The first time I sold a house (way back in 1975) I took the advice of my Realtor and cleared out all of the unused and unwanted items. It was great advice, my home sold quickly and we got lots of comments about how clean our house looked. Back then we just cleaned out and shipped everything off to the landfill. I have since sold several more homes and repeated the cleaning process. The difference is that I have accumulated a group of resources for disposing of items that someone else might be able to use.
Sometimes people move first and then realize they don't want everything they brought with them. So Newcomers Welcome Service includes information in our free Welcome Packet about recycling usable items. Here are some of my favorite places:
ReUse Center. Part of Recycle Ann Arbor, this store is terrific. They accept donations of household and building items (not clothing). It's also a fun place to rummage around for items you want to buy. In my house, I have a toaster ($2.), a rice cooker ($5.), a waffle iron ($2.) and a Total Gym ($15) that I found while shopping there. They are located at 2420 S. Industrial Hwy, 734-222-7880. You can check them out on the web at www.recycleannarbor.org. Donations are tax deductible.
Children's Orchard. For kids clothes, toys, and equipment you can't beat this store. Take in items that have been outgrown. They will buy what they can resell in the store and you can donate the rest to either the Salvation Army or Washtenaw County Support & Treatment Services (they have a location at Kaiser School in the Willow Run School district where folks in need can get children and adult clothing free of charge) What a deal, get a little money and make a charitable donation at the same location! Shopping there is fun, too. I buy lots of clothes for my nieces and nephews and the prices are great. They are located at 887 Eisenhower, 734-995-8889. Check them out on the web at www.childrensorchard.com. You can get a tax receipt for items that you donate. Check with the store for details.
Purple Heart. For clothing, books, small household items. I love this group because they come to your house and pick up. You can request a pick up from their website- http://www.purpleheartpickup.org/. Since I started donating they call several days before they are going to have a truck in the area. I clean out an area of the house and leave the items out on their pick up day. Very convenient. Donations are tax deductible.
I Sold It On eBay. For collectible and higher value items, I drop these off at the I Sold It On eBay store. They take the pictures, post the items, collect the funds, and mail a check. Very easy. They are located at 889B W. Eisenhower Pkwy, 734-761-6187. Check them out on the web at www.isolditannarbor.com.
Comments(2)