(Photo Illustration – MetroCreative)
Since mid-spring, brightly colored, hand-painted signs have been popping up across the Mid-Ohio Valley advertising sales where one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Call them yard sales, garage sales or “big, multi-family, can’t miss it!” sales, but they’re also a sign of the season and a desire for many people to declutter and tidy responsibly.
What has become a weekend tradition for families and groups of friends is also an opportunity for those decluttering their homes to get rid of excess rather than throw it away — the top step of selling, donating, recycling and throwing out.
As I drove by, a local family caught my eye. Their sign cleverly featured snippets of Disney hits that had me singing along all day. (I wish there was a sign a few feet down the road that said, “Want some? We have 20 of them!” But I can’t complain about the effort. I’ll stop by again.)
I know a lot of people have the habit of periodically clearing out things in their homes that are just taking up space. I’m not one of those people, but every year I find myself thinking that if I could just get rid of a few things I could have a huge sale.
I was told to start with my book, and the person there knew exactly what kind of response I would get. I’m not going to start with my book. In fact, I might get a few more this weekend.
But for those of us who can let go regularly (more Disney!), it’s encouraging to think about our options: Very little has to be thrown away.
If you don’t want to sell them, there are plenty of local organizations that will put your donated items to good use, but it’s a good idea to call ahead if you have a lot of stuff. Also, don’t donate items that aren’t in good condition; giving away broken junk isn’t helping anyone.
The Salvation Army, ARC of the Mid-Ohio Valley, Habitat for Humanity Restore, Goodwill, and even local churches (especially if you’re able to part with books) are happy to accept items that can actually be resold or that will be useful to their customers.
There are plenty of local recycling centers and companies (public and private) that will help you with everything from cardboard to scrap metal, and no one will mind if you fill the back of your SUV with the plastic cleaners and cat litter containers that have accumulated over six months (I’m sure it’s because of another cat), drive to the Wood County Recycling Center, and toss them in the neatly labeled bins.
Think about this process in terms of whether the items your family has outgrown are best suited for the individual or family who has reached that stage, and whether you would be comfortable identifying yourself as the person who donated the items.
If the thought of someone picking up and considering your stained, torn, or too-small T-shirt puts you off, go for the option of recycling or throwing it away.
Don’t throw it away until you consider recycling it. (Even clothing can be recycled.)
And if you have no other choice, be sure to dispose of it properly — this may require contacting a cleaning company to find out how to dispose of it, but do so.
In case you haven’t noticed, I’m here giving myself a little pep talk: I’m going to clear up some of this chaos this year. Really. Maybe…
The delay in reading comes from finding a long lost book and tucking it away in a corner surrounded by other books. But I’ll get there someday. Those things won’t be part of my world forever. (Sorry, couldn’t resist.)
Christina Meyer is editor-in-chief of the Parkersburg News & Sentinel. Email her at cmyer@newsandsentinel.com.
Get the latest news from the day and more delivered to your inbox
