3 ways to cash in on your stuff without having a garage sale

Do you ever find yourself daydreaming about making some money off of the stuff you have laying around that you don't use? It's an appealing idea. If you used the flow chart in my latest newsletter and discovered that a garage sale isn't going to work for you, you may be wondering about some alternatives. (If you missed the newsletter, make sure you subscribe at the bottom of this page!) Below are three other options.
 
Sell Top Items Online
Neighborhood groups, Facebook groups, eBay, Craigslist… there are many places online to list the highest value items. If they’re large items, you’ll need to sell locally using a site like Craigslist to avoid shipping. Be sure to follow safety precautions when selling locally. You can get the most for designer items on places like eBay, the Real Real, and Facebook groups that specify they’re for nicer things. However, just like garage sale customers, a lot of the folks shopping online for used things in nicer places are mainly looking for a deal. When possible, list your items in multiple locations to reach the biggest market.
 
Consignment
Plato’s Closet, Culture Clothing, Style Encore, and the bi-annual Just Between Friends Sale are examples of places in Lubbock that you can drop off your items and possibly make some money quickly. Different places take different kinds of items. With all consignment options, there are clear limitations about what you can sell. Read up on those before you pack up and drive. This route is best for popular items (especially clothing) in great condition.

Charity Donation
If you can fit everything you want to get rid of in your car, you can drive it over to Goodwill or some other thrift store or charity. If you have some large items, (especially ones that are in okay but not fantastic condition) you can call a charity to pick up your things for free. In Lubbock, the Disabled Vets will pick up. Before you donate, ask your tax preparer what info you need in order for it to count as a tax deduction.

Trying to sell items, no matter how you do it, is a higher risk/return of time and money than simply donating everything. That’s why I usually end up recommending donation to my clients who are decluttering. (Plus, each of my hands-on organizing sessions comes with a carload of donations hauled away to Goodwill.) Donating to charity may give you back the least amount of money, but you do get to "cash in" on the most warm & fuzzies from helping out a good cause.
 
Have you had luck with any of these alternatives? How about with garage sales? Share your stories in the comments.