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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

I need to have a clear out and it's going in the bin.

54 replies

FindingMeno · 22/01/2022 08:19

I have stuff that's been in storage for years trying to find an ethical way to deal with it.
Lack of transport and time has meant its still there and weighing heavy.
AIBU to bin it, get rid of the burden, and commit to not accumulating again, and being a more conscious consumer going forward?

OP posts:
AmandaHoldensLips · 22/01/2022 08:23

Send it all down to your local auction room. You might get a few quid for it. And while you're at it have a clear out at home too and send that along with it.

It's totally liberating and feels great once it's all gone.

musicalfrog · 22/01/2022 08:24

Put it out the front of your house then add a post to your local fb page that it's free to anyone to collect. Don't bin good stuff.

musicalfrog · 22/01/2022 08:24

Sorry just seen its not at your house. Wherever it is you could do the same though.

Haus1234 · 22/01/2022 08:26

What is it? There might be some obvious way of dealing with it that someone might be able to spot?

Original poster
FindingMeno · 22/01/2022 08:27

@Haus1234 absolutely random.
Old clothes, luggage, picture frames.
Just in case stuff.
God knows what's lurking tbh

OP posts:
Original poster
FindingMeno · 22/01/2022 08:28

To be fair, clothes will go to a local clothes bank.

OP posts:
Palavah · 22/01/2022 08:28

Olio, freecycle, gumtree for free

CecilyP · 22/01/2022 08:29

I would second the local auction house. They normally do house clearances. So they will collect and split into smaller lots to sell so you’ll get some money, less their commission.

CecilyP · 22/01/2022 08:31

Yes, take the clothes out first and they should be able to get rid of the rest.

Ponoka7 · 22/01/2022 08:31

I'm getting to the point were I've got to do that. You are going to be told not to on here, but it's either bin it, if you honestly can't get rid of it, or have it forever. My sister insists that someone will want her stuff and keeps putting it on FB/Freecycle etc. It depends on where you live. It's only good stuff if it's wanted and being used.

Ponoka7 · 22/01/2022 08:33

If there's things like picture frames in near new condition, then send them off with the clothes. But B&M etc are so cheap, often charity shops can't sell certain stuff.

AmandaHoldensLips · 22/01/2022 08:36

The first time I got rid of loads of stuff, I did sell quite a bit on eBay. Never used eBay before, learned how to do it, then cracked on. Unbelievably, raised a few grand. Furniture and all sorts.

Warmduscher · 22/01/2022 08:39

@Ponoka7

If there's things like picture frames in near new condition, then send them off with the clothes. But B&M etc are so cheap, often charity shops can't sell certain stuff.
But there are people who can’t afford B&M either! I’ve always been able to get rid of unwanted items, mostly on freecycle / trash nothing.

When we moved last year you wouldn’t believe the things I got takers for - old paving slabs, a random piece of kitchen worktop, a bag of ramekins from shop-bought puddings, a knackered rabbit hutch, an old plastic garden table, the list goes on!

YeOldeTrout · 22/01/2022 08:42

Stuff out front 'Free' in front of homes is common around here, can put notice on Local facebook give away pages, to say it's there.

TheWayTheLightFalls · 22/01/2022 08:44

Put it out the front of your house then add a post to your local fb page that it's free to anyone to collect. Don't bin good stuff.

This, or at least try it before binning things. I’m in the middle of a clothes clear-out and between the local FB group and iCollectClothes I feel like I’ve saved about £500,000 - in that I no longer need a larger home for all our crap Grin.

AmandaHoldensLips · 22/01/2022 08:49

I've also put stuff outside the house with a "FREE! HELP YOURSELF!" notice. Works well on sunny days.

tara66 · 22/01/2022 08:51

I am in a similar position so can I ask do buyers collect or does it involved going to post office/arranging couriers all the time?

PersonaNonGarter · 22/01/2022 08:51

Be free! Black bags, and into the bin.

Use the experience to promise to be more ethical in the future.

GoodnightGrandma · 22/01/2022 08:52

Bin it. Get rid.

listsandbudgets · 22/01/2022 08:53

It is worth putting stuff on free cycle or local facebook groups. I've got rid of surplus bookshelves ( just the shelves!) piles of bricks, old toys and even a large cardboard box someone wanted for moviing house packing

GiltEdges · 22/01/2022 08:57

@FindingMeno

I have stuff that's been in storage for years trying to find an ethical way to deal with it. Lack of transport and time has meant its still there and weighing heavy. AIBU to bin it, get rid of the burden, and commit to not accumulating again, and being a more conscious consumer going forward?
Do it.

Whilst I appreciate PPs are trying to be helpful by suggesting freecycle, auctions, etc. I actually think both the mental and practical burden of having to arrange those things is part of the problem for some people.

If you're one of those people OP, just bin it and plan to be more conscientious about your purchases going forwards.

SomebodysMum · 22/01/2022 08:58

What ways have you tried to get rid of it so far?

bofski14 · 22/01/2022 08:58

You could spend the mental effort of taking pictures, uploading them, sorting them for charity and many people here will tell you to do just that and not be wasteful. But IMHO your mental health comes first. If it's bothering you, bag it up and bin it. Start afresh and don't feel guilty. Home is the most important place in the world and your mental health takes first place.

maddening · 22/01/2022 09:01

Picture frames and luggage free on fb marketplace if they are in usable condition

OneEpisode · 22/01/2022 09:04

Near me Emmeaus will collect.