Julie Hall

The Estate Lady

Julie Hall is an expert in dealing with personal property from the Depression era. Estate dissolution and helping grieving families make appropriate decisions during the estate settlement process are her specialties. She is a certified personal property appraiser, an estate sales professional, a residential content removal specialist, and a broker of fine items. As owner of The Estate Lady®, LLC, she brings 18 years of experience to families facing the overwhelming task of dissolving the family home.


Posted 04/09/2010

Spring Cleaning with a Purpose

Used items are in great demand

By Julie Hall

It’s that time of year when most of us feel obligated to do spring cleaning. At least we attempt to wash windows and curtains, clean out the garden shed, and take on other tasks we dislike doing the rest of the year. Give your cleaning a purpose this year, and see if it puts an optimistic outlook on this annual routine.

This year, consider what you can give to someone who has a need. Not just the ugly Christmas gift from Aunt Edna, but look around for those things that you never use. With continued economic challenges facing families, used items (in good condition) are in great demand. Charities are stretched to meet extreme needs with very limited resources.

Meanwhile, we have garages full of “stuff” we don’t really need but aren’t willing to part with, or we don’t know where to donate. Make some calls to local churches, community charities, and/or shelters. Did you know that Shriners collect old eyeglasses? Do you realize that many shelters can use bed sheets and towels or that local veterinarians often can use towels? Have you got some books and magazines that the folks at the retirement center would enjoy?

Here’s a list to help you decide what can be donated:

  • Clothing of all kinds: shoes, coats, suits, dresses
  • Linens, towels, bed sheets
  • Older upholstered or wood furniture: sofas, chairs, bookcases
  • Electronics, computers, telephones
  • Nonperishable food, if before the expiration date (to shelters or food banks)
  • Tools and equipment
  • Kitchenware
  • Craft supplies
  • Durable medical equipment: wheelchairs, walkers, canes
  • Prescription eye glasses
  • Office equipment and supplies
  • Books and magazines
  • Toys your children outgrow/outgrew

Now you have a purpose and a plan, so start clearing out things you don’t use! As for washing the windows, sorry, you’re on your own for that task!

By Julie Hall
The Estate Lady Blog

[First posted April 5, 2010, at Julie Hall's Estate Lady Web site.]

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