Information for…
What to take in case a disaster strikes! This article is from the website Bankrate.com and is dated October 23, 2020.
Scam alerts: check the FTC for what is out there and how to combat it
How long should I keep that tax return? Papers piling up because you’re not sure how long to keep them? Click on how long to keep papers to find out.
For business papers, click here for the IRS version.
Security Freeze vs. Fraud alerts: View Consumer Reports article about the Equifax breach
Resource Handout – when you’ve finished editing your closet/garage/space and you wonder what to do with the “stuff”. Use this handy list!
Multi-services
Remoov offers pick up of consignment items, donation and trash all at one time! Their rate depends on how much your items fill up the truck and if there are any disposal fees. I have used them several times and recommend them.
EcoHaul disposes your items either through recycling, donation or composting.
East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse – Estate Clean Out. There are 3 different levels (1 free and 2 fee-based), so check them out! Their goal is to recycle as much as possible.
Donations
Bay Area Rescue Mission – Household goods, clothing, toys, linens, unexpired foods (canned/packaged)
On 2nd & McDonald in Richmond. This organization has a men’s and women’s/children shelters and provides food/meals for those in need. Super helpful and provide a receipt if you give an amount.
Salvation Army – many locations. Take all manner of items. Check their website for a location and any restrictions during the pandemic.
Lions In Sight – eyeglasses and broken parts, sunglasses, cell phones, and hearing aid
They have drop-off locations around the Bay Area. However, you can also mail them your items and they will provide a donation letter.
East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse – small furniture, small working appliances, crafts/supplies that teachers can use
Based in Oakland. They also offer estate clean out – see their website for more information.
Thrift Town – El Sobrante
East Bay Children’s Book Project – children books, Oakland
Secure the Call – cell phones, batteries, chargers, and accessories in any condition.
Recycling
Zerowaste.terracycle.com – safety equipment/protective gear, razors and related packaging, CDs/DVDs/VHS tapes, snack wrappers, pens/markers, fabric/clothing, plastic lids, and much, much more. You purchase a pouch/box for a particular item (or they have a multi-items), you fill it up! When the pouch/box is full, close it up. It comes with a prepaid label on the box, so all you have to do is drop it off.
Berkeley Recycling 2nd & Gilman Streets
El Cerrito Recycle Center – north end of Moeser Street, El Cerrito. Plastic bags, cardboard/paper, metal, batteries, glass, bicycles (and parts), and medications. There is also the Exchange Zone, which is an area for books, eyeglasses & bulbs (both have to go to the office), hangers, corks, toys, etc. You can also drop off other items at the donation truck.
Services
Golden Gate Appliance Repair: Do you have an old/broken appliance in need of help? Call 415 661-4430. Two thumbs up!
CarePatrol: A free service to help find affordable housing for seniors, particularly for those with low income. The local representative is Mike Awadalla.
Gepetto’s Antiques Restoration – do you have an antique in need of repair and can’t make it to The Repair Shop in England? Call Bernice Rappaport for all your needs.
Victims Service, San Francisco District Attorney’s Office : provides assistance to elderly victims of scams and frauds. 415 553-9044
Hazardous Waste
Alameda County
West Contra Costa County
Professional Organizing
National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals
Code of Ethics
Organizing Ideas
Rev-a-Shelf makes custom shelves/inserts for cabinets/drawers. This picture shows how to organize food storage containers!
