HOW TO DONATE AND SELL YOUR DECLUTTER PILE

How to safely and ecologically donate and sell items

You are likely here because you have joined Terry Elisabeth’s 4-week declutter challenge here and you want to donate and sell your declutter pile! Here is where we go over what to do with the items you are decluttering and how to safely donate and sell your items.

How to Safely Donate Your Items

Here are some tips for making donations:

• Disinfect your items. I have a disinfectant recipe that you can make from ingredients you likely already have on hand here. Be sure to note the important tips I share for properly disinfecting your items.
• Make a large “FREE” sign. Set your items outside where you are able to check on them from a window. For whatever items are not taken by the end of the day, disinfect them in case they have been handled, and put them back in your designated declutter area.
• If you would like to donate your items, be sure to list what you are donating for tax purposes. Then, drop off your donations via either or both methods below.
• Donate to non-manned drop-off locations. You know those stationary bins that you see in shopping centers? The ones labeled for clothing and shoe donations, etc? Be sure to ONLY donate what the bin is labeled for.
• If you go to a manned drop-off location, don’t forget your donation receipt! Put it in your tax file folder for next year. I have a guide for how to organize your paperwork here.

How to Safely Sell Your Items

For selling items, I suggest using an app like OfferUp because people have ratings. Never sell to or purchase from someone who has less than 5 stars. You really have to do something shady for someone to give you less than 5 stars. Here are some tips for selling your items through an app:

• Check out this post here for tips on how to sell on OfferUp.
• Disinfect your items as noted for donating above.
• Only sell to people with plenty of 5-star ratings.
• Only communicate within the app.
• Do not accept any form of payment outside of the app, especially PayPal.
• Communicate clearly with the buyer what time you agree to do the exchange.
• Communicate clearly with the buyer where you will leave your item (i.e. next to the bush near the side of the house).
• Communicate clearly with the buyer where you would like them to leave the cash (i.e. under the stone in the plant pot near the driveway). Also note, on some apps, there are options to receive payment electronically. Read your app’s directions thoroughly to ensure you use this method properly.

How to Save on Organizing Solutions

In case you missed my post on why organizing does not have to be expensive, click here. I shared tips about collecting your existing organizing products and repurposing them. I also share how to save money if you do decide you need to add some organizing solutions into your spaces.

As you declutter your home, you may have noticed items you have never used, duplicates you may have purchased because you couldn’t find something, etc. Click here as I share money-saving organizing habits that help you stay organized!

Happy Organizing!