Tip Top Ship Shape

At a time when consumerism is an epidemic and products are designed and manufactured to fail within a few years or even a few months, a trip to the opportunity or tip shop can be a welcome reprieve. Not only do they offer practical and affordable replacements, but much like a treasure hunt, sometimes we can find gold.

Glenorchy offers a number of excellent op shops, second hand stores and the Glenorchy Tip Shop, where I recently spotted a beautiful little timber boat, complete with oars. For anyone with kids or with the skills to bring this little gem back to its former glory, it is a bargain at $120. I had to resist throwing in on the roof racks. It would be great to paddle on the Derwent, but instead I settled for a 1970’s coffee table.

I’m not an avid fashion shopper, in fact I almost come out in hives when I enter the shiny, chrome lined glitzy shops, but I am a passionate op shopper and I am familiar with most in the municipality. My latest favourite is the Hobart City Mission on Main Road, Moonah. I dropped by recently and was surprised by the amount of retro furniture. It’s not always this way; the luck of the draw. For anyone wanting to furnish their original 1960s or 1970s house, this is worth checking. This cabinet was a real find and suits my little house. I love that this older furniture is solid timber and made from quality wood. It’s sturdy and stylish.

And in the recyclable circle of life, I will drop off the bags of clothes and stuff that I don’t need or use anymore. What do they say....if you haven’t used it in 90 days and you don’t plan to use it within the next 90 days, then get rid of it. Who knows, someone else may just find it useful.