Over the past couple weeks I’ve admitted my pack rat tendencies – how sadly I’ve purchased too many things, and how those belongings make major messes. Yesterday I explained an easy way to declutter – decide to keep, throw away, or give away each belonging.
For me, the giving away choice always ends up being a bit of work. Not that the work is a bad thing. I try to think of the best possible way to give away my belongings, though.
Here are my typical options:
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A friend
As my children have been outgrowing their baby things over the past few years, I’ve tried to pass most of their clothing and toys on to other families we know. Baby hand-me-downs were lifesavers for our tight budget when we became new parents. I don’t know what we would have done without so many gently used, free things. Because of those gifts, I’m compelled to give to others in a sort of “pay it forward” way.
The needy
We love to pass along housewares and gently worn clothes to an area homeless shelter – we know the Christian ministry helps struggling families furnish their living spaces. And, it’s great to pass along our clothing to adults and children who desperately need it.
Consignment store
I’ve finally found a local consignment store, and when our merchandise sells, I get fifty percent of the sale in store credit. Because I can always shop for used clothing and shoes for my children, I like to take some of our things to this store if I know they’ll sell for a decent amount. If I’m just going to get pennies for their clothing, I’d rather give it to someone in need.
Garage sale
When I was young, I loved to sell my old toys and clothes at a city-wide yard sale in my grandparents’ town. Because the whole city was involved, you can bet there were crowds of customers. Since my grandparents moved, I’ve only tried a couple of my own garage sales.
Craigslist
As a slightly paranoid person, I have a love/hate relationship with craigslist. I love how items can sell so that everyone involved gets a fair price. But I’m worried about who I’m actually buying from or selling to. Because of this, I don’t try it too often.
Goodwill
When all else fails, I take a carload of my giveaways to Goodwill and get a receipt for tax purposes.
I know I’ve left out some obvious options – eBay for one. (I have never bought or sold anything through that site, for no particular reason.) And I’ve never tried FreeCycle orYardmama.com.
What are your favorite ways to give your belongings away?
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I keep a bag in the hallway closet that the whole family knows to put clothes they’ve outgrown or anything they don’t want anymore in it. We get a postcard from an organization/charity when they’ll be in the neighborhood to collect the items. I know the items will be sold but its not benefitting Goodwill! So easy & convenient!
What a fantastic idea, Kimberlee!
Since my husband’s family has a lot of kids, we’re always passing hand me downs around. My daughter has almost exclusively worn her cousin’s hand-me-downs her entire life :). Sometimes it’s a pain to keep things until we see everyone (usually once or twice a year), but it’s worth it!
That sounds like such a great system, Kristy! I wish I knew children whom I could regularly give our outgrown clothes.
We have used ebay and half.com for books since 2004. It has worked very well! But you do need to learn the ropes or have someone come alongside and share some useful tips! I’m willing!