Home and Garden
How to Dispose of all your Unwanted Stuff!
By Tammy Costa
May 11, 2003, 16:17

In this increasingly fast-paced world many people are feeling the need to return to a more simplified way of living and getting organized is one step in that process.

So, you've gone through the grueling process of getting you're things organized and finding a home for all those items that you want to keep. Now, you ask yourself, "What do I do with all the stuff I don't want?" The following is a breakdown of some of the venues available when looking to dispose of unwanted items.

GENERAL DONATION - If you find that you have items such as clothes, blankets, shoes, toys, books, old computers and small furniture, the following would be appropriate venues to research.
* Local Church. In some communities churches now have drop boxes. If not, call ahead to ask what items they are currently collecting.
* Salvation Army. Visit www.1salvationarmy.org for more information on the donating process and what items they accept.
* United Way. Visit www.unitedway.org for more information on the donating process and what items they accept.
* Big Sister www.bigsister.org for your convenience, this organization will actually pick up your items.
* Local Homeless Shelter. Ask if they pick-up and if not ask for the nearest drop box.
* Local Library or Used BookStores are ideal for recycling or selling books in good condition.
* Dress for Success www.dressforsuccess.org. This program helps underprivileged women re-enter the work force by outfitting them appropriately for job interviews. Donations of women's business attire, shoes and accessories are accepted.
* Local Schools accept donations of paper, craft supplies and computers.
* Also visit http://microweb.com/pepsit scroll down to 'recycling'. You will find a directory of organizations that accept your computer equipment donation.

When donating to any of these organizations, always try to get a receipt for tax purposes.

RECYCLE - Now, I don?t mean recycle in the traditional sense. Before you donate an old piece of furniture, think of new ways you might be able to utilize it. For example, you could turn an old baby-changing table into a desk with a few minor adjustments. Be creative and think outside the box when trying to bring new life to an old piece of furniture.

Another way to recycle is to donate your unwanted items to a friend or family member. I personally get the most joy when I find someone who can really benefit from an item of mine that was serving no purpose to me but to add to the clutter.

CONSIGNING (Re-Sale Shops) - Discarding unwanted items through consignment creates the ability to get a return on your investment. The consignment shop will pay you a percentage of the sale price when the item sells. This procedure is ideal because you can bring the items to the consignment shop (thus eliminating the clutter in your home) and the shopkeeper will display, promote and sell your item for you.

When researching consignment shops call and ask the following questions:
1) What items do you accept?
2) Do you have special requirements? (i.e. condition of items)
3) Do you pay in advance for smaller items such as clothes, shoes, books, kids videos and small toys?
4) What is your consignment policy and procedures? (i.e. how long do you keep an item for sale on consignment?)

To locate a reputable consignment/re-sale shop in your area, check your local phone book or visit www.consignmentshops.com for a directory of shops in your area.

YARD SALES - Plan to have at least two yard sales a year. The spring and late summer are ideal times. Advertise with your local newspaper to maximize exposure and ask family and neighbors to participate to draw more interest.

The key to a successful yard sale is to plan ahead. Follow these simple, effective steps to increase your sales potential.

Sort like items. Clean items when necessary. Set up early. You don't want to miss those early birds. Research shows that the most sales are made within the first 2 hours. Tag items prior to yard sale with suggested price. Avoid creating a cluttered look by using inexpensive table cloths and spread items out so they can clearly be seen. Create curb appeal by placing larger items near the street. Use a large poster board to make an easy to read bulleted list of broad category items for sale such as Small Furniture, Toys, Electronic Equipment, Books, and Collectibles. This step will increase the chances of general street traffic stopping to peruse. After initial set-up, walk out to the street to see if the placement of sale items is visible and appealing. If not, adjust set-up accordingly. Bring a combination of quarters, $1 bills and $5 dollar bills equaling approximately $50. Never leave your moneybag unattended. Play easy listening music softly in the background and start noticing patrons lingering. Have a post-yard sale plan for those items that don?t sell (i.e. drop off at donation box, leave on the curb with a "Free" ign, etc.)

Bottom-line, enjoy the day, inevitably your cleaning out unwanted clutter and making a few dollars at the same time.

"FOR SALE" Classified Ads - When trying to discard large ticket items inexpensively, check out your communities free newspaper. Most of them have large circulation areas and many readers. These free newspapers often offer no-charge listings for "for sale" items. Also, research on-line options by searching for local websites that offer free for sale listings.

----------------------
ABOUT TAMMY COSTA
Tammy Costa is the founder of The Organized Consultant, a New England based Professional Organizer that specializes in residential, home office and small business organizing. Tammy is best known for her free quarterly newsletter, to subscribe simply send an e-mail to organizedconsultant@att.net or visit http://organizedconsultant.tripod.com for more information on her services.

© Copyright 2010 by MomsNetwork.com