As we roll into a new year, it’s common for people to declutter their homes and lives.  We see the fresh start as a way to rid ourselves of things that we don’t use, don’t need, or no longer want to look at.  The result is largely the same. We load up the car with all of the things that we gather and we seek out the nearest non-profit organization thrift store on which to dump the things we don’t want.  Personally, I think this is a healthy practice, but you should proceed carefully and thoughtfully for two reasons.

1. Be cautious that you may donate something that could be valuable.  It’s not that you would intentionally put gold coins in the box, but rather that you may include something that you didn’t know was valuable.  Some homework is necessary for items on which you are unsure.  Contact a reputable personal property appraiser, auctioneer or trusted advisor for their opinion.  Perhaps you find something valuable and still wish to donate it…. the organization would love to have that information!
2. Sometimes the items that you donate can actually be a burden on the recipient organization.  Of course, they’re thankful and kindly accept, but at the end of the day, if you didn’t throw away the trash, they have to throw it away.  That can add both a labor and disposal expense to the organization.  If it isn’t useable or in fairly decent condition, go ahead and throw it away.  It saves you and the organization time.