Background information
"Where do I put this?"
by Carolin Teufelberger
Long live the free culture
1.7.2020
Translation: machine translated
Almost everything is "for free" in my neighbourhood. Bartering has flourished since the coronavirus, the pavement has become a shopping mile and every walk is more interesting. The old things tell stories.
Whether it's a sofa, shelves and books or a set of bar stools - I could have completely refurnished my flat over the last few months. Including the library, kitchen and children's room. For free, because there are boxes of stuff on the street. We've been clearing out since March. The lockdown-stricken neighbourhood looks around their homes and acts according to the motto: "Everything has to go!" Just like in a sale, everything is there, from real bargains to absolute junk.
"Free of charge! To go!"
There are fine pieces. Well-kept wooden chests of drawers that don't need advertising and look strangely out of place on the pavement. They disappear quickly. And there are worn pressboard pieces of furniture with a generous "Free! To go!" are still standing in the drizzle three days later. The selfless donor may think to himself that the words will trigger some kind of messie. And adds a few cracked glasses that are smashed on the street by the late-night walkers and boozers. Sure, a few black sheep just save themselves a trip to the recycling centre.
But overall, the quality is surprisingly high. The filter in the head works for almost all of them, which is not only reasonable for people, but could also be fun. Anyone who puts their waste paper in front of the door every fortnight, neatly bundled, also makes an effort to clear it out.
There were the Halloween costumes that were carefully packed, labelled with sizes and marked "freshly laundered" at the bus stop. Or a whole driveway full of well-preserved and sorted toys that are now being used again.
The sumptuous sofa on which we spent half an hour in the sun and which I thought would never disappear. It didn't live to see dusk in our street.
A dream man as a shopkeeper
All the things that the previous owners don't want to see end up in the incinerator. All the things that are too difficult to sell for a few francs. All the stuff that is lying twice and three times in the cupboard finds its way onto the street - and perhaps new owners right next door. Me, for example.
I can't help myself. I have to look when there are "Free!" boxes somewhere. They're full of stories. Sometimes I discover curiosities, like the "Traummann" as the latest shelf warmer. A cheat pack: the baking tin was no longer in it and even if it had been - it would only have been half a guy with a slipped face. No loss that it is no longer available from us.
I imagine how he was given away as a gag and quickly disappeared into the kitchen cupboard. Until one day it was abandoned and stealthily taken away by its new owner without the box. She bakes the sweet six-pack exactly once, then it flies out again. The things by the roadside are a talking point and often have a personal touch. They say: I can show you the furthest corner of the cellar and entrust you with the vase collection from two decades ago, dear neighbours. Help yourselves.
Although I want to get rid of enough myself, sometimes I have to help myself. At this point, I would like to thank you for the perfectly preserved wheelset including tubes and tyres, two mountain bike handlebars and a cheese slicer. I know for a fact that I will buy a "Tête de Moine" at most and use it for slicing before it sits around unused. That connects me with the previous owners. But what the heck, it will soon be back on the street. For free, of course. For now, I just want to share my opinion here: Passing it on makes you happy!
Michael Restin
Senior Editor
Michael.Restin@digitecgalaxus.chSimple writer and dad of two who likes to be on the move, wading through everyday family life. Juggling several balls, I'll occasionally drop one. It could be a ball, or a remark. Or both.
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