Getting rid of unused/unwanted clutter at home

Bluebelle, the Singer was converted to electric, but the motor blew. I tried putting it back to manual but couldn't get the right sized handle mechanism. (It's a 66, the smaller size of machine. It looks to be a little older than the one my Mum bought in the mid 1950s. I am wondering if a modern motor would fit. Does anybody know? I would happily repair and donate. The other is a Jones, It works but has a problematic shuttle system. It snaps modern, weak, thread. Why is it so difficult to buy decent cotton thread?

As for the person (sorry, didn't make a note of which lady) who said about donating tools "left" to a Widow, are you suggesting us ladies can't use a saw, hammer or even a power drill? You should see my tool collection - and it has been used frequently since my husband died 25 years ago. In fact, they were MY tools, not his!

BlueBelle

Please consider the sewing machine if useable but old going to TWAM Tools with a mission They are collected cleaned tidied mended if something simple and sent to third world country where it could mean a young woman being able to start a small business
All tools of any kind too so anyone who s lost a husband but has a shed full of tools please consider doing that
Such a lovely charity

Our WI had such a good talk from one of the Tools With A Mission (TWAM) speakers. We had a huge collection in the months following with all of us ransacking garages, sheds and cupboards for unwanted and unused items that TWAM can make use of and make up kits for people in underdeveloped countries to use to make a living. Brilliant idea.

I’ve just gone through all my videos and put them into categories. I’ve seen things on utube that are only there because someone has kept an old recording on video so it makes me loathe to throw them away. I also feel guilty about putting anything into landfill.

We live on quite a busy road for pedestrians walking to the train station so I often leave stuff just by the pavement and it disappears quickly....I never see who takes it!! The last things were 4 garden chairs just before the first heatwave so I hope they were immediately used.

So much stuff still to sort through and send on its way. When we first moved into this house 40+ years ago there was an Aladdins cave of a 2nd hand furniture shop where we bought lots of nice things. The owner grumbled to me one winter that it wasnt cold enough...not enough old people ðying!! Even to a 26 year old that seemed heartless even more so now at 76!!!

Why do so many of us collect so much stuff? I had hoped to pass a lot on to my daughters, but they haven't the room. I have furniture of my parents as well. Oh dear. Oh well I am not alone it seems.

keepingquiet

I do it small bits at a time. Then people buy me stuff or I get something I like and the whole thing starts again.

I have a cross-trainer in my bedroom I'll never use again but have no idea what I can do with it...

If it’s in working order either sell it on Gumtree (buyer to collect) or donate it to a charity that will collect and sell it themselves.

British Heart Foundation is one that will, as do others including local charities.

I think it is the toughest job ever. All of these 'things', come with beautiful memories for me. Everyone has left home now, husband died 4 years ago. The memories keep me going. I think that the family will want some things, even though I know full well when I am gone , a skip will be hired and everything dumped . Funnily enough, when I do convince myself to part with something, one of the family will say, oh no, you can't get rid of that!

BlueBelle
Thanks so much for that info.
Anyone who knows me knows that I’m the opposite end to a hoarder.
But what I do have are 4 sewing machines, all gifted to me.
I want to gift 2 of them. I’ve given up offering to teach family and friends how to use them and make things.

I do it small bits at a time. Then people buy me stuff or I get something I like and the whole thing starts again.

I have a cross-trainer in my bedroom I'll never use again but have no idea what I can do with it...

I just decluttered big time as I’m moving house next week. I eventually had to dump many DVDs as no one wanted them, I sold a few things on FB Marketplace, offered a few things to family including an old singer sewing machine which my daughter was over the moon to take. If you have a driveway try putting stuff near the pavement you will be surprised what people will take, tools garden or DIY always went quickly.
Good decluttering to you👍

Thanks for the reminder BlueBelle. Do they take old garden tools?
I wonder if they operate in Scotland.

I have 5 unused toilets and washbasins in my cellar! I think my late husband was gifted them by a plumber when he bought a shop and wanted to fit out the toilets.
The shop still operates but those items were not required.

I have managed to sell 8 big heavy boxes of 78rpm records via Facebook marketplace, this week.

I have a Singer treadle machine too Aely 🙄

Just in the process of decluttering fabric. Some are easy to part with; others not so easy. Will I really use those fabrics? Just how many scrap quilts can a person make in one life time. It's a slow process. I don't want to have the biggest stash in the graveyard. I just wish I were more decisive.

Thank you BlueBelle I will bear that in mind for future clearouts.

Please consider the sewing machine if useable but old going to TWAM Tools with a mission They are collected cleaned tidied mended if something simple and sent to third world country where it could mean a young woman being able to start a small business
All tools of any kind too so anyone who s lost a husband but has a shed full of tools please consider doing that
Such a lovely charity