Donation, Selling, and Recycling, Local:
Bikes
Not Bombs - They take your old bikes (in any condition), as
well as cotton rags, computer items, and other miscellaneous stuff.
Boomerang's
- This is a thrift/resale shop in Jamaica Plain. I've never been there,
but I've heard good things. All their proceeds go to the AIDS Action
Committee of MA.
Cradles to Crayons - They collect stuff for children - toys, clothing, cribs, school supplies, etc.
From the Pumpkin Patch - In the month before Halloween, you can donate your old costumes and related accessories to low-income kids.
More Than Words - This is a bookstore and cafe in Waltham run by at-risk youth. They accept book donations, but unfortunately don't pick up.
Rosie's Place - This shelter for homeless women needs all kinds of things, including clothing, toiletries, and food.
Second Chances - They provide clothing to homeless and low-income folks in the Boston area, especially to help with job interviews.
Solutions
at Work
- They accept baby/child supplies and clothes, as well as "interview-appropriate" adult clothing.
Donation, Selling, and Recycling, National:
Costco - They have a trade-in program for old electronics and computer components.
Craig's
List -
Look here for your local Craig's List. You can sell items or offer them
for free. And when you get bored with that, you can browse the personal
ads. :-)
The Freecycle Network
- Apparently you can get something for nothing!
Give Your Stuff Away Day - On a Saturday in every May and September, people all over the country leave reusable stuff they don't want on the curb.
Goodwill
Industries - Here's information on your local Goodwill stores and
how to donate.
Got Books? - They will pick up your unwanted books, and they are not picky.
Staples - They will recycle your old electronics and computer components for free or cheap.
Vietnam Veterans of America - VVA is my
current favorite charity for donations, because they pick up, they
accept toys, and they always come when they say they will. This is the link telling you what they accept, and this is the link to schedule a pickup - yes, you can schedule it online.
Shopping, National and Online:
The Container Store - Pricey, yes, but their
products are good quality, and their customer service is excellent. Also, they have sales a lot, and my
clients can use my NAPO discount to get 10% off storewide and 20% off
on Elfa storage systems.
Organized A to Z - A useful site with many products. I get a teeny kickback when you buy things there.
Tasks at Bey - Bey Woodward is a friend and associate who does personal shopping, interior design, and event planning.
I also have recommendations for a handyman, a massage therapist, a
petsitter, a graphic designer, a housecleaner... Just let me know what
you want to delegate.
Services, National and Online:
Artimus Art
- They will scan your child's art, help you share it online, and will
turn it into a high-quality art book.
Fly Lady-
"Your personal
online coach to help you gain control of your house and home." If you
like (or don't mind) her Christian angle, and you need a housekeeping
cheerleader, check her out. She has a big following.
The Clutter Diet
- This is a membership website inspired by a Weight Watchers sort of
structure: you get professional guidance, a plan for reaching your
goals, and peer support. It's a nice alternative if you can't afford to
get your very own organizer.