It’s finally beginning to feel like spring, so 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 easier and less costly. The Chattanooga region has many resources locals can use.
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 and 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 to provide 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, as well.
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 www.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.
A quick internet search can help non-city residents find free alternatives for drop-off locations that might be just around the corner.
Recycle: City of Chattanooga residents can call 311 to schedule curbside pickup for cardboard, newspapers, plastic, 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 online search 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, or spring cleaning, remember that there are many local resources available to help make things easier.
Greater Chattanooga Realtors is “The Voice of Real Estate in Greater Chattanooga.” A regional organization with more than 2,000 members, Greater Chattanooga Realtors is one of some 1,300 local boards and associations of Realtors nationwide that comprise the National Association of Realtors. Greater Chattanooga Realtors service Hamilton and Sequatchie counties in southeast Tennessee and Catoosa, Dade and Walker counties in northwest Georgia.
Information: www.gcar.net, 423 698-8001