Should You Sell or Donate Your Excess Stuff?

[@dianer8881]

When I was poor, someone gave me blue bulbs for my xmas tree, because I didn't have any decorations. That was one of the most thoughtful gestures ever! Will NEVER forget it...

[@heatherbushell4479]

Same. A manager where I used to work gave me her artificial Christmas tree when she found out we were too broke to buy one. Real spirit of Christmas!

[@deedouglas636]

That is beautiful

[@chaosmanaged2925]

It took two yard sales for me to realize the reward was not worth the effort. We now donate everything, even big items. We offered a piano for free to anyone who would come pick it up. My neighbors grandson who had just started piano lessons now has a piano to practice on. It’s felt great to see their joy.

[@captaindestruction9332]

Plus the state takes a bite out of your profit, even if you don’t sell anything.

[@mnice3784]

Same!!!

[@Medietos]

@@captaindestruction9332 Does "the state take a bite out of your profit" off your own yard sale ??? How? Why?

[@SirenaSpades]

Yard sales are really stressful. I tried it once, it was horrifying. Been donating ever since! I thought I had prepared really well for the yard sale, and SO MANY PEOPLE CAME. I was so overwhelmed. My aunt even came to help. I couldn't even get the stuff outside and set up, it was like being attacked by vultures. No. Never again.

[@julissaturbibautista2644]

Thank you for sharing this.❤

[@keeperofwhatyouseek]

I’ve definitely been through the cycle of trying to sell off things vs donating them, it just isn’t worth the time! I’m all about practicality.

[@job3831]

Donating your stuff and counting the financial loss, serves as a deterrent when your tempted to buy more.

[@SirenaSpades]

I guess if that works for you. It's not something I bother with --- I never torment myself with sunk cost, you have to let that go in order to get rid of things.

[@SeedTime]

Love this. I have always done a combination of both. And I would add that sometimes selling an item at a huge discount can be a huge blessing as well. Sometimes I will list something to sell on craigslist and when the person comes to buy it I will just offer to sell it at a lower price or in some cases just give it to them. This is also fun because it typically freaks people out ;)

[@annetownsend8193]

Love this!! They're expecting to bargain and then they don't have to !!

[@supercrazydesi]

😂

[@rebeccatreeseed410]

I have donated to the Salvation Army for five decades. I shop there, too. I go on half price day each month for books, plus anything I see if it is on my list. Last week I picked up five cabinets and a futon for my bitty cabin, $80. I donated a wing chair and ottoman. I now have all I need for the downsize, so will donate most of my furniture. I return the books each month, except how to books, which I keep longer. Two weeks ago I donated three too big coats before a cold front, knowing someone will need them, staff was pleased. Before Christmas I donated pretty gift items. I am sizing down!

[@lilysgram5886]

Downsizing, or as I call it, RIGHTSIZING.

[@ELFNY]

I tried to sell an authentic Coach bag for months on Craigslist, Facebook, and eBay. I ended up giving it away for free on my Buy Nothing group. There is a glut of stuff out there and selling even valuable things can be very hard.

[@SirenaSpades]

It's just not valuable used. I always get my Coach leather bags used like new, for under thirty bucks. Your sunk cost just isn't the same on the secondary market. You can tell what this is, by looking up used whatever, on Ebay, and then clicking Completed Sold. Don't fool yourself into thinking a currently listed item makes it worth that price, look at what has actually sold, and look at several that have sold, not just one unicorn item.

[@nataliemunoz8600]

I think it is better to know somebody (poor or with lower resources) to donate directly. I have a friend's friend who is always happy to receive my stuff. Somebody's garbage, is other's people treasure.

[@DavidReyes-qn1bq]

As a Hispanic, being a minimalist is very hard. My family, they just don’t care that I want to live with less, they keep giving me stufffff😂

[@jjgems5909]

I feel you. I live with my parents andthey don’t seem to understand that I’d rather spend time with my kids, being outside etc.. than constantly cleaning and reorganizing shit lol. Also they don’t understand why I would donate something instead of try and sell it. And I get their logic because as immigrants they seem stuff as investments and the fact that they or so “wasted” money on an item now means I should keep that item forever OR sell it for some profit. For me it’s not worth it. I tried selling stuff I pay $50 dollars for for like $15-$20 dollars and it sits their for months because no one wants it. Idk if your experience might be similar but that’s been mine lol 😂

[@heidihanson1892]

You have no idea how much I needed to hear this! You saved me from further decision fatigue regarding this very question. Subscribed!

