topic Re: Purging My Stuff! in Home

Purging My Stuff!

NorskyGal — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 21:34:37 GMT

I have been taking stuff I don't want/need anymore out of my closets, drawers, etc. and then storing them in boxes until I can sell the stuff on eBay & Etsy.

But now that everything's been sitting here for a few years I realize I'm probably never going to list them online. So I've kind of resigned myself to the thought of donating. I just really want my space back.

I've donated plenty of stuff before but not stuff that is practically unused, is of a higher value, etc. What I picture is this: someone will buy my stuff at the thrift store & then sell it on eBay and make the $$ I envisioned for myself.

I know that if I don't want to put in the work to sell the stuff then I shouldn't cry over the $$ I don't get. I get that. But it's still tough. So please don't get on me about all that.

And I know I could consign but the money you get around where I live is literally next to nothing. (And I don't use the word 'literally' lightly!) So to me this option is not worth it either.

All this comes leads up to my question: Have you ever donated really nice things and then regretted it?

And I guess I need some encouragement to get rid of my things, in whatever way it happens. And any helpful advice or suggestions are welcome. Thanks all!

Re: Purging My Stuff!

Kitlynn — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 21:38:02 GMT

I donate really good things all the time and I honestly just feel like if I am not using it then it is much better for someone to be getting some good out of the stuff than for it to just be sitting around unused and taking up good space. Just look at it like you might really be helping out someone that has a real need while doing something for yourself in the process by cleaning and purging out your space.

Re: Purging My Stuff!

FastDogWalker2 — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 21:38:56 GMT

I have NEVER regretted donating anything and, yes, I have donated very nice clothing items with tags still attached. I really felt better that it was out of my home. I have done the same thing with nice home items. It has helped me to REALLY consider all purchases more thoroughly and decide if down the line I will regret them. HTH and good luck!

Re: Purging My Stuff!

DoneTryin — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 21:45:22 GMT

Yes, I have donated new, or practically new, nice items & never looked back. Then, when I'm arguing with myself about buying something new, I consider the items I gave away & how much of that $$ is gone gone gone. It took me 3 times of buying bread makers to finally stop even thinking about those. I'm an emotional shopper, so it's a constant struggle.

Re: Purging My Stuff!

Another new name Sue — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 21:51:32 GMT

I don't recall ever regretting anything donated. Unless you have a bigger ticket item, most often it's just a PITA to sell on ebay or anywhere else. Why not find a thrift shop which benefits your local community, like the hospital or a certain charity, and donate there? It will help them, and you can get a receipt. I seriously doubt anyone will sell your stuff on ebay. Thrift shops know merchandise and how to price it.

I had a very nice faux fur vest which I wanted to sell on ebay, and after checking prices which were shocking low, I donated it.

Re: Purging My Stuff!

Luv_My_Beagle — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 22:13:42 GMT

I have donated some really nice things, too. But those items had not been worn in several years, so I donate and don't look back..

You could run some of the nicer things to the consignment shop. I haven't done that in ages but you could give it try?

Re: Purging My Stuff!

sandy53 — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 22:39:32 GMT

I can truthfully say I have never missed any of the items I have either sold or donated. Do not hesitate to purge items that you do not use or do not love.

Re: Purging My Stuff!

Meowingkitty — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 22:46:30 GMT

Actually just this morning I donated 14 purses to a local animal shelter thrift shop. Most were Brahmin, 1 Coach and a Brighton. I looked into selling on EBay but that was to time consuming and the local consignment shops are a joke. I would have gotten maybe five bucks for each bag. Totally not worth it. I would rather have the tax deduction. I say pick a charity and take the tax deductions.

Re: Purging My Stuff!

Daysdee — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 22:51:40 GMT

I've donated many really good and unused items. I regret it when I drop them off but actually never miss the items and feel relieved they are gone. I understand that it is hard to get motivated to do it. I have that problem too. I never had any luck with consignment so don't even try any more.

