Re: Storage and garage sales | <– Date –> <– Thread –> |
From: Rob Sandelin (robsan![]() |
|
Date: Tue, 23 Aug 94 13:51 CDT |
I make it a habit to ask other cohousing groups what are the major mistakes you made. One of the top answers to that question I have gotten is: Not enough personal storage space. In the programming for unit designs this seems to get overlooked, or under estimated. Cohousing groups which do move in all at once end up with boxes of storage stuff on porches, under eaves, in the basement of the commonhouse etc. It would be a good exercise to brainstorm a list of the things people have in their garages. Where will things like paint, tools, camping gear, bicycle parts, car maintenance things, all go? For example, eventually you will need to repaint the commonhouse. You will want to have a gallon or two of touchup paint stored to deal with those ugly marks that the kids will make on the walls two days after the paint is dry. Where will the cans of paint be stored? What about unit paint? What about paint thinner and old rags (fire hazard!!!!). I think a great idea is right before move in hold a large community garage sale, with the proceeds going to buy things for the commonhouse. (for some reason things like chairs, drapes, wall hangings to reduce noise, etc. never get in the budget) That way all of the members can deal with excess stuff all at once. This is a great way to get rid of things you do not need, pick up things you want from your other neighbors, meet lots of interesting neighbors from outside your community. Then when its all over you can call the Salvation Army to come pick up the left overs Monday morning. I stop at every garage sale in my neighborhood in order to chat with the neighbors. I seldom ever buy anything but I am always interested in meeting the people who live around the area and a garage sale is an open invitation. Each year the co-op preschool does a joint garage sale with all its members and we raise $2-3,000 from peoples donations. It is the most fun, fund raising event, a great community building and conflict resolution experience (what! you are going to sell my broken 1972 lava lamp for only $2????), and is a great source for things I never knew I needed but couldn't pass up for the price. Rob Sandelin Regretting that I turned down a collection of bike fixing tools for $5 at a garage sale now that I need to fix my bike...
- (no other messages in thread)
Results generated by Tiger Technologies Web hosting using MHonArc.