Now’s the time to have a clear-out
Spring is the perfect time to have a clear-out. And while some stuff might well be ideal to donate to the local Hospice shop, or to recycle, or to sell to raise a few bob for something you’re wanting to buy, most people, if they can toughen up little, will have no trouble finding things that can go.
What to sell? Anything vintage or collectable items, designer or wellknown brands, recent purchases or older pieces still in good condition, are sure to sell well. Don’t forget items in a state of disrepair may also be desirable, while building materials, or even an old fence, can fetch good prices.
Make sure the object is clean and in the best possible condition. It’s worth doing minor fix-ups if you want to raise the price of the item.
Take well-lit photographs against a plain background, or style things in an inspiring setting. Photograph from multiple angles to show all sides, and close-ups of any details or defects. Provide measurements and a description, information on era or designer, and the item’s condition.
Where to sell?
The classified ads section of your local newspaper, Trade Me and other classifieds websites, are good options, but not the only ones. Social media is a growing tool. It’s free to buy and sell on Facebook Marketplace, while Instagram and Etsy are good for creating an aesthetic if you plan to sell regularly.
Offline, some second-hand and vintage shops will sell items on your behalf, or even buy them from you. And, of course, there are garage sales and flea markets for the traditionalists.
What to donate? Virtually anything can be donated, as long as it’s clean and in good condition. Check with your local charity shop before dropping things off to ensure they can sell them, and always donate in-store rather than leaving something on the shop’s doorstep. If you have bigger items, such as furniture, or a large number of items, many charities will collect them for you.
To prepare items for donation, wrap anything fragile and package objects of a similar nature together. Clean or mend things if possible; a charity can’t sell anything that’s broken or dirty things, and may not have the resources to fix or clean them, meaning they are liable for disposal costs.
Charity shops are an obvious place to donate, but sometimes schools and community groups run garage sales, or you can list something free on a website. You could also offer it to a friend or organise a swap. There are a number of apps to help you swap or donate things within the community.
What to recycle? From broken technology to fabric scraps and expired car seats, many items destined for landfill can actually Bottles, cans, be recycled. newspapers — most Materials such as homes have no shortage fabric, tiles, of candidates for bubble wrap, recycling. vinyl, even polystyrene can be used by schools, childcare centres and community organisations for art and other projects.
Your local council should have information on resource centres that accept these materials.
To prepare for recycling, separate items into things that can be recycled and things that have to go to landfill. Then divide them again, keeping like with like. If you are going to the dump, set aside items that may be saleable; some landfills have shops that will sell wood offcuts, bicycle parts, furniture, bric a brac, tools, just about anything that might be useful to someone. Kaitaia certainly does.
Where to recycle? SeatSmart will accept children’s car seats, and there are a number of technology recyclers for old computers, cables and phones. In Kaitaia try the Eco Centre in Bank St. Otherwise search online or ask your local council where other items can be recycled. Kids grown out of the car seat? Give it the flick.