Selling Your Unwanted Stuff Too Much of A Hassle? Give It Away!
I mentioned that when it's time for me to make the move to Mexico for good, I have no interest in spending months selling every lamp, chair, coffee mug, and mystery box that's been sitting in the basement since the last century.
I've sold enough things online to know how the process usually goes.
"Is this still available?"
"Will you take half?"
"I'll be there at 3:00." (They never show up.)
Sometimes the money is worth the effort. Sometimes it isn't.
If your goal is to clear out your home, simplify your life, or help a loved one downsize, giving things away often feels a lot better than haggling with strangers over a $20 end table. Your unwanted items become someone else's treasure, and many organizations will even pick them up from your home.
Here are a few places worth keeping on your list.
• Freecycle
A nonprofit community built around giving useful items away for free to people in your local area. Everything is free, and the goal is to keep good items out of landfills.
Freecycle
• Salvation Army
Accepts furniture, clothing, household goods, and more. Many locations offer free pickup for larger donations.
The Salvation Army Donation Pickup
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Perfect for furniture, appliances, cabinets, lighting, tools, and building materials. Your donations help fund affordable housing projects.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
• Pickup Please
Supports the Vietnam Veterans of America. In many areas they schedule pickups within a day or two.
Pickup Please
• Goodwill
Many Goodwill organizations accept furniture and large household donations, with pickup available in some communities.
Goodwill
• The Arc
Supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Many local chapters offer donation pickup services.
The Arc
• AMVETS
Collects clothing, household goods, and other donations to support America's veterans.
AMVETS Donation Pickup
• Big Brothers Big Sisters
Many local chapters accept donated clothing and household items through pickup programs that support youth mentoring.
Big Brothers Big Sisters
• GreenDrop
Partners with several national charities to collect clothing and household donations, often with convenient pickup scheduling.
GreenDrop
One last thought.
If you've been staring at a room full of things you no longer use, don't let perfection keep you from making progress. Every box that leaves your house creates a little more space. A little more breathing room. A little less to worry about.
Sometimes the fastest path forward isn't selling everything. Sometimes it's letting someone else put it to good use.