Build a coop blog

Simple Solution The Donation Box

You may recall my recent rummage sale event. I love going; I hate selling. And now that Ive done more than I care to do in this lifetime, Ive finally learned a few things...


1. You only make money on the really big items, the really nice items, and the collecter items that are currently hot.


2. Time is money and youre better off donating things like used clothes, kitchen gadgets, and other odds and ends. 

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3. Its better to sell something for less than you had hoped and move it along rather than holding out for top dollar.


4. If at all possible, do not let your children see what youre selling.


5. Have a firm rule that your children can not buy anything at the rummage sale.  


6. Have an even firmer rule with your spouse that he or she can not buy anything unless you both agree on the purchase.


7. Do not bother pricing anything. If youre only selling the big stuff, youre going to haggle anyway. Know your starting dollar and your bottom price. (Be sure your spouse knows!)


8. Get to the sale long before it opens. It always, always opens earlier than stated.


9. Have a runner; someone wholl fetch you coffee, food, extra cash, a marker, scissors, etc.


10. Have a plan with what is left over so you do NOT bring it home with you.

Okay, so thats a bit tongue-and-cheek, but its also true! My point for today isnt to write an exhaustive post on how to do a successful rummage sale (or garage sale), but rather how to avoid one altogether. Yes, indeed!

Now that Ive hauled off several small truck loads of clothing, old games, odds and ends, etc., Im going back through the house and purging again. Seriously. Im amazed at how fast this stuff multiplies! Whos bringing all this junk into the house? Its like guppies in a small tank or rabbits in the hutch! Babies are being born every minute!

Time to create a Donation Box. Ive read about this on a couple of organizing websites and I think its a grand idea. Rather than letting items pile up throughout the house for months on end, when you come across an item that is worthy for donation (instead of the trash), youll have an immediate home for it until it goes to the thrift store.

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Creating A Donation Box

1. Select a large sturdy box to receive items.

2. Place the box in an out-of-the-way location, but still easy enough to access. Be sure its some place that is clean and where the family pets wont use it as a sleeping spot.

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3. Label the box clearly so everyone knows what its for. (Okay, if you have small kids, you may not want them to know everything in there is leaving the house for good).

4. Each day, try to find at least one item to go into the box. Two items, its a good day! Three... youll earn the "Super Organizer" award for sure!

5. Either once a month or when the box is full, bag it all up and make a trip to the thrift store. Be sure to call in advance so you know the hours they receive items. You dont want to be hauling everything around in your car for two weeks (Ive been known to do that more than once!).

6. Start filling the box again.

Its that easy. So much less painful than a big ol 6 a.m. rummage sale with no breakfast and two days of work ahead of time. Of course, that means youll need to be purging your drawers and closets regularly.

Uhhh... you will be purging, right?