Fix at home and grow the repair movement

Being resourceful has never seemed to be more appropriate than now, while we have been at home for an extended period, surrounded by our stuff. Out of need or boredom, we may have rediscovered our long unused sewing machines or tools to create, make and maybe repair our own stuff.  

Repair is an essential service 

From bikes and cell phones to shoes and toys, local repair businesses are open and seeking to help customers. Repair shops are essential businesses during the COVID-19 emergency, and they have adjusted and created new opportunities, like many other types of businesses.  

One resource that is dedicated to helping more people fix more things is Portland Repair Finder. This online resource helps tell the stories behind repair work, including recent entries about how businesses such as Bridgetown Electronics Repair and Hidden Opulence Design House have tried new options to support their customers and the larger community.

If you’re interested in the status of bike shops for DIY repair or to purchase needed gear, BikePortland has updated information about over 40 local shops.   

#FixatHome 

Portland’s repair organization, Repair PDX, has gone virtual. They hosted an online workshop about zipper repair, partnering with Zipper Rescue and Portland Underground Grad School to offer a skill-share session on how to repair your own zippers.  

Regional Repair Fairs has an online toolbox full of how-to videos. And don’t forget about iFixit, the go-to resource with online tutorials for pretty much anything. They are also behind the #FixatHome campaign, sharing the Do-It-Yourself spirit with those who are curious to repair their own goods. 

Ready to try repairing something at home? Here’s what one volunteer Repair PDX fixer shared about how to repair anything. 

1. Decide what the problem really is before you start; most problems are either electrical or physical. 

2. Don't be in a hurry to tear it apart. Remember, you have to put it back together. 

• When it is together, you have the answer of what it looks like when it is complete. 

• When it is apart, you hold the question of, "What have I done?" 

• Take pictures on your phone as you disassemble the unit. 

• Lay out the parts in the order that you take them off. 

• Put the screws in a container so you won't lose them. 

3. Use oil – engine oil, sewing machine oil, bearing grease, spray lubricants or Vaseline – they all lubricate most things. 

4. Use glue – school glue, epoxy, rubber cement, contact cement, goop and instant glue – they all hold most things together. 

5. Fear of failure causes unclear thinking, so here are things to keep in mind: 

• If you can fix it, great! 

• If you can't, you know it’s already broken: You can throw it out--or recycle the parts--with a clear conscience. 

• Bonus: You now have screws, springs, bulbs, and more for your next project! 

Spring cleaning while at home

Being at home has allowed for time to chip away at the task list, which inevitably includes spring cleaning. We’re living in a different world now so taking a thoughtful approach to ridding yourself and your home of unwanted items needs to be handled differently too.

Declutter your space

It may be your whole house, your apartment, your garage, or just your closet. Take stock of your stuff – from small appliances, kitchen utensils, clothes, or old electronics – and separate the usable stuff from what you no longer need or want.

Put the stuff you don’t want in a box for now, but take some time to research ways to sell, donate, or recycle them once places reopen.  So many of our things can have another life, but some items are indeed trash and should be thrown away.

Donate thoughtfully

As with much of our favorite places like restaurants, theaters and pubs, donation centers are closed to the public. In Portland, many reuse organizations are seeking financial support while their doors are closed and specifying what to save for donation when it is safe to offer them. Some have even come up with ideas for residents to help - or shop - in other ways.

These items will be of value to area nonprofits once the pandemic ends. So instead of sending them to the landfill, consider locating a clean, dry space to store these in your home, attic, or garage.

Local resources adapt with the times

Community Warehouse asks that supporters create a donation pile of gently used items for future drop off or sponsor at Home 2 Go Kit now.

Beginning May 11, you can drop off the following items at the Portland Warehouse between 10 AM - 4 PM on weekdays only:

• kitchen tables

• kitchen chairs

• dishware (plates, bowls, cups, and silverware - no china or metal-rimmed dishware)

• cookware (pots, pans, cooking utensils)

• small appliances (microwaves, toasters, coffee makers)

• sofas (no sleeper sofas, sectionals, or recliners)

• armchairs

Free Geek provides refurbished laptops and technology support to students and others, plus encourages donations and online shopping to support their ongoing work. There are some services available for the public to be aware of during this time.

Habitat ReStore now has an online store for residents to buy used goods anytime. Beginning May 9, their Portland store reopens for shopping; between 10 AM – 6 PM, Thursday through Monday only.

The ReBuilding Center is offering appointments to come and shop for building and home supplies so you can work on projects. They have limited hours for donating materials; between 11 AM – 4 PM, Wednesday through Saturday only.

SCRAP Creative Reuse now has an online store for shoppers to buy used and new materials. 

Buy Nothing Project members post anything they’d like to give away, lend or share for free. It is neighborhood-and-Facebook based, focused on items to borrow or acquire from neighbors. That includes things you may be finding as you declutter and clean up for spring!