Help me decide... eBay, donate or garage sale?

[Anonymous]

I am currently spring cleaning.  I have so much stuff... not as in "I'm a hoarder" stuff but my storage spaces are overflowing.  I have stored away 12 years of my kids clothes.  I don't know why I never got rid of them, I just didn't.  Lots of them have never been worn or only worn a few times (grandma when a little overboard buying when they were little).  But I want to get rid of them now.  I could take the easy and most charitable way out  and donate everything.  OR I could have a garage sale, make a few dollars but would have to deal with the ones who want armfuls of clothes for $1.00.  OR I could put everything on eBay which would take time and have to deal with shipping but could still make some money.  

Being a single mom, I could really use any money I could get out of this, otherwise the decision would be easy... I would donate it all.

What should I do?  What would you do?

[mattiehatter]

I would consider setting up lots on ebay or a garage sale. You can get on the post office website and order flat rate boxes (they're free) and put flat rate shipping on your lots if you do ebay. If you do the garage sale whatever does not sell could be donated.

[laineysmum]

Honestly I would go two ways: take the best stuff and list it on ebay. This includes any "nice" clothes (take good photos and list them as "lots" on ebay.. sets of 7-10 pieces of clothing each, with a reasonable starting bid) any valuable or vintage knickknacks or household items.

Everything else goes to the garage sale, and when you advertise for that list a time of day when prices will become negotiable or you will start doing whatever fits into a safeway bag for $5 each bag. 

Then donate everything that doesn't sell at all. 

[CreziaMommyTo2]

me personally would donate it... but if you need the money and have the time, sort and list

[anitarichman]

Bring them to a consignment  shop and then if they don't sell there have a garage sale.  Ebay isn't really worth it with all the work that is involved and packing and shipping it. 

[lapcounter]

We have a local Facebook page to put things for sale on with no charge, that's how I do it.

[southern.momof2]

Garage sale If you want to deal with it. I always donate everything because I don't have time for eBay or garage sales.

[FooLynRoo]

if you need the $$ set up a table in front of your house on the weekends.

(if your town allows it and you have good traffic).

[gypsy_rose]

How old are the clothes? If out of style donate.

[AnnLanders]

I'd sell it and donate the leftovers.  Ebay takes a lot of work.  If you're not up for managing the shipping process then do a garage sale.  Choose your donation spot carefully depending on what you want done with the clothes.  Remember that Goodwill is not in the business of outfitting the less fortunate, they sell merchandise to fund their own employment.  

[nomadbrat83]

I would donate but then again I always donate my kids' stuff. Plus depending on the styles of clothes, some people may not want to buy clothes that are 12 years old. Styles do change. Jmo