[@lindam7518]

I've done both. Donated items or money from sales to various projects . Given to local thrift store. Used the funds ourself. Cut up old tattered or stained clothing to use as cleaning rags. Saved a bunch on buying paper towels by doing this. Great to wipe out my iron skillet, wipe spills, use in the bathroom to clean and toss. Have a bin in bathroom closet and a repurposed plastic container under the sink in kitchen to keep rags in. Saved many $s doing this.

[@shari247peace]

I came into minimalism in a backward sorta way. Through several life changing tragic events all stacked upon each other in a few months time, I needed to start selling my belongings for sheer survival. After the tsunami had abated for the most part, I noticed having fewer belongings felt lighter, more in line with my core values and beliefs. I kept selling belongings, doing huge donations of stuff to various charities, and “matchmaking” my stuff to people I knew that would enjoy it. I feel lighter and that I’m preparing for this next season in life, whatever that might be. It wasn’t until a few weeks ago I found this channel and discovered what I’ve been doing for the last few years is a “thing” called minimalism. I think it is wise to pare down stuff in your life before life pares it down for you. That goes for material possessions, emotional baggage, bad relationships, all of it. Take a look at every facet of your life and peel back the layers to reveal what you are really at your core.

[@BanoYounus]

Very helpful advice: get rid of things fast and give to those who need them so we can benefit others and be minimalist at the same time. I use freecycle to donate my things and it is satisfying when someone comes to my home to collect something they need. This is the best way and it keeps things out of landfill. Most items can be used or recycled, upcycled etc. Be wary of charity shops as they bin lots of good stuff even new things which they are unable to sell and they have huge volumes of stuff coming so no space. This is information from a friend who goes at the back of charity shops and rescues some of the things but now one charity shop stops him with calling the police. That is not my idea of a "charity".

[@mel-tp5hi]

good advice, thank you for this info !

[@taniaognenovski1158]

Thank you for your blessed laughter and blooper. You should include your bloopers more often in your KZbin clips. 😽

[@lesliedaubert1411]

Last year the brother of a friend of mine was going through a divorce and had to move out. I was in the process of minimizing what I need. I was able to give to him plates, cups, cooking utensils, pots, sheet sets , and a computer desk I didn't really need. I use a water bottle. But I kept 3 tall glasses if I have friends over. The small glasses I never used. I'm one person. I don't need a lot of " stuff". Recently I was able to get rid of alot of hangers I never used that were still in their box. Trying to sell a bookcase. Trying to get a family member to take a trunk that was my Grandma's that I don't use. My Mom didn't like the idea of getting rid if it. But was ok that I want to pass it on to a cousin. I told her flat out, I don't use it, and don't need it to remember her. I have her engagement ring and my Grandfather's wedding ring and photos.

[@ant7936]

One of the worst Saturday mornings of my life was spent at a car-boot (yard) sale. People weren't willing to pay a fair price and haggled even when the price was low. I would have actually made more money if I'd gone to work overtime for 8 hours and GIVEN my customers/clients one free item each.

[@micheleybarra6253]

Hahaha..."old baby, children supplies". Keeping it real Joshua. Thank you!

[@moonpleiades99]

This is exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you. 🙏🌿💕✨

[@dianer8881]

We have a recycling shed at the dump. We donate and find treasures as well. What fun!

[@westphillybabe]

THANK YOU, at one point I did desperately need the money, but now I do not. I am overwhelmed with the amount of things I have in my house :(

[@may4my]

This was the confirmation I needed. Thanks!

[@nikkil764]

Concentrating your giving to just one organization is much more rewarding and another form of minimalism. Research which organization tugs at your heart the most.

[@lisawilliamson815]

I love your messages. You give motivating, useful, clear, concise messages in short segments. The best!!

[@morrisfamily68b]

I totally agree however.....I have perfectly good items that some charities refuse to take because they are not items that sell well, such as a beautiful, perfect curio cabinet from the 80's. I also really get upset when people collect brand new toys for children at Christmas and refuse like new toys for the needy. I even give my own kids 2nd hand toys for holidays. They are fabulous in many ways. Thanks for all you do.

