apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Where can I donate a large collection of 3" white binders?

Why would anyone get rid of books, may I ask??

Signe, check with your local school district. It's a little known fact that almost all elementary and middle school teachers spend $100s to $1000s of their own money each year to purchase classroom supplies because districts simply don't give them enough to buy what they need.

Good resource! I find it impossible to throw things in the garbage when it could most likely be reused, repurposed or loved by someone else. I always try to find just the right way to dispose of absolutely everything other than packaging.

Your local domestic abuse shelter will take womens' and childrens' clothing, as well as toiletries. Even those toiletries you might've used once or twice and never again! Just call to find out where the drop-off site is, because you won't find an address in the phone book.

Tax-deductible, and it goes straight to those in need.

I recently got rid of most of my book collection as a way to downsize since they were sitting on a shelf collecting dust. I sold them and a bunch of DVDs on half.com. It's easier then Ebay because you pick a set price and someone just buys it at that price. I've made over $300 so far which is impressive since I was selling a bunch of paperbacks.

I weed through my books all the time. I donate books in not-great condition and attempt to sell the good ones.

Sleek, as a book lover and book collector (as well as book reviewer, who gets sent a hundred or so books every year), if I didn't weed my book collection every couple of years, I'd end up like one of those ladies who smells like old books and has to walk sideways down the hallways of her house so as not to dislodge the tottering stacks. And I'm too young to be that crazy (yet).

ok, but what i want to know is how can i get that Star Trek Next Generation Address Book from the photo!

doppelganger,

it is my life's mission to become that lady. i'll take your books =)

freecycle has saved us from clutterdoom and we have had the bonus of some lovely feel-good stories from people who have claimed our stuff. hurrah.

for broken furniture -- it's always worth asking at art schools. there is a lot going on in deconstruction and reconstruction in the study of art & design these days, and if someone can make use my broken bathroom shelf as part of their thesis then that is fabulous. student theatres also rebuild things for sets, since in that case it's all about looks and not about function.

Many local Habitat for Humanity chapters have stores that accept “renovation leftovers,” such as tile, lumber, furniture, appliances, cabinets, fixtures, etc.

Since my husband finally finished our bathroom, I’m hauling a bunch of stuff to them this weekend.

I always pass on books as soon after I read them as possible. Frankly, I've never understood why people hang onto books they've already read anyway. You know how it ends.... ~:o)