Organizing our garage is one of those projects that I've never wanted to do.
I can't watch TV as I organize.
It's dusty and dirty.
There are bulky things in there. I can't throw them away because they're too big. They're not worth donating (pieces of wood, old shelves, etc.)
A lot of it was expensive at one time. DS's battery operated car was $400. (My parents got him that when he was 4). But honestly, he is 11 now. It's been sitting for at least 5 years. The scooters for the kids. DD is 17 now and I can't picture her hopping on her little blue scooter and zooming around.
Getting to the point...
Today I decided to try & make a little money. It did NOT go well, in case you were wondering how I feel now that I'm a millionaire from all of these bright ideas.
I called a recycling place and asked if they purchase steel shelving. The guy said yes. So, DS and I sweated and grunted and threw 18 shelves into the trunk and backseat of the car. He banged his hand. I whacked my foot. We were very polite and pleasant to each other the whole time, of course. (Stop playing and get over here and help me before I get mad. I KNOW mom, etc.) We hopped into the blissful air-conditioned comfort of the car and set off. Good thing I brought the phone book, complete with the address and a mini map. I only turned around 3 times before finding this stupid recycling place and would you PLEASE STOP playing with the radio?! OKAAY MOM!
We pull up and the guy that came ambling out said that they only buy when there's a large quantity, but I was welcome to toss the shelves onto the pile'o'junk they had sitting there. He must have seen the pissed-off look on my face because he offered to help toss them on the pile. I went ahead and did it because the alternative was to drive home and unload these dumb things back into the garage and that wasn't happening. One good thing is that DS discovered the joy of throwing shelves as far as he could onto a pile of metal, making a loud crashing sound. At least one of us had fun.
We went to one of the local consignment shops next. I had called and she said she was going out of business, so while we were in the area I decided to stop and see if they owe me anything. Too late - empty store. Crap. I took a loss there.
I stopped by Kohl's and returned some jeans I had bought for DH. $14.83 credited to my debit card.
So, there you have it. I'm richer by $14.83.
There is an empty space in the garage where the shelves were leaning against the wall. All the rest of the stuff is still there and I feel guilty every time I look at it. Oh well.
Our messy garage
June 15th, 2006 at 01:08 am
June 15th, 2006 at 04:37 am 1150346252
June 15th, 2006 at 02:40 pm 1150382416
Each metal has a different rate of pay.......but we can always make money on this trip, it does help. Often there are metals in the storage units the housemate person gets here.........recycling them for $$ is WAY better than dumping them for a fee.
June 15th, 2006 at 02:40 pm 1150382431
The garage sale idea sounds like a good one...at least you wont have to move things too far!!
June 15th, 2006 at 07:51 pm 1150401114
Bummer.
June 20th, 2006 at 03:09 pm 1150816159
I PM'd you on the site, coupon train is forming, need your info...