Clean the Closet, Make Some Ca$h

Inquire how selling price is determined. Some stores make suggestions, others insist on pricing themselves. Many will negotiate with you on what they see as reasonable. It's wise to heed their suggestions because they know what sells quickly and what price range is the most attractive. Ask how often they pay and if they'll mail the checks or if you are expected to pick them up. In the case of the latter, take some self-addressed stamped envelopes with you unless you particularly want to return to the store. Make an appointment to take your things in and allow plenty of time. This is not something to squeeze into an hour but it also beats giving up an entire Saturday sitting in your yard.

A last word about consignment stores. Choose with care. In larger cities, location can mean everything. Urban areas have shops that verge on the chic, such as the one run by the Junior League in Georgetown (Washington, DC). If you're fortunate to have the type of cast-offs they resell, your rewards can be much higher.

Once you've consigned your goods, you're free. You can wait for your checks to come. If a few things don't sell, you should have the option of reclaiming or donating.

Donating can also be money in your pocket, in terms of money saved, if you itemize deductions on your income taxes. My "doubtful-but-throw-it-in-anyway" things are donated. If my church or another organization is having a sale, I selectively contribute. If not, everything goes to the Salvation Army, Goodwill or one of the other charitable thrift shops. I make a detailed list and value the items with the aid of the book, Ca$h for Your Used Clothing. Visit their site for a listing of qualified organizations: http://www.taxsave.com

You'll note I don't include books or audiotapes in my list of "sure-to-sell" items. These I recycle through used bookstores. There's no cash involved but most stores allow half-credit on trades toward purchases. For instance, you need to trade in four tapes to receive two. Paperback books are traded at half the cover price. Advance calls to used bookstores will give you the various policies each work by. Hardcover books are usually not accepted, but ask. Consider the latter for the consignment or donation piles depending on age, condition and general appeal. Check your local library also as a recipient of your donations.

To sum it up, I don't

• spend a week,
  The copyright of the article Clean the Closet, Make Some Ca$h in Golden Years is owned by Sharon Tabor Warren. Permission to republish Clean the Closet, Make Some Ca$h in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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