After you’ve taken the time and care to declutter your closets, and that small crawl space under your bed, you might find some items too lovely to toss into your garbage bin. What if your stuff can find new life with someone who appreciates their beauty? Taking your unwanted clothing, furniture, or even books to a secondhand shop is a way for beloved objects to go to a good home with someone who’ll love them as much as you have.
Terri Burt, the owner of the Nitty Gritty Vintage store in Louisville which buys and resells vintage clothing, says, people who bring in their well-loved items are happy knowing they’re being recycled. “I’m going to respect their things, bring them back to life, and find them a new home where someone else can enjoy them,” Terri says.
Whether you’re decluttering in an effort to downsize or simply creating more breathing room in your home, Terri knows it can be tough to let go. Understanding your unused items are going back out into the world can bring you confidence in taking those final “giving up” steps. Reselling reduces waste and helps the environment and Terri says it’s a win/win for you and the small business you’re helping. “I want to put your unwanted things on the floor, and have someone else enjoy it,” Terri says.
People don’t just want to drop their memories off anywhere.”
Getting rid of excess stuff is clearly good for creating space, but it’s also great for creating a sense of empowerment. “Once you do it,” Terri begins, “you feel so much better.” Terri says a great deal of the allure to reselling (besides pocketing a little cash) is the knowledge that your items will be loved again. “People don’t just want to drop their memories off anywhere,” Terri explains, “they’d rather find them a new home.”
For many vintage clothing and secondhand stores like the Nitty Gritty, there are specific times to bring in your articles to be assessed. Terri takes items all year round, and Sundays and Mondays are the best days to stop by. She can’t guarantee she’ll buy all you have, but she’s willing to take a look and encourages, “If you’re ready to find homes for your things, come by!”
If you have more books than old prom dresses cluttering up your closet, you might want to look into a similar process at the used book sale at Locust Grove. Locust Grove is a 55-acre 18th-century farm that provides tours and educational events year-round. Then twice a year, they host a used book sale where you’re welcome to donate the books you’ve cherished but no longer need. Bring your books in boxes or bags to their property during operating hours or give them a call, and they’ll schedule a pickup.
Giving your treasured items a second chance to find value with another creates space in your home and connection with others. “We have a lot of stuff,” Terri explains, “what do you want to happen to yours?”
By Tonilyn Hornung
P.S. Find peace on the river.
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