Cleaning out the cobwebs

The calendar says it’s spring, and I’m prepared to believe that it might be, somewhere, perhaps even here in a couple of weeks or so.  I’m determined to do some spring cleaning.  Out with the piles of books I’ll never read again.  Out with the clothes I’m tired of, or that are tired of me.  Time to make four piles of Stuff.

The first pile is stuff I have to keep.  IRS-related, for example.  The second pile is stuff that goes into a big orange bag to be whisked away next Friday by the obliging American Waste truck.  The third pile is stuff to take to the recycling center on Saturday. The fourth pile is stuff that someone else could use.  I have a new rule about the fourth pile.  It must be gone to the appropriate place within a week or it will be put into a big orange bag.  There are at least three places I know of that welcome good used stuff:

• The Friendly Cottage Used Book Store (7973 North Street, Central Lake), operated by the Friends of the Library, accepts books in good condition.  Sadly, it also sells books in good condition, inclding Michigan history, children’s books and mysteries., so a good many of my trips to unload are pretty much a wash in the de-cluttering department.  Oh well. 
• The Treasure Chest Consignment Shop (2433 N. M-88, Central Lake, 231-544-3333) will accept clean spring or summer clothing in good repair, books, games, furniture and collectibles.  You can actually earn a little money when your items sell.  Imagine that.  Right now the place is packed with prom gowns and wedding garb, so it’s definitely safe for me to go in there.  Great baby stuff.  An antique Singer sewing machine like my Gram’s . . . maybe not so safe.

• The Good Samaritan Resale Shop 9746 Main Street, Ellsworth, 231-588-2208) accepts clothing and household items in good shape.  Baby items are particularly welcome.  “Good Sam” also operates a food pantry and moms and tots services, and is a lifeline for young families fallen on hard times.