Book a donation pickup or plan a drop-off before your sale ends, so your leftovers leave the same day. Goodwill and the Salvation Army take most clothing and household goods, Habitat for Humanity ReStores take furniture, appliances and building materials, and local Buy Nothing groups will take almost anything. Keep a list and get a receipt. If you itemize deductions, items in good used condition may be tax-deductible.
Where to donate unsold garage sale items
| Items | Where to donate |
|---|---|
| Clothing, shoes, housewares, toys, books | Goodwill, Salvation Army or a local thrift store |
| Furniture and appliances | Habitat for Humanity ReStore (many offer free pickup) or a local furniture bank |
| Building materials, tools, lighting, cabinets | Habitat for Humanity ReStore |
| Coats, hats and gloves | A coat drive or homeless shelter |
| Shoes | Soles4Souls drop-off partners |
| Books | Library book sales, schools, Little Free Libraries |
| Anything else that still works | Buy Nothing groups, Freecycle or a “free” pile at the curb |
Call ahead or check the charity’s website. Many have rules on what they take and when, and most don’t accept stained, broken or recalled items.
Plan your donation before the sale
- Book a pickup for the afternoon your sale ends. The Salvation Army and many ReStores offer free pickup for larger donations. Book early, because weekend slots fill up.
- Find a furniture bank. Furniture banks give beds, tables and sofas to families in need. Use the Furniture Bank Network directory to find one near you.
- Have boxes and bags ready. Pack leftovers as you close so you aren’t tempted to drag them back inside.
- Pull the price stickers. Most charities prefer it.
What not to donate
- Stained, torn or broken furniture, mattresses and rugs
- Incomplete items or anything that doesn’t work
- Recalled or unsafe products, including old cribs and used car seats. See what not to sell at a garage sale.
- Paint, chemicals and pesticides. Take these to your local household hazardous waste drop-off.
- Used toys for Toys for Tots, which asks for new, unwrapped toys
Can you deduct donated garage sale items?
Possibly, if you itemize. According to the IRS, only taxpayers who itemize on Schedule A can deduct charitable contributions. Most people take the standard deduction, so check with a tax professional before counting on it. The IRS rules for donated items include:
- Good used condition. Clothing and household items generally must be in good used condition or better.
- Fair market value. You can deduct what the item would sell for used, which is often close to garage sale prices. The IRS explains how in Publication 561.
- Receipts and records. Get a receipt from the charity and keep your own list of what you gave, its condition and value. Photos help.
- Form 8283. If your total noncash donations for the year are more than $500, you need to file Form 8283 with your return.
Selling your own used things at a loss usually isn’t taxable either. Here’s whether you need to pay taxes on garage sale earnings.
Other ways to get rid of leftovers
- Hold a “fill a bag for $5” hour at the end of your sale. It moves a lot of small stuff fast.
- Put a “FREE” sign on a box at the curb, if your town allows it, and bring it in by dark.
- List bigger items online for local pickup.
- Save good items for your next sale, especially seasonal things like holiday decor.
For a smoother sale next time, use our garage sale checklist and these moving sale tips.
Related guides: garage sale alternatives.
FAQ
What do you do with stuff that doesn’t sell at a garage sale?
Donate it the same day, list bigger items online, or keep a few good pieces for your next sale. Throw out anything broken or unsafe.
Will Goodwill pick up donations?
It depends on the location. Many Goodwills only take drop-offs, but some offer pickup. The Salvation Army and Habitat ReStores often pick up larger items.
Do I need a receipt for donated items?
If you plan to deduct them, yes. Ask for one when you drop off, and keep your own itemized list.