One of those days

I feel like writing one of those letters which is signed Disgruntled of Lichfield.

Yet not really a bad day, the Freecycling continued after work. Garden furniture to a delightful couple who were on their way to the tip in their van and asked if I had anything they wanted me to take with them. You see, brief connections with people like this in the everyday humdrum of life often reassure you that, after a rubbish night's sleep (or doze should I say), most people are genuinely nice and want to help.

What is a house worth?

Listened to a laughable offer today. Incensed, infuriated and indeed I did laugh and said positively no, we are in no hurry to sell. But what if it is the only offer? The market is static, bills need paying, closure needs addressing, what price a house where you spent so much of your life as a child, a teenager, a young married 20 something, a 30 something mother, daughter, sister, you cannot put a price on that. I find I am defending the fact it has 'potential for improvement' - estate agent speak. Why does everyone need an ensuite these days or an island in the kitchen? It was fine for us growing up and the grandchildren growing up who have such fond, happy, hysterically funny at times memories of this house and their grandparents. I suspect the emotional ties now the house is becoming a shell of its former self are beginning to loosen. The day is fast approaching for the final time when we shall lock up the back, close the front door, close all the downstairs doors, draw the curtains and taken a final look behind us as we say goodbye. Tears will flow.

How lucky we consider ourselves to have those memories, how sad they are all in the past.

Freecycling

What is it about Freecycle which gives such a sense of satisfaction?

I was introduced to it about a year ago by a friend who seemed surprised at my lack of knowledge. Once she had explained the premise and philosophy behind it, I created an email account just for freecycling and advertised my first item…..a chest freezer we were desperate to rid of in the garage as a)too large and b) things got lost in its cavernous base. Within hours of advertising I had received several responses. Now what? Did I choose according to time of email response ie first come first served or perhaps another fairer (in my eyes anyway) method? So I decided that the unwritten rule would be the Most Polite email or the Neediest or the Best Reason given and with that in mind I made my choice. So ‘my son has just moved out to start his own catering business and is desperate for a freezer’ won. The freezer was duly collected, I was thanked profusely and what was even better was the follow up email a day later telling me it was working perfectly in situ and how perfectly it fit the space.

Well, I am currently house clearing and have advertised 2 stereos, a video cassette recorder, 2 breakfast stools, conservatory furniture, DVD player, vinyls (there must be someone out there collecting?), a record player, a coffee table…..most of the items have generated lots of responses from ‘does the DVD work?’ – why on earth would I advertise a broken DVD? That one was deleted straightaway to a most polite email from a lady “I would be grateful for your DVD player my grandson has come to stay with us at the moment he has been using his play station to play his dvd’s but some of them don’t work and gets very disappointed this would be very appreciated, thank you”, of course that decision was made.

A young lady has just called to collect one of the stereo players. She arrived by taxi and used a walking stick as she walked up the drive. She explained she did not drive or have a car and had booked a taxi to collect her freecycle item. She was extremely polite, thanked me profusely and all I asked was she email me to confirm it worked ok when set up (why you may ask, it was free after all).

Dad knows the house is up for sale and is very interested in the process. I know freecycling his belongings in this way would both please and impress him that there are people who value and cherish what once belonged to him. I must tell him all about Freecycle.

Just a few tips….

Taking photos helps and replying with a quick email and photo can confirm or not someone’s interest..

It is useful to be able to send an email to the group stating Taken to explain the item has been claimed and sorry it’s not you…..

A polite response perhaps with a reason will get you far….