When in Doubt–Throw it Out. A Better Situation? Make a Donation.

By
Krysten
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0

When in Doubt—Throw it Out. A Better Situation- Make a Donation.Jumperoos. Baby bouncers. Containers full of clothes ranging in size from Newborn to 2T. Tons of toys. Old suits and work clothes that are now two sizes too small. Time to make a donation.

How did we accumulate so much stuff?  I think back to the four baby showers different groups threw me: coworkers, friends, and two family celebrations. I unwrapped a lot of great gifts that are now sitting in my basement. Then there were the “congratulations on your new baby” gifts that trickled in through the mail for about three months after our son arrived—more than two years ago. And when I was working full-time, boy did I enjoy buying new outfits.

Some people save their things because they legitimately want to pass them on to a relative. Or some think, “maybe I will have a second or third child…” Others think they can sell some baby goods off for a little money. Some people actually DO get down to their pre-baby weight and can resume wearing their wardrobe. Not here: it’s time to sell, donate, or toss.

Parting with your baby stuff: where to go?

It seems like selling baby items would be the most lucrative way to clear the clutter. I haven’t found it to be so. There are a few online groups and local businesses that take gently used items that puts cash back in your pocket—but be prepared to accept much less than the full retail price and put some elbow grease into unloading your inventory.

Facebook Online Yard Sales

  • I’ve found that these online groups are easy to find on Facebook. And it’s relatively easy to photograph and post items. But, you have to be ready to answer questions, respond to multiple Facebook messages, and barter on price, pick-up times, and pick-up locations. The upside is that if you have a sought-after toy or baby item (think mamaRoo), you are likely to get more money and a swifter response. Here are some online local  Facebook “yard sales.”
    Kids Southern ME/Seacoast NH Yard Sale
    Seacoast NH/ME Moms Yard Sale Site

Consignment Shops

Some consignment shops or consignment sales will recognize the value of your baby items and at least pay you a little bit for gently used clothes and baby things or give you store credit.

[box]Sort through your clean clothes and the “buyers” at the back of the store will assess the value of your goods and either give you cash or credit. “Buying hours” are restricted to Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Right now, the store lists the following as their most desired items: outerwear, boots, bathing suits, sandals, and shoes. They will also take changing tables, bouncy seats, and walkers, to name a few. Clothes must be freshly laundered and folded without stains, tears, or signs of excessive wear. Baby clothing up to size 2 does need to be a name brand. Equipment and toys need to be complete, clean, and not recalled, or Children’s Orchard will not take it. [/box]

[box]The Children’s Museum of NH Consignment Sale holds a huge children’s clothing and gear sale twice a year. They take include gently used, good quality children’s clothes, baby clothes and gear, toys, shoes, sports equipment, nursery furniture and décor, music and videos, costumes and books. Consignors earn a healthy 60 percent of all revenue from their sold items. The other 40 percent benefits the Children’s Museum of NH.

The consignment sale has two parts. The first is the drop, second the shop. Consignors bring their sorted, organized, hung, and tagged items to the drop. Then consignors and anyone else (the public) shops for nearly new, gently used clothing, gear & furniture. There is a pre-sale for consignors, volunteers, and new moms, as well as public hours. For more information on how to register, properly tag items, and schedule a drop off time, click here.[/box]

Thrift shops and re-sellers allow you to unload baby items and more, but often you don’t receive anything monetary for your donation except for a tax-write-off.

Thrift Shops and Re-sellers

[box]Operation Blessing, Inc. helps needy families in crisis by providing food, furniture, clothing, and household necessities. A tax-exempt, non-denominational Christian ministry, this organization works with participating churches and human services organizations to serve families in Southern New Hampshire and Southern Maine.

Operation Blessing accepts donations of clothing in good condition, which are first sorted and organized by volunteers, and is then put on display for clients to select. Clothing donations are accepted Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.[/box]

[box]New Beginnings Thrift Boutique accepts new and gently used clothes, furniture, jewelry, antiques and much more at reasonable prices! The Thrift Boutique helps raise revenue for the future home Lydia’s House of Hope Transitional Housing Program for homeless families and single women, and “also will provide residents with the opportunity to learn healthy work habits, ethics, and integrity.”

More than 40 volunteers run the boutique, and new or gently used are always accepted. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the organization states that they will coordinate pickups of large donations.[/box]

[box]Second Generation Thrift Shoppe supports the mission of New Generation, which provides housing to homeless pregnant women. Donations must be new or gently used merchandise–primarily clothing but also home goods and accessories. There is also a seasonal Furniture Barn that sells low-cost furnishings. The shelter itself names some big wish list items: diapers sizes 2-6, baby wipes, baby food, fitted crib sheets. Drop-off hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a..to 4 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more details on Second Generation Thrift Shop, click here.[/box]  

  • Goodwill Store & Donation Center
    Portsmouth
    720 Lafayette Rd
    Portsmouth, NH
    603-430-2040
    Somersworth
    450 High Street
    Somersworth, NH
    603-343-5560

[box]Goodwill does not take baby equipment, but it accepts almost anything else, including toys and any type of clothing in good condition. Both stores are open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Donations are tax-deductible.[/box]    

  • Savers
    2064 Woodbury Avenue
    Newington, NH 03801
    603-427-0814
    1164@savers.com

[box]A private secondhand store chain, Savers also does not accept baby cribs, car seats, or bedding, but is happy to take and re-sell baby clothing, toys, and games—even stuffed animals. They are open from Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9:30 pm and on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 pm. Donations help support local non-profits.[/box]  

If your basement and closets overflow with items from baby’s past, there are options. And if you are up for still trying to sell it, outdoor yard sale season is right around the corner!

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