I have been speaking to a number of people who are moving abroad, down-sizing, creating space for someone who is going to live with them, going through the things of someone who has passed away or simply striving to be more minimal. The thing they all have in common is they feel overwhelmed about what to do with the items that they no longer need or want.
The main issues were:-
- I can’t possibly take all these things to someone who wants them as I don’t drive or I can’t carry them
- I don’t want to throw it away
- I don’t think anyone would pay for it
- I need it re-homed ASAP
- I don’t know where to dispose of it
- I want it to go to someone who wants it and will use it
Here are some great solutions to the points mentioned above.
Donate to a shop that raises money for charity
If it is too big for you to take, ask them to collect it.
You and the neighbours could gather things together and make it really worth their while, especially if they only come out for large collections.
Some examples of places that collect donations are:-
Do you have things that need to be disposed of?
Some stores collect things that need to be thrown away. They raise funds for their cause by recycling them. This way, you remove your ‘rubbish’, someone raises money for a good cause, the item is disposed of correctly and you have less to manage.
Free collections of bulky items
Residents in Harrow can book one free collection of up to four items each calendar year.
If you have more items, you can pay a fee for them to be taken away or book an extra collection. If you don’t live in Harrow, it’s worth checking what is offered by the borough that you live in.
Do you want to give your things to someone who will use them yourself?
Try Freecycle where interested parties will come and collect the items from you.
Another equally great option is the Freebies section of Gumtree.
I’ve used both of these methods to give away plastic plant pots, cardboard boxes and bubble wrap too.
What you can do with spare bedding.
If you have duvets or blankets; why not give them to someone who sleeps on the street?
If you know of a place where you usually see someone sleeping rough; you can give it to them or give it to a charity that may go and distribute items to those who need them e.g. Trinity Homeless Projects
What about electrical items?
If you have electrical items to donate, contact any of the following to check if they’ll accept what you no longer need.
Charities that accept a variety of itemsÂ
There are ways to filter what you’re looking for.
There’s a website called Reuse Network, through which you can find a place that will accept domestic furniture, electrical appliances, office furniture, IT equipment, paint, textiles, bicycles, flooring/carpets, bric-a-brac and books.
I’d love to hear about how this works for you if you use any of these options, so do get in touch.
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