One Mom’s Trash is Another Mom’s Treasure

Remember the old adage April showers bring May flowers?

Well… it’s gray and raining now, so it’s a great time to clean out closets, basements and garages in preparation for nicer weather (and flowers… in May). You may be able to host a garage sale, donate to needy families, or participate in a local consignment sale, which is a great way to reduce, reuse and recycle.

This week we cleaned out our garage, and let me tell you, it feels good. Next we’re tackling closets. I purchased a few storage containers so we can be extra tidy and keep a few more things in our newly cleaned storage racks in the garage. There’s just something nice about a well-organized living space. For me it takes a little bit of the chaos away.

Once you’ve decluttered remember another great adage, one mom’s trash is another mom’s treasure (well, I think it’s supposed to be about men, but it works better this way). Local resale and consignment sales offer big discounts on gently used baby clothes, furniture and toys, maternity clothes and children’s clothing and toys as well.

Here are a few to check out near Oswego:

Today Triplet Tree’s Spring and Summer Resale is being held at Bethany United Methodist church. This church is across Ogden Avenue from Rush-Copley Medical Center.

There is also a neighborhood garage sale at Summit Chase East in Aurora this weekend through 4 p.m. Sunday.

A little farther away in St. Charles you can check out this yard sale where they claim “everything must go” so you just might find something you’re looking for.

If you’re not feeling up to getting your treasures ready for sale, then simply bag ‘em and tag ‘em. Throw ‘em in the trunk and head over to the Salvation Army store on Douglas (near Aldi) or visit http://www.salvationarmyusa.org to see how you can help donate to the current relief effort in Japan.

The Goodwill company’s mission is to “enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals, families and communities by eliminating barriers to opportunity and helping people in need reach their fullest potential through the power of work”. Visit http://www.goodwillsew.com/ or the local Goodwill store on Ogden behind Buona Beef. Your donations help others find clothing and household items for lower prices.

Hopefully the sun will make an appearance this weekend for your cleaning or shopping sessions. You know summer is right around the corner when garage sale signs start popping up everywhere. Even if you don’t feel like researching a sale, you might just run into one on your weekend errands, so make sure you have a couple of bucks in your pocket in case you strike resale gold!