[@BrittMFH]

I totally agree and have felt that way for a long time.

[@lindam7518]

I know what you mean. Used was good enough for me & mine but not other's. I just stop and won't be a part of it when that happens. I've seen our local thrift shop deliberately distroy a few items. It's all volunteer's so not everyone would do that. Furniture is not wanted there as space is not large enough.

[@WhistleFantasy]

I think recycling should be another option to consider for clothes. When you sell or donate there's a good chance the clothes will end up in a landfill (especially in a country where it's common not to recycle). One recycled cotton t shirt saves 2100 liters of sweet water. (H and M takes used clothes from customers and recycles them)

[@sonia1082]

Best advice ever: Donate to a charity whose mission you believe in, if you don't need the money.

[@alohadeslynn]

I appreciate your advice to just donate to help others. I'm about to declutter and I was debatig about what to donate or sell. Also, reading other comments were insightful. Ready to let go.

[@gregcleveland6270]

So good, so hard. Thanks for speaking on these topics without lost of wasted words. That's why I'm now subscribed. Thank you.

[@leyah18]

We've decluttered our clothes (with my sisters) and it's out in the cabinet but stays still on paper bags for almost a year now waiting to be sold online! And it stresses me more as the clothes are still a clutter in our bedroom, I told them to just donate it and they still won't. Ugh, I hope they'll be enlighten sooner.

[@jayathome2898]

Did you know that most clothing that is donated does not stay in our country? It goes to third world countries, and has in some cases destroyed that country’s clothing industry! Please watch The True Cost. It’s far better to make the effort to find a specific person to take your used clothing. It does take more time and effort, but it will open your eyes to how wasteful the fast fashion industry has made us, and it will really make you think twice before buying more items.

[@mel-tp5hi]

good advice, thank you for this info !

[@minaz2816]

I was at a crossroads with exactly this issue… to sell stuff or donate. I’m definitely donating to a great local charity in my city. This is the answer! I feel lighter already👏

[@LilyfromUruguay]

Excellent advice! My husband and I have been doing that for many years and we feel great about it.

[@l_b_calm]

...Old babies!" Haha! This message is what I've needed to hear right now. Thanks Joshua (and his family).

[@hikegardentravel6546]

Off topic but I love your hair. I love giving things away and if not that, donating. I’ve enjoyed donating all our excess over the last almost two years and now, with the harder stuff, we find homes to gift them.

[@TimelordUK]

I love his crazy hair too. He can donate some to me! It's so thick. Very envious. He's a great guy. He looks amazing x

[@JoshuaBecker]

Compliments about my hair are never off-topic. Thanks for the kind words.

[@DazzleDust32]

@@JoshuaBecker 😂😂😂

[@privateprivate8366]

I am alone and have had to leave my family due to narcissistic abuse. I also will never trust the workplace again. As a result, although there are some things I donate, other things I hold onto to sell. For my circumstance, money is king. The only other motivating factor I have in letting things go, is that it will provide me enough flexibility to stealthily move away from where I am.

[@LadyBeeSting2434]

So glad you started a KZbin channel in addition to your blog! Great job. I try to sell it for 7 days if I am saving for something like our home. Then it is gone. I want to start posting for free or give it to my local charity :)

[@elizabethbrundagemediajour150]

I have enjoyed watching your videos. I have donated many things to major charity stores over the years. I believe in helping other but now have changed my buying habits as charity locations are overloaded with items. Lots of charity donation places are overrun with items that are donated after the holidays! Items such as clothing not sold by the charity are bundled and palleted to be sold to a middle company who sells the palleted goods overseas. A U.S. major charity takes stuffed animals not sold then are palleted and sold to a company which shreds them to become your carpet underliner pad. There are several KZbin videos showing behind the scenes at charity wearhouses and what happens to goods not sold.

[@williamb7275]

Yes, even the old baby! It is good to keep a smile and have humor during this at times daunting endeavor.

[@TwoGrainsOfGold]

ROFL love that outtake!!! Old babies lol

[@Sheryl777]

A lot of times we try just putting our stuff out on the curb, and most of the time, someone will come by and see it and take it. This doesn't work for a lot of people who may live in an apartment, or who don't live where they can just put things out on the curb though. One time I had some plants that I wanted to get rid of and put them on the curb. That night they were gone lol.

