Getting Rid of Leftovers – Moving Sale

One reason moving can be an overwhelming proposition is that Americans have so many things. Experts agree that the U.S. leads the world in materialism, which probably doesn’t bother most people until they have to move it.

Most moving advice includes the “one-year rule” – if you haven’t used it or worn it in the past year, you probably don’t really need it. Items with sentimental value don’t count. Those moving usually learn to embrace this rule once they start taking an inventory of all the things they forgot were in the closets, attic, garage or in self-storage.

Whether it’s called a garage sale, moving sale, estate sale or yard sale, if you’re on the move it’s a good way to lighten the load, which will save you money. Not everyone, however, likes to have garage sales. Others don’t want to add another task to an already chaotic time. Many do have sales but have items that did not find a buyer. Regardless, charities are often a great way to trim the fat from your move.

Before you call a favorite charity, make sure what you want to donate is appropriate. Unless the item is lightly worn, and this goes for everything from clothes to furniture, you will have difficulty finding a charity to take it.

A broken clock belongs in the trash, as do a chair with stained upholstery or damaged clothing. Don’t think, “Oh, someone can fix it.” Generally, that’s not what charities do. But that doesn’t mean because it didn’t sell at your garage sale that it has no value. Just use common sense.

There are several sources for finding local charities. First, look under “Charities” in the phone book. The Internet is also a good place to search. If you are unsure about a charity, check out their rating and information at the national Better Business Bureau or at Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org/).

There are so many charitable organizations with varying needs that there is no set rules as to what each will or will not take. But there are some guidelines.

Large groups such as Goodwill Industries, (www.goodwill.org), Salvation Army (www.salvationarmyusa.org) and Arc (www.thearc.org), operate larger thrift stores so they can usually pick up larger items, such as furniture and appliances.

Mid-size charities that have thrift stores may be more limited in what they can accept because they have less floor space or not enough personnel to collect larger items. These charities may have a weight limit or be limited to whatever one person can load in a truck.

Small, local charities may also have thrift stores. These groups will likely be looking for good used clothing and small to mid-size household items.

Books are among the most expensive items to move because of their weight. If you have books to donate, check first with your local libraries. Many can use volumes for their shelves or collect for periodic sales. Some operate a nonprofit bookstore. Make sure the books are of value to someone. If you still have 10-year-old text books from college, it’s probably best to put those in the recycling bin.

Depending on where you live, there are likely many groups that will accept donations for resell or to give directly to the needy. It may take a couple of phone calls but is nearly always worth the effort to help people less fortunate.

Besides, in addition to getting some good karma for the road, your donations will be tax deductible if given to a registered charity.