Comments on: Answering Your Decluttering Questions

By: Debby

Debby — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 14:07:38 +0000

I belong to a local Facebook group where we post things to give away and things we are looking for. No money or bartering allowed. It’s a wonderful way to find a good home for things others may need or want. Also check out Freecycle.

By: Virginia

Virginia — Sat, 06 May 2017 21:11:50 +0000

I have a lovely retired neighbor whose mission is to find a useful home for every kind of unwanted item through organizations who give things away to those truly in need who will use them. She has connections with dozens of non-profits and mission minded organizations throughout the Denver Metro area. As we recently did a major declutter in preparation for a move, I was amazed at all the different types of things for which she had found a specific donation outlet. Everything from electronics to jewelry to professional clothing to sporting equipment. I, too, feel better about giving nice things to those who truly need them as opposed to just donating to a thrift store. If you live in the Denver area, I can try and point you in the right direction for specific donations. Otherwise you might try a philanthropy minded club in your local area (Optimists, Rotary, etc) or a local mission/homeless shelter for additional possibilities.

By: EcoCatLady

EcoCatLady — Fri, 05 May 2017 19:35:53 +0000

I love your suggestions, Eliza. And here are my thoughts…

From my perspective the fear that people won’t treasure and respect the stuff is a bit misplaced – but that may be because I sort of have the opposite problem. I tend to be a bit of a “bottom feeder” when it comes to stuff. I don’t generally buy things new, and I tend to use them WAY longer and more thoroughly than your average bear would. So by the time I’m ready to part with something, most people would be ready to consider it garbage.

Anyhow, I guess the point is that when you let go of something, you have to really let go. And worrying over its fate (whether it’s worrying that someone won’t treasure something nice or worrying that no one will see the value in something that’s isn’t so nice) means that you haven’t really let go. Beyond a reasonable “due diligence” there really isn’t much you can do to control what someone else does or feels about your stuff.

I constantly have to remind myself that the time to worry about the fate of an object is before you bring it into your life, not when you’re letting go of it.

Not sure if that helps or not, but that’s my take.

By: Catherine Gordon

Catherine Gordon — Fri, 05 May 2017 08:45:13 +0000

It’s great that Leah is letting go and doing so mindfully but I understand the dilemma! I’d suggest a couple more ideas. Would local primary schools be interested in any of the objects? If any of the items have come from Leah’s travels, for example, she may have things that schools could use in project work.

Here in the heart of England, we also have a thriving Facebook group: Things for Sale in Kenilworth. The group has over 14,000 members and is a good place for passing on unwanted items (some for free; others for a small cost to the buyer).

Hope this helps!