We all know the feeling of decluttering our home and wanting to get rid of all the old stuff we no longer need or use.
It’s liberating to get rid of the excess and simplify our lives. And what better way to do it than to donate our old clothes, shoes, and household goods to charity?
It’s a win-win situation, right? We help those in need while also decluttering our home. But what if I told you that giving away your old stuff to charity may not always be the best choice for your financial situation?
Let me be clear here. I’m all for charity, and I love to help when we can, but sometimes, giving those items away is not the best choice for your season in life, and you may not even realize it.
Sometimes we are helping others but hurting our family’s financial situation when we forego the money we could have earned by selling those items ourselves.
In the long term, this will inhibit our ability to help charity even more.
For families with debt, I do not recommend giving away items in good, usable, or resaleable condition, which, to be clear, are the only items you should give to charity.
They don’t want your “junk,” and I say that as nice as possible! It costs them more to go through true “junk” and dispose of them than it is worth, so do them a favor and only donate items in good repair.
Every dollar you could have gotten from selling your items (think Craigslist, online Facebook yard sale groups, yard sales, etc.) was an unallocated dollar in your budget that could have gone towards your debt and getting out from under the bondage of living in debt.
Sure, debt is manageable for some, and they don’t feel the crunch. But think of all the good they could do with no debt payments! Think of all the charity gifts they could make if they had no debt.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But I don’t have the time to sell my old stuff. It’s easier to just donate it and be done with it.” And that’s a valid point.
Selling your old stuff takes time and effort, and sometimes, it’s not worth it. But hear me out. It can actually be a fun and rewarding experience.
It can bring in some extra cash that you can use to pay off debt or save for a rainy day. And who knows? You might even discover a hidden talent for entrepreneurship.
My bestie now sells clothes and other items as an Amazon seller. It’s a great side hustle for her family.
So, what are some ways you can sell your old stuff? Here are a few ideas:
1. Craigslist
Craigslist is a great way to sell your old stuff locally. You can post ads for free and reach a large audience.
2. Online Facebook yard sale groups
Facebook is a great way to connect with people in your community and sell your old stuff. Join local yard sale groups and post your items for sale. It’s easy to use and gets fast results.
3. Yard sales
Yard sales are a classic way to sell your old stuff. Advertise in your local newspaper or online and set up shop in your front yard.
4. Consignment shops
Consignment shops are a great option for selling your old clothes and accessories. They will take a percentage of the sale, but it’s a great way to get rid of your old clothes and make some extra cash that same day.
5. eBay
eBay is a great way to sell your old stuff online. You can reach a large audience and potentially make more money than selling locally.
6. OfferUp
OfferUp is a newer app that allows you to sell your old stuff locally. It’s free to use and has a large user base.
So, the next time you’re decluttering your home, think twice before donating your old stuff to charity. Selling your old stuff can be a fun and rewarding experience, bringing in some extra cash and helping you get out of debt.
It’s important to prioritize our financial well-being before donating to charity. Plus, entrepreneurship may be a talent worth exploring.