subject: Knowing When To Sell, Donate Or Trash Your Collections [print this page] Home organization isn't always an easy taskHome organization isn't always an easy task. In fact, many of us put it off and keep putting boxes in storage until we simply have no more room. How do you know when to sell, donate or trash your old stuff? When does an old collection become a vintage collection? How do you know if your items are worth money or just trash?
You may consider selling items that have a popular brand name. Many people collect items based on the brand name and whether it is part of a collection. Video games, for example, are often created in sequences or series. A full collection of video games by the same title would sell very well to a collector or a consignment shop.
Brand name is extremely important. Brands, like everything else, often fail or the company goes out of business. Some of the most popular brands include Barbie, Hot Wheels, Nintendo or Atari. Any items branded with these names could be worth a lot of money.
The date on the item is usually the date it was created. Old items generally sell really well, especially if they have a popular brand name. One example is the 1959 Blond Barbie with wrist tag that sells for an incredible $11,500. Another great example is the mid-1960s Hot Wheels GMC Motor Home that recently sold for $600.
Finding these things in the multitude of boxes in your storage area may not seem like a big thing at first. Do your research on the brand name and date to know their worth before you consider selling or donating them. Obviously most people would rather sell expensive items than donate them.
An item's appearance is extremely important to collectors. Collectors want to purchase items that are in mint condition; including packaging. Some collectors may settle for an item with less than perfect packaging as long as the item inside is in mint condition.
Nostalgic value will often dictate whether you keep, donate, sell or trash your old stuff. Old toys, video games, consoles and other things that brought you a lot of happiness as a child usually manage keeping a safe spot in your garage. As easy as it is to simply put them back into a box and keep them; research them to see if you have a little spot of hidden gold in your storage area.
Donations are very appreciated in most areas of the world. Your town probably has a thrift store or charity organization where you could donate gently used items. Clothing items including shoes and winter items are great to donate. Chances are, if you've outgrown them, you won't ever wear them again. Donate them so someone less fortunate may get the benefit of their use.
Don't trash it just because you don't think it's worth money. Box up all of those items that didn't return good results when you checked prices and donate them. You never know when someone may be looking for inexpensive items to finish out their own collection, even if you consider it unworthy of keeping.
Your home organization efforts will go much more smoothly when you make the tough decisions regarding stuff you have stored away. Emptying those boxes, donating old clothes, selling high dollar items and making a few trips to the trash dump will go a long way in organizing your storage space.
