Dumpster Diving Is Back
Welcome back!
As a child I grew up in a home where we just managed to get by financially. Once a week my mom would pile us kids into the car to go “dumpster diving” in the wealthier neighborhoods in our area. I know this idea sounds repulsive to some, but it really isn’t. We would not go through the garbage bags, but instead keep an eye out for things set next to the rummage bin.
My sister and I used to love “dumpster diving night.” Believe it or not, we actually found some pretty cools stuff over the years, things that were in perfect condition. As I got older, we didn’t do dumpster dive nights anymore. However, I still do keep my eye out when I am driving. Once, I found a perfectly good Radio Flyer wagon in someone’s trash. It was old and a little rusty, but it worked just fine. I use it as a garden cart for when I am out working in my yard.
Recently I have been reading articles that say dumpster diving is back in a big way. This made me chuckle until the other night when I actually saw a guy doing it! I personally don’t care if someone wants to rummage through my trash, believe me all they’d find is coffee grounds and cat food tins. I am not condemning the man that I saw. Way to go for him, now that’s being resourceful.
However, like most things, dumpster diving has become more technologically advanced. Craig’s List has a free category on their website, the new modern dumpster dive. I have been amazed at the things people give away. I have seen beautiful furniture, appliances some working, and some for scrap, clothing. You name it, you’ll find it.
There are a few tricks to this modern dumpster dive. First, you must check often, especially on the weekends. Second, if you see something you want, contact the giver right away. Things can go very quickly on Craig’s List. It is okay to ask the giver a few questions about the item before you commit to taking it. This can be a great way to get what you need for free.
While Craig’s List is free, a word of caution, this type of dumpster dive can be dangerous. Most times when someone lists an item, they usually have you pick it up at their home. Please be cautious, take someone with you when you go. We have had two robberies in the area that lured people by using the free category on Craig’s List. The people showed up to pick up the items and instead, they were robbed and assaulted. So, please be careful when using Craig’s List. However, in giving this warning, I must say, I have used Craig’s List many times and I have never had any problems.
Cancel the Lease on Your Storage Rental
We love to have stuff. It’s the American way after all. A problem arises though, when we have too much stuff and no where to put it. For many people, they take the simple solution and rent storage space somewhere to store away all the stuff they don’t need.
As children we were told to put away our things when we weren’t using them. This shouldn’t be applied to adulthood. Rental storage space is a terrible waste of money. Think about it, you’re paying rent on the stuff that you no longer need!
My father had a storage rental for the longest time. He ran a business and needed somewhere to put all the old equipment that was no longer useful but couldn’t bare to throw away. He rented that shed for YEARS until he moved in to a place wehere he could store everything himself. He thought it was stuff that he needed.
Well, after moving the stuff for the 3rd time to a new location, he realized that he didn’t need most of the stuff and ended up throwing most of it away. He wasted $50 a month for 4 years or so for storage rental on stuff he didn’t need.
Don’t fall prey to the false dichotomy that if you run out of space, you should get MORE space.
No, if you run out of space, it’s time to weed out your things, pare down and clean up your life. The solution isn’t to add another cost to life. It’s time to let go of the stuff you no longer need.
I recognize that getting rid of things is hard to do, especially if you have an attachment to it. But think about it, you’ve already let go of something if you throw in a storage shed. You are already placing it out of your mind, moving it to a geographic location you will rarely visit. After a year, will you miss it? You will certainly miss the $50 a month more.
There are good uses for storage units. For example, if you are in between moves and have to put your stuff somewhere until you can settle. Of if you are leaving the country for work and intend to come back (though this would be a great time to let go our your things).
Grab some gloves, a friend’s pickup truck and go clean out your storage unit. It’s time to let go of the stuff you no longer need and increase your bottom line.
