If Adrian Chiles still wants to get rid of his surplus zinc guttering (I need to declutter my life. But I can’t even give my stuff away, 2 April), he should consider using Freegle and/or Freecycle. As the names suggest, these are websites where everything on offer is absolutely free. As a regular customer, I have not only acquired items of use, but have passed on things I no longer needed.
In addition to offering unwanted items, you can also place a “Wanted” ad. Here you have to be fortunate, but one free exercise bike and a free rowing machine later, I guess I was fortunate. It was definitely worth a try. I can say that passing on plants is very popular, and I have just collected two hellebores and a salvia “Amistad”. As to the demand for zinc guttering, I know not. But if Adrian does try Freegle, and is successful in the metal-bashing West Midlands, perhaps he could let us know?
Alan Payling
Babbacombe, Devon
• Adrian Chiles should look up döstädning, the Swedish gentle art of death cleaning. I undertook this exercise a number of years ago and, other than books (in cases) and paintings (on walls), cleared out all objets, knick-knacks and other detritus accumulated over 60 years of existence. Makes the dusting so much easier.
Andrew Risby
Lochgilphead, Argyll
