I’m always amazed by the amount of “stuff” that I somehow accumulate. I don’t know about you, but for me, the struggle is real. For example, I often hang onto knickknacks and souvenirs, even toys from my childhood, long after their sentimental value has run its course. Do I really still need that Princess Leia Pez dispenser I’ve had forever? (OK, yeah, maybe I do.) But if I ever do decide to let it go, what exactly should I do with it? Donate it? Sell it? Just throw it away?
Repurpose…If your item is still in good shape, try looking at it with fresh eyes. Maybe that old couch pillow could find new life as a comfy pet bed for Fluffy. Or perhaps those old TV trays could be transformed into fun new memo boards.
Donate…Or consider this: If your item is still in pretty good shape, and you really don’t want or “need” it anymore, go ahead and donate it. Why? For one thing, it just feels good knowing that somebody out there will benefit from something you no longer want. After all, as Booker T. Washington said, “Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.”
Or Sell?That said, selling your still-valuable “stuff” also feels nice since it puts a little extra bling in your billfold, so to speak. But questions arise. How do you know what it’s worth? Where do you find out? Is selling it going to be worth your efforts?
Have you ever been tasked with pricing items, perhaps for an estate sale or garage sale? How did you decide how much to ask? Please share your tips with our readers, below!Resources:
I don’t lnow about you but for me this time of year brings out the “urge to purge”. I generally tend to ask family members if they would like or need the items and not then I generally donate then to either a shelter or a charity box. Shelters are constantly in need of such things of bedding, towels, clothes (especially footwear) and toiletry items. Be sure to call the shelter you wish to donate to ahead of time. The charity boxes I donate to are The Salvation Army, Children’s Wish Foundation and an aminal rescue thridt store. The first two can be contacted to pick up items including larger items. Shopping at thrift stores is great, not only are you supporting the great work these places do, there is no tax (at least here in Ontaio) on th resale of goods.
I love to purge the old stuff out. A rule I have is if I haven’t touched it in a year the chances are I will never touch it again. So then I get rid of it. Its hard to find places to donate items to that isn’t looking to make a profit. I would love to donate my childrens toys to kids that really can use it. Any suggestions?
I’ve been selling items on Facebook groups since this past fall – mainly larger, nicer-quality items and kids items. Everything else will go in our upcoming garage sale, and what doesn’t sell gets donated the same day. I’ve sold around $280 worth so far (I do price it very competitively, because having it gone is worth more to me), and having it gone feels great! Also, getting ready to go through kids’ books this weekend to donate to the school Book Swap at Field Day!
I’ve heard 25-30% of original cost. I sometimes look on Facebook Marketplace to see what they are going for there.
Great ideas, readers! Thanks for your comments and suggestions!
When I have a garage sale, I price my items to move. I get a bit of cash, and someone goes away with a little treasure. Anything left over is donated to local thrift stores.