 Dispose of Your Clutter
. . . And maybe make a few dollars in the process
Books
- Libraries accept donations of books in good condition. If you are interested in donating to the Minneapolis Public Library call 612-630-6177.
- Books for Africa collects medical and basic science books published in the last eight years. Encyclopedias, National Geographic and
secondary textbooks in business, economics, sociology, statistics, law, history and other university textbooks that are less than 8 years old are also
welcome. Contact at: 651-602-9844 or email: info@booksforafrica.org
- Another option is to try selling your used books to a second hand
bookstores such as Half Price books or Barnes & Noble.
- I read about a “book-lover’s community” in the newspaper. They encourage people to read a good book and then register on-line and
label it. They release the book for someone else to enjoy. Releasing is defined as giving it to a friend, leaving it on a park bench or “forgetting
it” in a coffee shop. Check them out at www.bookcrossing.com.
Clothing and Household Items
“In Hennepin County, we throw away 32 million pounds of good stuff every year. That’s enough usable clothing and household goods to fill 486,000
shopping carts. Lined up they would stretch from Minneapolis to Milwaukee. Choose to Reuse by renting, repairing, selling or donating your stuff!” —from
the Choose to Reuse Directory
If you live in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area:
Hennepin County has prepared a very comprehensive list of 17 metro nonprofit organizations that accept clothing and household donations. They list addresses,
phone numbers and what is accepted by each location along with their mission. Go to: www.hennepin.us
(Choose to Reuse directory:Donation Opportunities: and then print a PDF list)
Want Pick Up?
- Arc (612-866-8820) Seven county metro area.
- ReUse Center (612-724-2608) Reusable building materials.
- Steeple People (612-871-8305) Minneapolis area only.
- Hope Chest for Breast Cancer accepts designer furniture, home furnishings and clothing. www.hopechest.us. Or call 952-471-8752.
- Or call the United Way at 2-1-1. Tell them what you want to donate. They will provide you with an agency in your area. If 2-1-1 doesn’t work call 651-291-0211.
Like to
match your item to the perfect recipient? Try Freecycle
www.freecycle.org. There are many groups located throughout Minnesota. Simply join a local group. Email your offering: a chair, fax machine or piano.
There are three rules. All items must be free, legal and appropriate for all ages.
Want to earn a little cash? Consider:
- Consignment stores.
- Online auction: www.ebay.com
- Auction Drop: If you would like to sell an item without the hassle, bring your item to Auction Drop. They are in partnership with UPS so they will
pack and ship the item for you. There is probably a location near you. They will sell it on eBay and hand you a check once its sold. Computers, cameras,
camcorders, musical instruments, purses and collectibles sell best. Items must be less than 25lbs. and over $75. in value. There is a fee of 20-38%.
The minimum commission is $19.99. www.auctiondrop.com.
- Garage Sale. www.homebusinesscenter.com claims the average garage sale nets $600. Check out their site, they give tips for successful sales. You might
want to give it a try.
KAREN HENKE is a professional organizer and the owner of Come2Order. With a collection of 17 years work experience in design, space planning and organization, she now helps others come to order. |
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