Spring cleaning could lead to a new look for your place.
Take advantage of people and companies donating appliances, cabinets, couches, dining sets, lighting and all kinds of other household items to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Goodwill and the Salvation Army’s Family Thrift Stores.
Buying items from these discount stores is a cost-conscious and easy way to consider the Earth in your homes, some say.
“I don’t think there is anything more environmentally friendly than using something old,” said Joel Babbit, co-founder and CEO of MNN.com (Mother Nature Network), an Atlanta-based environmental news and information site.
The Atlanta Habitat ReStore alone has diverted more than 3,500 tons of materials from landfills since it started in 2001 by selling stuff that people would have thrown away, said Lisa Schwinghammer, director of retail sales.
“There are definitely environmentally conscious people who shop here,” she said.
Items in good condition are typically 50 percent off retail price at the ReStore; those with wear and tear can be up to 75 percent off, she said. Certain items are on special during the week -- one week this spring, it was 20 percent off bathtubs, 20 percent off microwaves, 30 percent off desks and 30 percent off lamps.
The Grand Hyatt Atlanta last year donated artwork, beds, chairs and other items from its presidential suite and guest rooms, and KPMG, a tax, audit and advisory services firm, donated office furniture.
“You never know what’s going to show up in here,” Schwinghammer said.
Recent surprises have included high-end Sub-Zero refrigerators (offered for about $1,800), Thermador appliances and Bosch dishwashers. There also was a dining room table with eight chairs from Castleberry’s Fine Furniture that was priced at $1,300. Other donations have included reclaimed wood, an eco-friendly feature often sought by homeowners.
About 88 percent of the appliances, doors, furniture, lighting and other items are new, donated by corporations who overstocked or ordered products incorrectly, Schwinghammer said. Top sellers at the ReStore are appliances, cabinets, furniture, lighting and plumbing.
She offered three tips for buying from a discount home store:
- Bring measurements with you. That way you will avoid the disappointment of bringing an item home and finding out it doesn't fit (you can't return it). "We help them configure a kitchen cabinet layout to determine the right number of cabinets," Schwinghammer said.
- Ask the staff. Find an employee who is knowledgeable about the history of the product -- possibly even who donated it. Workers also might be able to discuss whether a lighting fixture, door or piece of furniture will work in your home.
- Get the timing right. At some stores, there is an additional markdown after the item has been there for a certain time frame, such as 60, 90 or 120 days. But you will be taking a risk if you wait because someone else could snatch it before the price drops.
Discount home stores
Goodwill
Number of metro Atlanta stores: 35
Info: www.ging.org
The Salvation Army Family Stores
Number of metro Atlanta stores: 5
Info: www.uss.salvationarmy.org
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Number of metro Atlanta stores: 7
Info: www.habitat.org/cd/env/restore.aspx
