Out with the old
japra | Jan 07, 2009 | Comments 16
Dear Universe,
I would really like to stop being a pack rat.
Thank you for listening,
JaPRA
PS For my UK friends, where do you take clothes to donate to charity? Do you just show up at the charity shops? Do you have make an appointment? Telephone for a pick up? I have books and maybe some other things to donate as well.
Filed Under: Blog
About the Author: JaPRA is an expat Texan living in England with her husband (Mr. DJ), their 17-year old daughter (Roxi), and their dog Trudy.
I so know how you feel!
There are always clothing receptacles at recycling centers. Also, there are loads and loads of charity shops on every high street across the land. You just haven’t clocked them because you haven’t needed them.
Audrey–So do you just show up at the charity shops with a bunch of bags of clothes, books and other goodies and say, “Here you go!”? I’ll check out my local recycling center. So far, I’ve only had eyes for the cardboard and plastic bins ;-)
If the clothing is nice and new or better still designer send to me. Size immaterial as am quite handy with a needle. Shoes size 6 please ( Flatties )
If you have nt noticed the Charity Shops in your area you have a treat in store. They used to be quite grotty places with a definate smell of mustiness about them, but now most of them have cottoned on to the fact that no one will hang around too long if it is tacky. Great bargains can be found and if you are lucky enough to live in a ‘posh’ area you will find really good quality goods [I found a Hermes scarf and a Balmain Handbag amongst other things] Just decide on the Charity you would like to help, take the stuff in and say…’Hi’.
Some places just take clothes, others will take anything. Happy giving and happy hunting.
Barbara–You are too funny!
Moannie–Nice finds, friend! Yes, I have found the charity shops in my town. I’ve scored some nice everyday transferware plates, tea cups, a teapot, and a creamer. Oh, and a mirror for my hallway. OK, I will do a bit of weeding out of clothes this week. Our closets are so full (especially my husband’s!). Thanks for your advice!
I’m trying not to be such a pack rat too. The sabbatical felt so light without the junk, but we still accumulated books. After giving some to friends and neighbors, I sold a few to Blackwell’s – second shop is upstairs but call first to check the hours. The ones they didn’t buy, I donated to the Oxford public library. No appointment was necessary. You can donate other things to Oxfam, but I’m not sure on the procedure. Check the website?
I hope the universe is listening!
JAPRA – Just to fill in a few blanks . . . you can just take your stuff (bagged) into any charity shop. Our Waitrose also has bins in the parking lot that you can put things in – the bin will list what they want.
Getting rid of unwanted clothes is a breeze in the UK! I find that having limited closet space keeps my pack-ratting down a bit. I have to get rid of something if I buy something new.
Me too!!!
When I was moving stuff around for the windows I found clothes I still had from the 1980′s! No matter how handy I am with a needle there is no way they will fit unless I convert them to scarves or skirts to sleeveless shirts.
I have sold some “vintage” Laura Ashley dresses and given tons away to charity.
Is your husband filling his closet or are you? Just wondering because I share clutter…
Sarah–One perk about moving every year is being clutter free! Although we’ve been in this house for only one year, we have accumulated quite a bit of stuff. I need to get into the habit of thinning things out periodically, recycling/throwing out papers, and giving away books (gasp!). Good idea about Oxfam. I wish I lived in Oxford so I could SHOP at Blackwell’s. We raided the top floor when were there last year. What fun :-)
Alyson–Me too!!
Bee–Thanks for the tips. I’m going to drive over to the two recycling centers nearby and check out the bins. I am in a cleaning frame of mind!
Susan–Actually, it is my husband’s stuff overflowing into my closet. He promises to thin out some of his things ;-) I gave away a ton of clothes before I left Texas. I still only use a fraction of what I have. However, I started keeping some interesting tops (for fabric) and jeans for sewing other things. But all that adds to my clutter! I think I need a bin to organize my scraps. And actually once I am done tidying up around here, my studio is next!
Well, it is that organizing time of year. Interesting how stuff builds up in only a couple of years! Those charity shops sound interesting for browsing too!
The Oxfam book shop I took books to before I left was happy just to take them. They might be pickier about clothes. All the stuff I saw in their clothes shop was pretty nice, including the coat I bought 8-).
Oh I was afraid it was his stuff…
I have been using space bags for my clothes to be refashioned. they work well, although some do leak.
Susan–Oh, space bags are a good idea!
We keep a cardboard box for old clothes and bits and pieces, when it’s full we drop in to the Oxfam shop with it when we go shopping. No appointment or anything, just check the opening hours.
Dorothy–That is a good idea about keeping a box for clothes. Thanks for the tip about Oxfam too. And oh my goodness, I just visited your blog. I am so overwhelmed by your weaving. The photos of your loom make me think you must be a very patient person. It must be very satisfying to go from fibre to finished product. Of all the fabric arts, I think I would enjoy spinning and weaving best. I would have to have somebody sew something with my fabrics, though. Or just make loads of blankets!
Thanks for stopping by. I can’t wait to read more of your weaving adventures.