Garage bursting at the seams? No more room in your closets? Sounds like you have too much "stuff". Below are some options to clean out your clutter without sending it all to the landfill...
DONATE: Donate your unwanted possessions to neighbors, the Salvation Army, charity, or a local Goodwill or thrift store. Many local churches have charitable outreach programs and will get your donated items to those who need them most. Or you can try www.freecycle.org. Join a local group, post a notice about the item you want to give away, and the people in need will contact you directly.
SELL: You can sell your unwanted things in a garage sale, online auction sites like eBay, and on Craigslist. Some of these sites don't require any fees to post. If your things are in good condition, take it to a consignment center and they will do the selling for you. But remember, if your stuff doesn't sell be prepared to donate it rather than put it back in your home.
TOSS: Yes, just throw it out. As long as you do it with care, there is nothing wrong with disposing things. Opt first to recycle. Much of your "stuff" probably is recyclable. Check disposal rules with your city for chemical clutter as there are dangers associated with improper disposal. Yours might offer a hazardous material collection day. Finally, go to www.mygreenelectronics.org for advice on how to get rid of outdated electronics which may pose environmental threats.
Your house will feel cleaner and more spacious once you get rid of your extra stuff. And if you do it in the next few months you will enter the new year with a clear mind--and closet.
Thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
Best regards,
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors
