Freecycle What You Do Not Need
I joined my local Freecyle group just after my daughter was born, so it has been going on 5 years now. I actually moderate several groups and used to volunteer as a group mentor, but when I was in school last year I id not have the time to do that anymore.
If you have not heard about Freecycle, here is a short explanation. It is a concept where you offer things you have around the house you might otherwise throw in the trash. Others do the same. Someone else who can use the item contacts you and you make arrangements to hand off said item.
When I moved the last two times I gave away hundreds of things such as Christmas trees, glassware, baby clothes, a bassinette, changing table, crib, toys, books, packing boxes, and the list goes on. I have also received a lot of great things from my local Freecyle group. A wooden rocking horse my daughter still loves come to mind, as well as one of my Maltese dogs. Plus, thanks to Freecycle members, I have actually had to buy very little in the way of clothing for Gigi in the last couple of years.
I see anything you can think of change hands on the mailing list. In the last hour alone I saw used cisco routers, glass door knobs, a massage table, and toys being offered on the list. And, there always seems to be someone who can use the items. As you move things around this Christmas, take a look and see what you might want to give away. Maybe your children got new toys and there is no room for the old ones. Perhaps your mom gave you a new microwave and the old one is going to sit unused.
Check out Freecycle.org to find your closest group.
While Freecycle is really cool, its important to keep in mind that some items have further costs after acquisition.
For example, you mentioned you’ve seen used Cisco on freecycle, which is great, particularly if somebody wants to use it for training. If a person or company actually wants to put it into production though, they’ll have the maintenance fees to pay. Sometimes maintenance cost is actually more expensive on the older equipment than newer gear. Anyhow, just some thoughts to consider.