Giving: Turning 'Trash' into Treasure

The saying is true - one person's trash is another person's treasure. This month we've been cleaning out our house in a pretty major way, and instead of our usual method of putting unwanted things out on the curb or posting it on Craigslist (or even, gasp, just tossing them,) we've been making an effort to think of people we know who will really appreciate them.

The photo above is of a friend's house - the green side table and white tulip chair both lived in our dining room until recently. We were thrilled to get the picture of our old furniture in its new home - it's nice to know that someone we enjoy is now enjoying it. We've also cleaned out out closets and passed on clothes, shoes, and accessories, and found ourselves doubling recipes when we cook so we can bring food over to our neighbors. We even found a new homeowner who was thrilled to take the stash of 50+ design magazines we were getting rid of - a much better solution than just recycling them.

We've found that giving, and getting rid of things, gets addictive - the more we do it the more we want to do. Has anyone else out there been getting into the giving mood lately?

Comments (7)

old clothes that would just be rag bag material, turning them into nice cushion covers for a friend.

posted by venus_thames on December 18th 2008 at 7:11pm
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I'm a professional organizer, and my clients have certainly been in the giving mood - and I have the Freecycle postings to show it! Like you, they find it can become somewhat addictive - especially when they can see something going to a fine new home, as you can with Freecycle. (I handle the Freecycle transactions for them, and pass along the little thank you notes from the recipients.)

Also, my business networking group just did a used coat drive for a local charity, and we amassed quite a collection! So there's some more giving going on.

posted by Jeri Dansky on December 18th 2008 at 7:29pm
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I've been cleaning out my parents' unoccupied house and I am thrilled when I find something that a friend will treasure that I am glad to be rid of.

1) 1910 English/Yiddish dictionary, falling apart but usable if you want to know the right yiddish word to use. Friend studying yiddish was thrilled when I gave it to him.
2) Vintage electric trains and accessories. On ebay they are not uncommon, therefore not that valuable, but a friend who collects such things couldn't be more excited to have them, dust, rust and all.

posted by jtsegal on December 18th 2008 at 7:29pm
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I've been giving away a lot of my paintings lately. I find it to be very satisfying and am looking for more things to give away everyday.

posted by M. Patrizio on December 18th 2008 at 9:19pm
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Wow, your friend has made gorgeous use of your 'trash'. What a lucky friend.

posted by wig3000 on December 19th 2008 at 3:19am
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this is a good idea. Just make sure the people you are giving the things to REALLY want them, and are not just being polite. Otherwise you just end up cluttering up their house.

posted by Nina79 on December 19th 2008 at 5:39am
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This is especially good to do when you've moved everything to find room for the Christmas tree, and things seem cluttered and crowded. I even have friends I've given things to who say, "If you ever want this back, just let me know - I'll just borrow it until then."

posted by mmepatty on December 19th 2008 at 10:30am
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