cleaning out the house: Trash Haulers and Hazardous Waste Collection - Clearing Out Your Cambridge House - Part VII - 08/26/09 02:43 PM
When you're selling your house you're usually required to leave it in broom clean condition and empty of all items and debris.  And empty means empty - that pile of stuff in the corner of the cellar? it's got to go. Those old bottles of weedkiller or cans of old paint?  You can't leave them.
Our possessions often seem to expand to fill whatever space is available. If you've lived in your house for a long time or if you're downsizing to a smaller home, there's a good chance that there's plenty of stuff you'd rather not bring with you.
In Cambridge we're lucky enough … (13 comments)

cleaning out the house: Cleaning Out Your Cambridge House - Part 6 - Where to Donate Furniture and More - 08/24/09 03:58 PM
Where To Donate Furniture and Household Goods in Massachusetts   The antique dealer's been through, your garage sale was rained out, family members have scooped their favorites - what to do with the rest of the furniture, books, dishes, clothes, and everything else that fills the house you're trying to empty?  Why not consider donating your unwanted goods to a local charity.
There are a number of charitable organizations in the Cambridge area that accept donations.  However this is not the way to rid yourself of items that aren't in good condition.  Each organization has guidelines regarding what they will accept and in what … (2 comments)

cleaning out the house: Clearing Out Your Cambridge House = Part V - Consignment Shops Near Cambridge - 08/22/09 02:02 PM
It's time to clear out your house - or perhaps grandma's. One way to earn some cash for your unwanted furniture and accessories it to call a consignment shop. There are a couple of really good furniture consignment shops near Cambridge.
Consignment shops take your items and pay you a portion of the sales price. Each shop has its own flavor - some look very much like antique shops, others have more of a mix of items - the old and the not so old.
Most consignment shops follow a schedule of price reductions. The longer your item is in the shop … (8 comments)

cleaning out the house: Appraisers, Auctions and Antique Dealers - Clearing Out Your Cambridge House - 08/16/09 05:25 PM
Selling your house often entails selling your stuff.  Whether you've just inherited a houseful of grandmother's treasures or you're a collector who's looking to downsize and won't have room for your collections in your new home - what are you going to do with all that stuff?
If you think there are antique or valuable items in the mix you may want to consider calling in an appraiser before you start pitching items or selling them for a pittance at a garage sale. It's always good to get an expert's opinion - you never know what might have value.
Many of the … (7 comments)

cleaning out the house: Cleaning Out Your Cambridge House - Sell Your Stuff To Sell Your House - 08/14/09 01:56 PM
Are you faced with cleaning our your Cambridge house? Looking to sell your stuff in an effort to sell your house?
Selling your home is often accompanied by the question "What are going to do with all this stuff?"  Your house will sell for top dollar when it looks its best - and that often means with less stuff.
And when it's more than thinning out a few closets, when you've got way to much to bring to the curb, what options are there to get rid of your stuff?  Cambridge, in fact, has cracked down on curbside trash pickup and the rules posted on the DPW's … (11 comments)