Rent, share, sell – Create more space for your hobbies

Washing machines, dishwashers, ovens, fridges, hoovers, hairdryers, electric razors, coffee machines, blenders ... The average Swiss household has around 74 electrical or electronic appliances in it. Those who cook, garden or pursue other hobbies at home often have many more appliances. But do they really need all of them, or could some of them be rented, shared with others or sold? We take a closer look.

The foodie

In addition to two ovens and a state-of-the-art glass ceramic hob, our foodie has a steamer and a microwave, two electric kitchen scales, a toaster, a deep fryer, several thermometers with sensors for the right meat temperature, an electric grill, a vacuum appliance, a milk frother, an electric raclette and pizza oven, a table-top grill, several electric plate warmers, a kneading machine, a meat grinder, an electric slicer and bread maker, several blenders, an electric citrus juicer, a regular juicer, a waffle iron and, since this spring, the latest food processor ... But wait, couldn’t this new appliance replace the kneading machine, the blenders and the mixer? And what about the bread maker? Couldn’t it be sold on Tutti.ch?

The handyman

For a long time, our young handyman’s favourite place was his grandfather’s cellar. There are several electric drills (with and without batteries) of various power ranges, an electric jigsaw and circular saw, a cordless multi-grinder and angle grinder, an electric hot melt glue gun, several battery chargers and remote controls for various flying objects and model vehicles, not to mention loads of batteries and rechargeable batteries for all kinds of appliances ... But since Grandad is getting on a bit and he himself prefers to go out with his mates rather than disappear down into the cellar, the machines are only very rarely taken off the rack. The grinder is rusting away, and one or two of the remote controls have long since become obsolete. Yes, it would be good to give the cellar a good clean and clear it out ... Maybe that could be the next holiday project?

The gardeners

The true paradise of our two gardeners is not the garden itself but the shed behind the house. This is where they keep their hedge trimmers, the leaf blower, their pond sludge vacuum, a dethatcher, an electric lawn mower (which still has to be pushed by hand) and a latest-generation battery-powered robotic mower, an electric trimmer, a filter system, a cordless chainsaw, a garden tiller, a cordless rotary hoe and a small cordless shrub shear, a cordless auger and an electric irrigation system with rain sensor, plus various water features with pumps ... Yes, they could serve the whole neighbourhood with all that garden equipment. In fact, why don’t they do that? Wouldn’t everyone benefit?

Letting go is good for you

Let’s be honest: each and every one of us has electrical or electronic appliances in the house that we could easily do without. And isn’t it true that we all secretly hope that our children or grandchildren might one day show an interest in our hobbies? Even so, hoarding objects on the off chance just isn’t worth it. After all, the lifespan of electrical and electronic appliances is constantly decreasing. Something that’s trendy today will be outdated the day after tomorrow. So go and have a rummage through your cellar or loft today and empty your drawers and boxes – or look for unwanted items in the kitchen, garage or garden shed. It’s all in keeping with the motto “It’s good to let go” – for both you and the environment.

How to get the best out of your electrical and electronic appliances

Did you know that small electrical or electronic appliances in particular are often unintentionally hoarded? It’s because they frequently get stowed away and quickly get dusty and forgotten. Have you thought about simply renting equipment as and when you need it? There are many online suppliers today who are sure to have the appliances you are looking for in their range.

1. Clear out and sort out

Organise a “clearing out day” once a year and empty all your drawers, boxes and shelves. Label three boxes: one with “Let go of”, one with “Repair” and one with “Recycle”. Don’t forget all the cables, plugs, torches, bicycle lights, clocks, alarm clocks and LED lights ...

2. Keep or share

Return the appliances you want to keep for yourself to the drawers, boxes or shelves. This will include many kitchen utensils and appliances for daily hygiene. But other items, such as gardening equipment and tools, can be shared with others. So how about opening up your garden shed or workshop to friends, acquaintances or neighbours every Saturday? As a thank you, they may well want to open their cupboards to you too – even if it’s for a good bottle of wine.

3. Sell or auction

Collect all the appliances that are duplicates or that you no longer need in the “‘Let go of” box. Admittedly, it’s not always easy to let go, but the more valuable your appliances are, the more you can get for them, by reselling them on Tutti.ch or Ricardo.ch, at a flea market or at a neighbourhood auction. Treat yourself to something special with your earnings or set up an extra savings account to fulfil an even bigger wish later on.

4. Repair or recycle

Take a closer look at your faulty appliances. Do you think you can still repair one or two of them? Or perhaps one of them is still under warranty? If you are unsure whether a repair is worthwhile, take a closer look at the Circular Platform. And then take the rest to the recycling centre.

Disposal and closing the material loops

Return your faulty appliances to the place where you bought them or to a sales outlet that stocks similar appliances. According to the Swiss Ordinance on the Return, Taking Back and Disposal of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (ORDEE), all Swiss retailers are obliged to take back appliances free of charge and recycle them. This is where any harmful substances are safely removed and valuable resources are recycled in order to close as many material loops as possible.