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 06/10/2010

Think Before You Throw: How to GO GREEN When Clearing Out an Estate

Do it for the earth, and do it for your pocket!

By Julie Hall

Donating, recycling, and selling are less expensive than a dumpster and may provide cash for your unwanted items. They may also provide a tax deduction or help out a worthy cause. Use your imagination when deciding where things could go, other than black trash bags! Can someone use your items in some form or fashion? This is the ultimate in recycling.

Remember the following when cleaning out estates:

  • Have the neighbors in for free household chemicals, garden/yard tools, etc.
  • Create a donation network by discussing what you have to give.
  • Keep watch for charity drives in your community. Typically, TV stations and newspapers will run donation requests during the holiday season.
  • Search the Web for places to sell or donate items.
  • Gazelle.com, Venjuvo.com, TechForward.com, and MyBoneyard.com all offer varying amounts of compensation for electronics.
  • MyGreenElectronics.com tells you where to find nearby recycling centers for electronics.
  • Paper, cardboard, and scrap metal are tradable commodities. Find a buyer in your local phone book.
  • Scrap metal and other household metals, photo frames, etc., are wanted by artists. (If you take scrap metal to the right place, you can end up with some $$$ in your wallet.)
  • Charities are in a funding crisis. Paper, books, games, and toys help daycares, senior centers, and after-school programs. Give them a call; they are happy to give you a wish list.
  • Alzheimer’s facilities are always looking for clean linens, towels, etc.
  • Many religious organizations/groups set up homes for refugees, domestic abuse victims, pregnant women, disabled adults, etc. They need many everyday items that you need to discard.
  • Inventory the home before buying materials. Garbage bags, boxes, and cleaning supplies are normally already in the house.
  • Worn sheets and towels, leashes, and pet bowls are very much needed by local pet shelters.
  • Remember, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure!

With my prediction of millions of households being liquidated in the next few decades, the very thought of the amount of trash the United States will generate is mind boggling. Do your part to help!

By Julie Hall
The Estate Lady Blog

[First posted June 7, 2010, at Julie Hall's Estate Lady Web site.]

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