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Marie Kondo Helped, but What About the Extra Stuff?


#1

Honestly, the most important aspect is not purchasing bad items in the first place, but eventually, even well thought out purchases need replacement. For decades, I've followed the rule that one person's junk is another's treasure, particularly considering our very unequal world in NYC, at one time using Freecycle to give away items, eventually finding it easier to use Craigslist. For the most part, it has worked out well but depends on the item, but almost always, there are takers.

If it is electronics, there are often way too many people, so I follow a triage system. First, the ad, always with a good description and picture, requires specifying they supply a reason they need this item. It is not to be lurid or cruel, but if I am giving away an old computer, I need to know that it is going to a good cause. Yes, I could be fooled, but I try to be discerning, children, poor, disabled, etc. If there is no reason, it gets ignored. If it is simply for selfish reasons - you'd be surprised - it gets ignored. Eventually, I whittle it down to a few, the final filter is how fast they can pick it up. For lesser items, there are almost always takers, but it might take a day or two before it gets a response but even then, as long as it finds a home other than the trash, I am happy.

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/15/realestate/marie-kondo-decluttering.html?comments#permid=30667472

#2

I have long avoided bad purchases, selling or giving anything that has outlived its purchase. For giving away items, the ones I've used:

- Porch: Literally leaving decorative items and books - if you live in a borough of Manhattan - that slowly disappear...
- Craigslist: Since there are so many people that can use hand-me-downs, within reason
- Housing Works, for larger items like furniture, books, CD's, etc., if they fail to sell on eBay or Craigslist
- Homeless shelters: I had a number of high-quality suits, but never wore them anymore except for interviews and special occasions, so cleaned half and delivered to The New York City Rescue Mission
- Friends: After purchasing a vintage desk, needed to find a home for my old Bombay Company writing desk, and friends were happy to grab that. In another, friends selling their B'lynn townhome and moving upstate took our bed, a 30-year old sleigh, when we replaced it something a bit more luxurious.

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/15/realestate/marie-kondo-decluttering.html?comments#permid=30667873

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