Hallelujah! Last night was spent handwashing little socks and underpants. I already do less laundry now that this daycare doesn't accept cloth diapers. This weekend, we will be going to the dentist that's almost an hour away, with DH and I having appointments. I'm not sure if putting LO in a diaper for the morning will set her back. :shrug:
I will borrow anything and everything if people would let me. :cheesygrin: Avoiding the research and time of buying the item is always welcome. I like to read all the reviews and ask lots of questions so a large purchase could literally take years. Plus, trying it out firsthand is much better than reading the reviews.
If it breaks, I will ask the person if they would like me to replace or offer them the cash value to purchase a different model. If there's something that needs replacing, like the sander I once borrowed, we bought more new sheets than what we borrowed when it was returned.
When LO borrows clothes, I use stain remover (home made) on all the stains and pre-treat or hand scrub all spots, before and after wearing. I use a toothbrush and soap to clean off the bottoms of shoes and clean out all velcro with a long pin before returning. Everything is sorted by size and neatly folded back into their original bags and boxes. If the lender only used fragrance-free, dye-free, etc. products, I will do the same.
I try to make it a general rule to always return things in better condition than I received it in and people generally feel comfortable in lending me most things because I try to take special care of their possessions while I have it. I always ask how they care or maintain the item and will do the same.
If the lender doesn't want it back and it has some resale value, I will shine it up and try and sell it, then offer the lender what I got for it.
DH is in favour of purchasing the item though, and I usually am if we need it for emergencies or if we can use it a few times. I've never really borrowed anything until LO and never really needed to. With LO growing out of clothes before a single wear, or gets fussy if I try to put on an article of clothing that is not approved, I borrow as much as I can! I also really appreciate that the stuff moves out of the house and I don't have to decide where to store or how to get rid of it. :top:
For the most part, I lend out books and I always get a bit disappointed when it comes back dog eared or roughed up. But, the point of having the written word is to share the author's thoughts and I feel that if I'm able to share one of my favourite books and it brings someone else joy, why not? To be honest, I do feel a teensy pang of not wanting to part with it if it's a special edition or something not easily replaced.
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SassyAshley: Good luck on the organizing efforts!