What Do I Do With the Stuff I Don't Need Anymore?

Giving Away

Family and friends
One of the easiest places to begin clearing your home is by telling your family to come get things that belong to them.  You do not need to provide warehousing service for your adult children.  If your children live outside the area there are many places, in addition to the Post Office, which will help with small shipments, including boxes and packing as well.

Remember, giving away gifts you have received does not mean that you are betraying the gift giver.  Once a gift is given to you, you are free to do with it what you wish.  You can keep it, give it away, or even discard it.

Charities
Many charities will pick up at your home, even come inside for large items, and give you a receipt for your taxes.  Generally this is easier than carrying your things to a donation center.  Charities require that any item donated is in usable, resalable condition. Each charity has its own requirements for donations it is seeking, so always ask before donating.  Be especially aware that upholstered furniture with tears or other damage is usually not accepted.


Selling

Sales in your home
Estate sales are often a convenient method for selling unwanted items, particularly when you have a large number of things.  You generally need several thousand dollars of goods to have an estate sale.  Our certified appraiser will determine appropriate prices, advertise, display your belongings in a pleasing manner and conduct the sale.  Customers expect better quality goods at an estate sale than a moving sale.  They expect even lower cost bargains at a garage sale, a third option.  Total Transitions can conduct an estate sale for you or assist you with pricing for a moving sale or garage sale.  Having a sale in your home is difficult if you live in a gated community or apartment, but there may be other options such as combining your items with someone else's for a combined sale.

Consignment shops
Consignment shops will sell your unneeded items for a 30-50% commission.  This is useful if you do not have enough items for an estate sale, but there will be charges for picking up your items if you are not able to transport them yourself.  Different shops need different things at different times, so always check with the shop first.  Most shops will arrange to donate any items not sold, usually after 90 days.  Total Transitions can help you find the best shop for your items and arrange delivery.

Auctions
Traditional auctions, either in your home or at the auction house can be good options in certain circumstances.  You generally can sell one item or many.  Another advantage is that the price is set by the buying public, not an appraiser or sales agent.  The obvious disadvantage is that the price is set by the public that happens to be there on that day, and you do not know who will be there to buy.  Sometimes you can set a reserve price, below which you will not sell, but this practice is regulated by the rules of the particular auction.  Be aware that there will be charges for transportation, and you may have things left which do not sell at any price.

On-line auctions
On-line auctions have become particularly popular lately, particularly E-Bay.  As with traditional auctions, the price is not guaranteed, but the potential market for your item is huge.  The purchaser generally pays for shipping.  On-line auctions are useful for all types or items over $50 in value, including large furniture, which may be advertised “for local pick up only.”  E-Bay charges a small commission if you list it yourself.  There are local agents who will handle all aspects of listing, photographing, selling and shipping your items for a commission.


Discarding

Most people have items which need to be discarded, even after the most thorough downsizing.

Regular garbage pick up
Don’t forget your regular garbage pick up, since you have already paid for it.  Contact your service provider to find out their rules regarding extra amounts and any extra charges.  If you spread out your discarding over several pick ups, you may not have any extra expense.

Large rubbish disposal
Total Transitions can make deliveries to the local transfer station.

Hazardous waste
Items such as paint, pesticides, and solvents need to be disposed of separately.  Hazardous waste is generally marked on the label:  “Warning,”  “Caution,” “Danger,” “Poison.”  Call for the location and hours of free drop off locations: King County, (206) 296-4692; Snohomish County, (425) 388-6050.

Shredding old financial and tax records
Many people have financial and tax records which are no longer relevant.  You may wish to consult with your accountant or tax advisor for recommendations or follow the retention schedule on this web site .  These documents are best shredded, rather than simply discarded, in order to keep others from stealing information about you.  If you have a large volume of documents, there are firms that will shred it for you, at their location or yours.  Total Transitions can set up this service for you.  You also can do smaller amounts yourself, but be aware that it takes longer than you might expect.  It is advisable to plan several shorter shredding sessions, rather than trying to do it all at once.