Author: Tammy Doss
When you think of clearing out things from your Home, Office or Home Office keep in mind that one person’s junk is another person’s treasure. There are so many re-usable items that may be something a friend, colleague or family member would be able to use. Think outside the box and here are some ideas to get you started.
Linens – There are multitudes of uses for old linens. If you have an old spotted rug, blanket or mismatched towels give them a good wash and consider donating them to your local SPCA, Zoo or Animal Shelter in your area. The staff and animals will appreciate the donation.
Old furniture, desks, chairs and filing cabinets can be used for most businesses and for start-ups they may just need a back office set up that doesn’t have to be fancy just to get their business up and running. Consider posting an ad in the local newspaper and offer the items for FREE. This will save you time and effort and/or a dump run if someone picks them up. Place the items outside at the curb with a sign on the items and you won’t even be bothered.
Out of date toner cartridges. Most office supply stores will allow you to return them within a reasonable time. However, if you find old cartridges that you no longer need or do not fit your current printer, take them to Staples and they will give you a small refund of $5.00 just to recycle them. It’s better for the environment to have them recycled than to just toss them in the trash.
Office supplies that you are not using can be cumbersome. Consider contacting a local business or school and ask if they would like the items. Old letterhead stationery is a perfect donation to a school. Small children always need paper for art projects, scissor practice and coloring. If you know a teacher check with them because it would be a shame to not pass along this gift. Simply cut off the top of the sheets if you don’t want your information shared.
Old calculators, clocks and computers. Many people have cell phones, a Kindle and/or laptop computers however, you would be surprised at those that do not. A great place to donate these items is a retirement community who can use them for and with the seniors or a children’s center. Becoming familiar with the basics can be daunting for some, so having an older version to start with may be just the ticket.
Baskets and boxes are supposed to be helpful with the clutter. How many do you have, holding old items you are never going to use again? If you haven’t looked through them in 6 months you should seriously consider tossing the contents and donating the baskets and boxes to an organization that can use them or re-purpose them. Consider filling them with books or magazines and donating to a Men’s or Women’s shelter. Otherwise, they take up space and collect dust.
The important thing is to simply look around. Do you really need all that stuff? Sometimes it is as simple as mentioning you are clearing out a bunch of items from your home or office and people either say “What are you getting rid of?” or “I need to do that also!” Either way you win because those that want your junk are welcome to it and the others may be motivated to follow your lead. It’s a win, win situation.
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