Have a $250 item that I can sell in less than 30 minutes...I'll do it.Again, just arbitrary for me, but that's my method of determining whether or not it's worth it.When I don't have the time/inclination to sell something, I'm happy to give stuff away to someone who will recycle or save me the cost of having to haul something off.

The garbage and recycle cans have to stay. 

Be happy for them when they get engaged, get a new job, even when they move.When making repairs, don't default to the cheapest fix- put in the nicer stove, shower head, whatever it is, they notice and appreciate it.Trash day is Tuesday, and I typically drive by our rentals that day and haul in trash and recycle bins- small thing but even the neighbors notice this one!

I like to buy houses, fix them up, and you try to use recycled materials.

Hi Laura,  May take a bit more time but will probably be less expensive and "more custom" is to go to places that recycle building materials. 

Could be worth checking out... also a good indicator that we have reached the top of this RE cycle- so beware less you end up carrying an upside  down mortgage come 2017!

I'm sure most areas aren't as water focused as we in California are, but, have any of you used gray water to recycle the water from showers, washing machines, etc. ?

The unparalleled climate and limited land is what often drives the demand in our RE cycles.

@Susan Perry   everyone has a personal opinion on debt.. and if you don't like debt don't go into debt.. especially as we age... and it depends on how much cash you have, I have to assume your not spending your last liquid cent on this place.. people that are much younger or starting out and want to build empires they need debt no two ways about it.I had two very wealthy partners last decade  1. old school ( owned a bunch of garbage companies and recycle centers.) and he had zero debt.. and it was funny listening to people try to rationalize why he should take on debt.2.

Next thing you know the 25% margin and 100 a month positive cash flow was really negative 100 a month and within a few short years they lose it all.. one turn over were it cost 7k  they don't have the funds... saw it happen hundreds of times... failed landlords in the mid west SF space create 50% of todays new inventory.. its just recycled.