[@mariec.9102]

Thanks to generous "curb donators" like you, many people that I know have decorated rooms in their homes for free🌹🙂

[@Sheryl777]

@@mariec.9102 That's really cool to think about! Thanks for bringing that up Marie! 👍 I use a desk that my next door neighbor was going to put out on the curb several years ago. My husband saw him bringing it out of the house first and grabbed it for me lol.

[@marshallmom1962]

Generosity...the very lifeblood of minimalism..... This is so true...... thank you for this video Joshua! P.s. the ending cracked me up!!!

[@thecherishedlife]

Thank you sooooo much. This really helped me to look at it in a different way. I wanted to just donate everything because I felt like it would be easier, but we really do need extra money right now. Watching this made me realize it is OKAY to just donate everything and is actually the better answer! When you said that is what helps the most amount of people, it helped me realize it wasn't a selfish thing at all but was actually the opposite! THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME THIS FREEDOM!!!!!

[@MusclesandBooks]

Best ending ever, LOL!

[@JoshuaBecker]

Thanks for sticking around to the very end.

[@naomimay82]

I have donated so much to Salvation Army lately! They are probably sick of me at this point. I had a lot of stuff that was barely used and like brand new though.

[@dawna-ba-da-bing]

I just had this conversation with my husband! We were confused how to get started and this solved our problem!

[@shannongreen3931]

Yes, yes, and yes!

[@jasminealixandranorth]

I've donated 80% of my possessions to animal charity shops that support humane societies and other animal causes. It's taken me a lifetime of clearing out but I think I've finally arrived. I agree that it requires too much time and energy to resell things, unless they really are of value. Even then it becomes a full time effort which isn't always worth it - especially at my age!

[@MayTheSchwartzBeWithYou]

I wonder if they'd be offended if I donate leather items...

[@TimelordUK]

Amazing hair. Please keep the out takes in the future! x

[@Cherokee.Sunrise44]

Thank you so much for this. Looking at tons of boxes that I just want to get rid of but wanted to sell is stressful. Some stuff Ive sold but the delay adds more stress bec I really just dont want it in my space anymore. You are so right bec I remember giving a pair of barely used dance shoes to a college student and she was so happy and grateful. This is the best option and is a win-win for everyone. Thank you.

[@ktrudy1]

I'm binge WATCHING all ur vids today. Ty for such wonderful advice. I love in a small house and decided rather than keep organizing just donate or sell it. I mostly donate to bless others😍😘

[@asmahamma1653]

Thank you

[@SirenaSpades]

I am not even on social media (other than youtube) so I don't have access to Facebook groups, I guess I could use Craigslist. Donate all the way. As I did note below under another's comment, I did once have a yardsale years ago, it was a horror show and I wont do it again. I had help but still it was so crazy busy I could not even get the stuff outside for the yard sale. I was prepared, too. No, never again. I did make a lot of money, though, so it's an option, do it all in one day, and immediately donate what doesn't sell.

[@KC-ed1dj]

Some items are worth selling IF YOU HAVE THE TIME. If you have a move coming up soon, just donate the stuff and be done with it. Much less stress.

[@ChrisSaenz13]

So true!

[@HeronCoyote1234]

Anthony of Break the Twitch has an excellent video on why not to donate all your stuff when decluttering. The key word is ALL. He explains why beautifully.

[@Medietos]

Whether to sell or give away depends on 2 things: 1:) How much money you have, 2:) How much energy and practical skill you have, and good you are at selling. When far under the poverty/starvation level, one may need some money...and it may be more urgent than to save time, however precious time is. Glad to see that many give away, though. i do too, mostly. Need money but lack energy / accessible skill

[@pinkroses135]

I do desperately need the money. 😂 I'd love to speed through but going through and selling every bit of my old media is worth the time imo.

[@SemiPerfectDark]

I like how in the first 36 seconds, it pretty much answers the question, LOL

[@ajtc_1935]

I've been looking for old babies...🤣🤣 Kim in the back ground🤣🤣Your channel on continuous play for Jan 01, 2021!🙌🏼

[@krystletsosie3602]

Thank you for this video. It has given me the courage to get rid of some things.

