By Geoff Ramsey, CRS, GRI
President, Greater Chattanooga Realtors®
It is finally beginning to feel like spring, but before going outside it might be time for some spring cleaning – especially if you’re planning to move to a new home. Decluttering makes staging, selling, and moving much easier – and less costly. The Chattanooga region has many resources locals can use.
The Habitat ReStore. In addition to building affordable housing in our community, Habitat also has ReStores located in downtown Chattanooga and Ooltewah. The ReStores recycle and repurpose new and used cabinets, appliances, lighting, hardware and other household items donated by local individuals and businesses. In short, they accept just about everything except clothes and mattresses. Items can be dropped off at the ReStores or schedule a time for items to be picked up. It doesn’t get much more convenient than that! Do you really need that waffle iron you received for Christmas five years ago that’s still in a box?
Area Food Banks/Pantries. Clean out your pantry while helping provide groceries to families in need. A quick internet search will show numerous neighborhood organizations and churches in our community that accept pantry item donations they distribute to those in need. For example, The Chattanooga Area Food Bank depends on donations to be able to continue providing hunger relief to over 20 counties in southeast Tennessee and northwest Georgia. From pasta and canned vegetables to instant oatmeal and powdered milk, help stock the pantries of others while decluttering your own. Also, if you have a green thumb and your garden produces more than you need, fresh produce is accepted too!
Brush, Plants, and Bulky Trash Collection. Whether spring cleaning, updating your home’s curb appeal before selling, or making updates to your new home, figuring out what to do with brush, plants, and old carpet and appliances can be daunting. Don’t stress! There are many resources available to help dispose of large items that can no longer be used. City of Chattanooga residents can call 311 or visit chattanooga.gov to find a complete list of items accepted for curbside pickup and directions on how to schedule a special pickup if you have a lot of items. Non-city residents can find many, free alternatives for drop-off locations that are most likely just around the corner with a quick internet search.
Recycle. City of Chattanooga residents can call 311 to schedule curbside pickup for cardboard, newspapers, plastic, and aluminum, steel cans and even some batteries. Materials must be placed in blue bags, clear bags, or covered bins marked “Recycle” and do not need to be sorted. Not a city resident? No problem! A quick search on the internet will provide many recycling centers throughout the Chattanooga region that will either pick up items or provide drop-off locations.
Whether you’re moving out, moving in, both, or spring cleaning, remember that there are many local resources available to help make things a little easier.