Just wanted to add a note about FREECYCLE (i'm on a roll this morning!)

As we have been clearing out the house, I have been redistributing stuff locally via freecycle. My eco-friendly friend karen told me about it ages ago and I have passed it on to a few people but here's a good chance to tell you about it.

Basically anything you don't want any more, you can freecycle - you give it away for free but 1) is goes to a good home and 2) you can also get other stuff offered for free. People usually come and collect so it's pretty hassle free and a great way of clearing out stuff without it going into landfill - everyone is happy!

Just visit http://www.freecycle.org/ and find the nearest freecycle community to you, most cities and towns have one and it is run via yahoo groups.