[@Sky2Mina]

I am in this loop. I donate a lot of the things i choose to let go but some things I hold on to in the hope of selling it. Mostly new stuff or electronics that do have some value. But wow, selling stuff takes so much time and effort. Ill probably get rid of it and make someone else happy.

[@sarahholland1375]

Donate. No one ever offers you the £ you want so you practically give it away anyway if you try selling it. When I had no £, free items were such a god send.

[@vallybaskar]

Just what I wanted to hear, thank you KZbin algorithm ,you did me good 😇

[@hopefulincalifornia8615]

I keep a box by my closet door and when it is full I donate to goodwill.

[@Song-Girl-Still-Singing]

Great video. I had a good laugh at the end! :)

[@FiveEighteenBlog]

Wow i needed to hear this , thank u soooo much !

[@DragonPupEclipse]

I find that donate is better because it's less work and less hassle compare to sell. I hate leaving my unwanted clothes somewhere in my house for months and months just to wait for people to buy it

[@KaTortuga1993]

I agree, if you are a horder, but for the rest I can't agree. Because I if I sell an item, I actually know, who gets it and that it is used; if I donate all, I can't be sure, that it is reused after all. Also if I feel like one can also value and enjoy a slow process of declutterinh g

[@ratherboutside2]

I always battle this but ultimately just want the stuff gone and find someone in need to give it to.

[@nzingaward]

Lol 😂 Old baby Love it Great video! Value info for resetting your thinking!

[@SummaGirl1347]

Don't donate to charities. They make huge profits off your donations and, they won't even take most of them unless they are in perfect condition. And, the prices they charge are insanely high now. The best thing to do is to put your stuff on Nextdoor (or an equivalent neighborhood site) and give your unwanted stuff to your neighbors. That way, you don't have to transport it and you know for sure that you are benefiting those in your own community and not just making money for "non-profit" organizations. And, the joy you get to see on people's faces makes the process of decluttering SO enjoyable.

[@hifafarah]

I love the ending 😂

[@tamarap387]

Love it!

[@JTSuter]

Yeah and there’s also the tax deductions

[@annatheawesome1]

I've donated a lot of items this year but I'm unemployed now so I actually need the cash for bills...

[@vinitakapoor6354]

Hi it too motivating to remove extra thing from house I have started removing things every day

[@teresaromero8655]

Donating ! ! ! 👌

[@sveaemayr7191]

Life is short... One tip: speed up his videos 1,25 x

[@JoshuaBecker]

Hey guys! Just wanted to let you know that my new book, Things That Matter, is finally here. I put my heart into it, and I can’t wait to share it with you. You can pick up a copy at www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/676394/things-that-matter-by-joshua-becker/

[@peacelovejoyandhappiness]

What about old books that are in phenomenal shape? Should a person hold onto about 100 books or donate them? Please help me with advice. Thank you!! 📚 🙏

[@JoshuaBecker]

I always vote for finding someone who wants to read them. That's the point of books-to be read.

[@peacelovejoyandhappiness]

@@JoshuaBecker you provided thoughtful and sound advice thank you so much.

[@suewillis3512]

Why so much music?!! I really wanted to listen to this, but I can't handle the music. Why does everyone use music like this?

[@MayTheSchwartzBeWithYou]

Sounds like you have ADHD. I didn't even notice the music.

[@Antonio-ms6yi]

100 % 👍✔

[@jnotlog7040]

I need to sell 95% of everything I am getting rid of so I can become debt free. With the manipulation of COVID and the great reset, I do not want to beholden to anyone or anything especially when they hike the interest rates.

[@mariec.9102]

🥀

[@MayTheSchwartzBeWithYou]

🙄

[@ant7936]

Don't throw out the baby with the supplies!

[@Miri87]

How to find a charity with my mission ?

[@JoshuaBecker]

Google would be my recommendation.

[@beestoplease8955]

😂

[@catherinenjovu2522]

You can send them over to Africa where some people are in desperate need of help..

[@Lisawhatshersname]

Idk if you've ever seen the same videos I have, ma'am, but there are mountains of clothing on the coast. Watch "The True Cost", I think it explains more fully. Then again, if you find a mission headed that way, feel free to help out! Every little bit helps in that circumstance.