So you’ve been very productive whilst being home during isolation for COVID-19. You’ve been through all your cupboards, drawers, shelves and containers and you feel a little bit more in control of your environment. But now, all your normal donation points are closed. Now what? Try these options to allow you to move on to your next task at home.
Schedule a donation drop off diary
Put the unwanted items in a tub or box and placed them in the shed or garage or under your bed (somewhere out of your way) for the time being. Put a reminder in your phone or paper diary/calendar to drop off items when we are able to get out and about more.
Ask a friend
Ask a friend if they would like the items. Please don’t just dump them on their doorstop Send photos to your friend and ask them if they would like it. If they say yes, arrange a drop off of the items. If no, try some of these other suggestions.
Change your perspective
Can you change your perspective on the item? Do you really need to get rid of it? Can you continue to use it and not get rid of it after all?
Upcycle
Can you change the way it used for? Use it for something else? Or remodel into something completely different.
Recently my Son and I turned his old unicorn onsie into a cushion (pic above with his friend).
Pop over to Pinterest and search “upcycle furniture” “upcycle clothes” “upcycle crafts” for many, many ideas to repurpose your unwanted stuff.
Sell the items on Gumtree, Ebay
Sometimes it’s not worth the hassle (or time involved) to sell items online. But since we have time on our hands and people are looking out for different items at the moment (I heard the price of second hand home gyms has gone through the roof), it’s probably worth taking a few photos, creating an engaging description for the item and posting online. Let me know how you go.
Check out The Freecycle Network
The Freecycle Network (freecycle.org) is a site you can post your stuff for people to take for free. The website says ” It’s a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (and getting) stuff for free in their own towns and neighborhoods. It’s all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills. Each local group is moderated by local volunteers (them’s good people). Membership is free. To sign up, find your community by entering it into the search box above or by clicking on ‘Browse Groups’ above the search box”.
Have you got suggestions?
I’d love to add other ideas to this blog. Please reach out to me at info@spaceandtime.com.au if you have managed to get stuff decluttered and out of the house during this isolation period.
Next steps?
Use the above suggestion to pass on your unwanted stuff, or rethink how you use it, or keep it after all.
Need help?
Julie Cliff at Space and Time helps busy working mothers live easier, far less stressful lives through simple, easy to implement organising systems to clear the clutter – both mentally and physically. You can book a hands on consultation with Julie here, or check out more organising tips on Facebook.