Having recently gone through this myself ( http://theartofzenliving.com/2.....-of-stuff/ ) I’m not sure I’d recommend freecycle unless it’s something that you can’t donate directly. It adds to your work load (fielding calls and e-mails), stress level (see previous) and in the end, doesn’t accomplish anything that calling Goodwill or The Salvation Army or any of a number of other organization would. Freecycle would be fine for anything that the charities can’t or won’t accept.
Posted by Dee - 04/19/2008
A recent post on getting rid of maternity stuff inspired me to take a hard look at why I am holding onto my baby and maternity wear. .. emotional clutter was the answer. Sooo - I started a project on getting it under control and decided that I wanted to get rid of it. My three options were freecycle, charity, or consignment shop. I opted for charity but I didn’t want it going to Salvation Army or another place that was going to simply sell it. Because its emotional for me to part with these items I decided to research a little and find a recipient that was truly in need. Calling my local Wheat office was the key - the receptionist told me they have 20 mothers a week on average coming in looking for clothing for their babies and that their policy is to not deny clothing, food, or assistance so if the recipient can’t afford to purchase the items at a discounted rate they are donated. Just the idea that a mother was having to ask for clothing for their child when I had bins of unused items gave me the presence of mind to part with these cherished items. I got rid of two large tubs and also called friends and told them to do the same - felt good!
Today I’m getting rid of diapers - my daughter is 6. Talk about emotional clutter.
There’s an organization right in our neighborhood that collects the basics for families in need. It is a humbling experience to go there and see stacks of newborn diapers, among other things. Imagine having a newborn and not being able to afford diapers? My stash is going there on Monday.
Posted by Karen - 04/19/2008
I’ve tried Freecycle in three different areas. The groups are quite variable from one place to another - I almost gave up on freecycle in my old city, because of the rude responses and many no-shows. But the situation is completely different in the area where I live now. Every time I’ve posted something, I’ve gotten quick and polite responses, and the responders always showed up promptly as promised. So it varies quite a bit depending on what your local group is like.
I’ve also given to places like Goodwill and charity shops, but the stores aren’t convenient to me, and one of them told me frankly that they just aren’t that interested in books, hobby items, sports equipment, and the other things I had available. They would just have to be shipped elsewhere - the stores in my area are small and focused on practical things like clothes and items for kids and babies. Giving my “clutter” away through freecycle gave me a chance to give these items to someone who wanted them and would use them.
Posted by STL Mom - 04/21/2008
I tried to join Freecycle once, and I was rejected. No explanation was given.
I’ve used Craigslist to get rid of oddball items, but mostly donate to local charity shops and shelters. Our food pantry also accepts children’s books - every time a family comes in for an appointment, each child is offered a book. Nourishment for the body and the mind - I love to support that!
5 comments posted
Posted by Daniel - 04/19/2008
Having recently gone through this myself ( http://theartofzenliving.com/2.....-of-stuff/ ) I’m not sure I’d recommend freecycle unless it’s something that you can’t donate directly. It adds to your work load (fielding calls and e-mails), stress level (see previous) and in the end, doesn’t accomplish anything that calling Goodwill or The Salvation Army or any of a number of other organization would. Freecycle would be fine for anything that the charities can’t or won’t accept.
Posted by Dee - 04/19/2008
A recent post on getting rid of maternity stuff inspired me to take a hard look at why I am holding onto my baby and maternity wear. .. emotional clutter was the answer. Sooo - I started a project on getting it under control and decided that I wanted to get rid of it. My three options were freecycle, charity, or consignment shop. I opted for charity but I didn’t want it going to Salvation Army or another place that was going to simply sell it. Because its emotional for me to part with these items I decided to research a little and find a recipient that was truly in need. Calling my local Wheat office was the key - the receptionist told me they have 20 mothers a week on average coming in looking for clothing for their babies and that their policy is to not deny clothing, food, or assistance so if the recipient can’t afford to purchase the items at a discounted rate they are donated. Just the idea that a mother was having to ask for clothing for their child when I had bins of unused items gave me the presence of mind to part with these cherished items. I got rid of two large tubs and also called friends and told them to do the same - felt good!
Posted by Ann at One Bag Nation - 04/19/2008
Today I’m getting rid of diapers - my daughter is 6. Talk about emotional clutter.
There’s an organization right in our neighborhood that collects the basics for families in need. It is a humbling experience to go there and see stacks of newborn diapers, among other things. Imagine having a newborn and not being able to afford diapers? My stash is going there on Monday.
Posted by Karen - 04/19/2008
I’ve tried Freecycle in three different areas. The groups are quite variable from one place to another - I almost gave up on freecycle in my old city, because of the rude responses and many no-shows. But the situation is completely different in the area where I live now. Every time I’ve posted something, I’ve gotten quick and polite responses, and the responders always showed up promptly as promised. So it varies quite a bit depending on what your local group is like.
I’ve also given to places like Goodwill and charity shops, but the stores aren’t convenient to me, and one of them told me frankly that they just aren’t that interested in books, hobby items, sports equipment, and the other things I had available. They would just have to be shipped elsewhere - the stores in my area are small and focused on practical things like clothes and items for kids and babies. Giving my “clutter” away through freecycle gave me a chance to give these items to someone who wanted them and would use them.
Posted by STL Mom - 04/21/2008
I tried to join Freecycle once, and I was rejected. No explanation was given.
I’ve used Craigslist to get rid of oddball items, but mostly donate to local charity shops and shelters. Our food pantry also accepts children’s books - every time a family comes in for an appointment, each child is offered a book. Nourishment for the body and the mind - I love to support that!
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