Clutter

Moving is always a surreal time in anyone’s life. Taking wall hangings down, looking through old photographs, boxing up clothes and books–mostly looking at the person who built up this space who is now the person tearing it down.

If the builder is anything like my past self, probably a lot of junk has piled up; and if the de-constructor is any think like the current me, just throwing everything that is not needed seems a tad wasteful.

Here’s a few ways to get rid of the things that only take up space in life:

Clothes:

Looking through the closets or dresser to find those clothes that haven’t been worn in ages.  A good way to find out which clothes these are is to hang up all the clothes with the hangers facing outwards. When you wear those clothes put them back with the hangers facing inwards. At the end of a set period (say 6 months) take out any outwards facing hangers and get rid of those clothes.

There might be a re-sale shop that will pay for semi-decent worn clothes in cash, but there are not many to chose from or are far away. The best way to easily get clothes off your hands is to donate your clothes to Goodwill or the Salvation Army. Though money is not exchanged for clothes, but instead tax write-offs, plus sometimes these organizations will pick up the clothes at home, if not they will have a location close to drop off in a bin.

 

Electronics:

With constant tech upgrades and re-vamped software/hardware flooding the market every couple of weeks, having to many electronic devices around the house is become an increasing problem. Don’t fret, and gather up the outdated machines while contacting the World Computer Exchange. This organization is working to give donated electronics to schools, community centers and children around the world in order to help poor countries connect to the rest of the world.

If the junk is more of the style of old cell phones and accessories try Cell Phones for Soldiers, where donating old phones can help soldiers serving over seas call there families and loved ones. Also many service providers will take old phones and accessories for discounted prices on new cell phones.

 

Furniture:

Besides using the road side to give away old furniture try contacting the good people at Furniture Banks, they give fixed and refurnished furniture to less fortunate families.  Also try warehouse size thrift stores, they will either pay for the furniture or again offer a tax write-off.

 

Selling:

The old model of the classic yard sale still works, though without help, it can take up a lot of time and energy. But thanks to the modern world, people can sell their old junk for cash…over the internet. Ebay, Criagslist and Amazon are the most popular to use, but sometimes dealing with strangers can cause headaches. Try using social media such as Facebook which have apps items posted to sell are seen by family, friends or friends of friends.

Selling locally is easier and has less hassle. Sites such as Buy Sell Community and Buy My Stuff, help find other people who are looking for what you are selling.

 

Don’t forget about family or friends. Little cousins, nephews, or younger siblings are a great way to pass down old clothes, toys and junk. Just spread the word about getting rid of old things and wait, no body can resist free things.