Re: Purging My Stuff!

mewsmomtoo — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 23:25:55 GMT

Not to put a damper on things, but...the last time I moved I had to move very quickly. I was stressed and sleep deprived and I gave away two things that I think of often and know that if I had just taken a breath, I would have kept them. I will always be sad that they are gone. On the other hand, at that same time, I donated many, many nice things that I have not regretted giving away. I think if you have allowed yourself some time to mull over whether or not you want to keep these items and the only thing you will miss is the money, then you will be alright if you donate them.

Re: Purging My Stuff!

05gage25 — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 23:37:24 GMT

I recently donated 250 pounds of clothing...didn't count the items, just bagged them up and weighed them. Sure, I could have sold them, but like some have said, it's a lot of trouble. My closet looks sooo much better, and I feel better knowing someone will get some very nice clothing.

Re: Purging My Stuff!

lianne — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 23:44:25 GMT

There are so many videos on youtube about people that troll thrift stores and buy things to re sell on Ebay, a lot of them make very good money. They do the work to photograph and list and mail out the items, so why shouldnt they profit from it?

Re: Purging My Stuff!

coldlake — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 00:19:11 GMT

I've donated or given away many nice things and never really regretted it--sometimes I've had to rebuy something, or I think to myself that if I still had a certain item I'd use it, but then I realize that I'd been fine without the item and I'm able to replace if need be.

I just read a book about decluttering called "The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing" by Marie Kondo. I don't know about "life changing" but it's very inspirational. She says instead of focusing on what you should get rid of, focus on what you want to keep. By doing it that way I think I can clear out most of my closet and probably 100% of the storage boxes in my basement. If I haven't used something for years why do I have it?

Don't forget about the tax deduction for items you donate!

Re: Purging My Stuff!

coldlake — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 00:30:03 GMT

Oh, and as far as someone making money from your cast offs? I always think about that when I watch Antiques Roadshow when a garage sale $5 item turns out to be worth a fortune and I wonder if the person who sold it was watching. I think you'd just have to have a sense of humor about it and chalk it up to the irony of life.

If it really bothers you, try listing one or two of your discards and see what happens. You might discover that you do enjoy selling on ebay, or you might find that it's not your thing. But you won't know unless you try.

Re: Purging My Stuff!

Anniecamp — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 00:53:54 GMT

Coldlake's comment about focusing on what you want to keep, rather than what to get rid of is so much easier. Whenever I look at things that way, it's much easier to get rid of things. My only problem is, I switch back and forth, and start thinking about what to get rid of. lol

Re: Purging My Stuff!

sarpy — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 00:55:07 GMT

I have donated my nicest things to a shelter for battered women. They need nice clothes to interview for jobs. It helps them get back on their feet.

Re: Purging My Stuff!

millieshops — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 01:12:55 GMT

I donate lots of things - and I can't think of anything I've regretted giving away.

One way I make the decision is to price items similar that actually sold on ebay. That way I have an idea what my work would be worth if I sold mine. Not much is my usual answer!

I think if you've had things in boxes for a year, you'll never miss them. Also, I don't think in most cases you'll get a whole lot of cash for them unless you've literally got gold in there.

Re: Purging My Stuff!

GCR18 — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 01:23:16 GMT

Move it out and don't look back. You already made the decision it had to go. I moved a lot of stuff out three/four years ago. I had several tag sales and had many new items that were marked cheap. I had a tiny bit of regret, but the reality is I wouldn't have used the items anyway. It feels lighter to be without the stuff.

Re: Purging My Stuff!

divine — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 01:26:46 GMT

If you're really having a difficult time giving up these items I think it would behoove you to list just one thing on eBay and see how it goes. If you find that it isn't all that lucrative then maybe it will be easier for you to just donate the rest. On the other hand, if the eBay transaction goes great then maybe you'll feel more motivated to keep on selling.

Re: Purging My Stuff!

Dorothy11 — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 01:38:53 GMT

A couple of suggestions: Take a few of the nicest pieces, or ones you are most attached to and sell them on Ebay. Take some time to do a little research on the non-profits in your area that accept donations and pick the one where you think your donations will do the most good. For instance, in my area there is a non-profit that helps low income and homeless women get jobs with training and counseling. They accept womens' business clothes to provide them with work wardrobes.