A sure sign that a house is soon to go on the market is the frenzied fix-up activity just before the for sale sign goes in the ground.  Mounds of often usable items end up in the curbside trash, when with a slight bit of effort it can be put to good use. Not an attractive site in a neighborhood where other homes are on the market.

Sometimes that activity is contagious and spreads to nearby neighbors.  I've seen the remodeling fever catch on as soon as an open house has been held.  Neighbors with the same model are inspired to upgrade their homes. When I see this happening I try to spread the word about ReStore, the Habitat for Humanity's resale warehouse for appliances, architectural elements, building supplies, cabinets, paint and more.  When I do a staging consult and see that a homeowner has a stash of wood, moldings, doors and assorted hardware that we both know won't be used and certainly not moved, I suggest donating the things to ReStore.

Each ReStore location is different and at any given time they may not accept certain items because of overstock or the condition of the item.  Cabinets that are in bad shape won't be taken, but the doors may be accepted if they are in good condition.  I once had a homeowner who had been quite a handyman and had unopened boxes of screws, nails and other hardware.  In less than an hour the workroom was cleared by at least half and the things were picked up in just a few days. The organizing part of staging was done!  When he realized that his collection was going to be put to good use and not go to waste he was all for donating them.

Now what to do with the things ReStore can't or won't take?  There are groups like Christmas in July and other volunteer organizations that may be local to you who would love to have your donations.  Theatre groups can often use wood, hardware and tools.  Freecycle is another option.

Garden tools and equipment, sporting goods and other items that are often stored for years and seldom used  are often needed by organizations, too.  Freecyle to the rescue here too.

"Green" alternatives are preferable to contributing to the landfill.  I include information about donating to local organizations in my home staging consultatons and urge all of you to do the same.  If any of you have more ideas please share them, and if there is a post on Active Rain that I haven't seen that addresses this please let me know.