donating clothing

[weluvdizne]

We had a garage sale a few weeks ago, and nobody even looked at the racks of clothing. I intend to have another garage sale, but after considering what happened at the last one, I don't think there is any reason to keep the clothing for the next one. I'm tired of seeing it sitting here, too. It's all adult clothing.
What are my other options for selling it? Not really worth it to list on e-bay, and I'm pretty sure not on CL either.
What about donating? What's the best place to take it? How do I determine the value for my income taxes? Do I figure that, or does the donation place do that? Thanks so much for your help!

 

[C.Ann]

Did you have all of the items priced individually? If so, I would wait until after your next garage sale before unloading them.. At the next sale, price them at "x" amount per bag full - and you will likely get rid of all of them..

If they still don't sell, then you could donate them to your City Mission, Goodwill Shop, etc..

Good luck!

 

[Justsyd2]

We donate our clothing to the local Goodwill. Ours has a drive through, and they will unload the car. Deductions are set amounts, and can be found by going to the IRS website and searching for "donations."

 

[buckler]

To value the items for donation you can use this free program from TurboTax
http://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/itsdeductible/index.jsp

 

[nstem]

I give to the Vets, they pick up! Maybe schedule it after the next sale and let them take all your "leftovers". Here's the site to schedule a pickup
http://www.clothingdonations.org/service.htm

 

[Taja]

Adult clothing is a hard sell at garage sales, isn't it? I think I sold three pieces at mine (five years ago)--and nothing was priced over $2!

I used to sell NWT or new, unworn clothing on e-Bay, but it became a pain. I did sell it in lots--similar fabrics in one size per lot, rather than by garment.

If you're donating it, consider the condition of each item. NWT (new with tag) or other new garments, consider a charity that has a good thrift store. Around here, that's Goodwill and some smaller organizations (animal and children's welfare, displaced women, etc.). You might want to call some of the lesser-known ones in your area to see what they are accepting. Otherwise, Goodwill will sort what you donate, try to sell some of it and donate other items to other organizations.

Clothing in good to very good condition usually goes to one specific veterans' organization. Some of the organizations sell the donations for scrap, so check their policies before donating.

Garments that are wearable but not terrific, I'll donate to the collection boxes. I don't claim these on my tax return--usually they are unattended and you won't receive a receipt. But most of the organizations using these boxes sell the garments for scrap, rather donating them for use as apparel. It's preferrable to the landfill for something that can be recycled in some way.

To summarize a long-winded post, Goodwill or similar organization probably is the easiest. They will sort and determine the fate of your contributions. If you're willing to a little work, some of the other organizations are good options, as well.