were cluttering up my house. This morning I offered up the patio table with six chairs and by lunch someone had agreed to come and get it. In fact, it is already gone. What a relief to have that over and done with since it will not fit at our new home.
Freecycle is a wonderful way to go green. Did you know that many Salvation Army stores won’t even take toys? Most people end up just tossing all that plastic in the landfill. The simple solution is to Freecycle them! Anything that is too good to throw away will probably be taken by someone on Freecycle. It’s fast, it’s easy, and you will be helping take care of our planet at the same time.
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