GETTING RID OF DONATABLE THINGS - THAT RUN THE GAMUT
 
WHAT THE *@# IS... ???

The term Guerilla Garage Sale has been applied to many things including selling your stuff in a quick and precise way. I have a list of people who are on my list to tell them when it is open for pickup - along with a photo of the day.

I apply the term in a more pragmatic way. I look at the stuff that crowds your life as detritus. It no longer serves but rather detracts from your life. You've had your use out of it and now it is past the point of achieving a monetary return. Use it now to feed your soul and allow others to put new energy into your old stuff by 'GIVING IT AWAY'. Try it you'll love it.

At the edge of your driveway is a madly rushing river that flows 24/7. The eyes and minds that populate that river are always seeing, always thinking and always eager for something new in their lives. Give it to them from toys to tools.

Yes, by all means, have a real garage sale now and then if you have the time, energy and will as well as the patience to battle with those light fingered purloigners, the penny offer bargainers and the vicarious weather conditions. If you have lots to sell and want to raise money for a good cause like you rmunicipal taxes, and if you have neighbors who'll give you a day's worth of light and lively chat and the occassional glass of Rosé.

But if garage sales fill you with an un-named dread then do the Gureilla Garage Sale route. Put a table out with a big old sign that proclaims FREE STUFF. Ya gotta say it's free or the majority will shy away. Only the brave or shadowed at night will squeek to a halt, crank open the door, nab the prize, thump the door shut and rev away unseen. You have to tell them it's free.

 

What happens? Magic is what happens. Neighbors stop and chat. They marvel at how each of us has the wherewithall to supply each other with all the stuff we really need without driving off and spending a fortune at the stores you'd rather not drive off and spend a fortune at.

I have had compliments from teachers, parents, carpenters, and just regular folk who say I have supplied them with a world of savings and things to furnish apartments for their kids, new immigrants and more people than I can shake a stick at - not that I shake sticks at people.

I don't do it constantly or it would junk up the curb appeal but enough that I have regulars. One woman calls my set up the "Outdoor Store". I love this. It's social interaction and I don't even have to be there but trust me being there to give stuff away to people does your heart good. It does. It gives peop[le an opportunity to give presents without cost and obtain the gratitude for it. Not many gifts keep on giving like this one.

Have I done this at client's homes - YES. Have I done this where they live at apartment buildings - yes within reason and sleectively but save for some cranky condos there are few places you can't now and then have a sudden and stuff clearing Guerilla Garage Sale.
 
It'll all be snapped up and used. Let people put new energy into your old stuff. As long as it's taken and used - who cares who it is. And then you are free of it. You can also meet them and chat. Who knows you may other things they need or have things you need. Trade is good.