THE CURE FOR TOO MUCH STUFF
How to recycle, reorganize and reclaim your space
If you’re like many people, you have a closet, basement or attic with too much stuff. Maybe you don’t know what to do with it. With a bit of effort, though, you can dispose of unwanted items without adding to our landfills.
And in doing so, you gain space. Maybe make a bit of money. Get tax benefits. Or, meet someone else’s needs.
Clothing
For each item, ask yourself if you love it, need it or will use it. If your answer is “no,” then dispense with it. You can sell clothes in good condition through online vendors or donate them to charities. Some will even do a pickup from your home.
Electronics
About 70 percent of heavy metals in landfills are electronics.1 Some companies and organizations accept computers, TVs, cellphones and other electronics for recycling, buybacks or trade-ins, and some charities accept electronics in working order. Also, see if your city offers free electronics recycling.
Furniture
You could sell it through your community online classifieds, or use a consignment shop, which will split the proceeds when your item is sold.
Toys
These can be donated to shelters, day care centers and charities. There are also organizations that send stuffed animals to needy children in other countries.
Antiques
Dealers can sell high-end objects through auction houses. Note that you should find out how much the auction house charges—typically 10 to 15 percent—and what the opening bid will be.
This is also a good time to take pictures of all of your belongings to have in case of a claim.
Contact us for all of your insurance needs!
Illinois and Wisconsin residents, at R Hobbs Insurance Agency, we can work with you to make sure you've got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at (847) 680-0888 or send us a note at chris@rhobbsinsurance.com. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what's important to you is protected!
Content source: Kemper