Spring cleaning can be a mixed bag of experiences, with both pros and cons to consider. I just couldn’t put it off any longer! There was too much pressure on the “when are you going to get started“ from the “honey-do list.”
Too damn hot out for working in the garage, so I started with my desk and the office. I wanted to avoid our clothes closet but also lost that battle! I remembered from last time one of the significant benefits of spring cleaning is rediscovering items you may have forgotten about.
Finding forgotten treasures can be a pleasant surprise, whether unwrapped gifts, old clothes, or photography gear. I found several unwrapped gifts, new clothes, and my favorite old flips. I had forgotten I even had most of these, and yes, some of my camera gear was covered in layers of cat hair and dust!
Like most spring cleaning sessions, this one involved trips to Goodwill and numerous black trash bags piled high until the next trash day. I favor places like Goodwill as they can benefit you and others in need. It’s a great way to declutter your space while also giving back to the community.
As I unpacked my camera bags and cases, I found a few things, like a tele extender, flash, and a lens or two I hadn’t used for years. It got me thinking about some of the latest announcements from Fujifilm and Canon, my go-to gear. While I am comfortable with my gear, it’s slow and heavy compared to the newer models. Trading older or slightly used gear can be particularly relevant when — and we all do sooner or later — consider upgrading to newer models that better suit our current needs. I thought about this summer’s events, birthdays and shows but hadn’t bought any new gear in a few years!
While spring cleaning got me to evaluate my current photography gear and consider upgrading, purchasing new equipment can be a significant financial investment. College and teenage twins make purchasing new gear less realistic. However, the trade-in of older gear can also significantly offset the costs of upgrading one’s gear. Buying used or refurbished gear has become my first choice. I already started the process of getting a quote from MPB, whose services I have now used several times. Many of us here at Photofocus have had excellent service and experiences from this company. Of course, you may already have a go-to source or local dealer.
So, when was the last time you really took everything out of the bags and cases? Cleaned and charged all your gear and didn’t find something you’d forgotten about or hadn’t used in a long time? Spring cleaning might be a task you don’t want to put off any longer!