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Getting Rid of Baby Stuff: Sell it or Donate it?
Should I hang on to it for that “just in case” baby? Should I sell it, or should I donate it? Let's make the decision easy.
When it comes to deciding whether to sell or donate baby clothes, parents often face a common dilemma.
As babies grow so fast, their clothes accumulate quickly, leaving parents with the task of decluttering and deciding what to do with the outgrown garments.
This process involves considering various factors, such as the condition of the clothes, financial considerations, consideration of having more babies in the future, convenience, and the desire to support others in need.
While selling baby clothes can provide a financial boost and recoup some expenses, donating them can directly benefit other families and contribute to a more sustainable and compassionate community.
We explore the considerations involved in making the decision and delve into the benefits of both selling and donating baby clothes.
Things to consider when trying to sell baby item
How much time will it take?
When contemplating whether to sell baby items, it's important to consider the time investment required for the selling process. Selling can be a time-consuming endeavour, involving tasks such as cleaning/washing, photographing, listing, and communicating with potential buyers.
Each item may require individual attention, which can quickly add up, especially if you have a significant number of items to sell.
So think about if you really have the time to put in for this process. If your schedule is already packed or if you prefer a quicker decluttering process, donating baby items may be a more suitable option.
Are you willing to store the items?
The old cot collecting dust in the spare room for years
Deciding whether to sell or donate baby items involves considering the potential challenges of selling, such as the time it may take and the need for storage space.
Are you thinking you might need the items for future baby number 2 or 3? If yes, then weigh up how much it will cost you to purchase these items again second hand, and if storing them for x amount of years is really worth the cost.
Selling can be a prolonged process, requiring patience and storage capacity for the items until they find buyers. If you have limited space or are planning to move, it becomes essential to assess if you can accommodate the storage requirements.
To make the best decision, take into account your current living situation, available storage space, and the urgency of decluttering. By prioritising your space and considering your circumstances, you can determine the most suitable approach between selling and donating baby items.
How much can you sell it for?
When contemplating whether to sell baby items, it's important to assess the potential financial gain and determine if it justifies the effort involved. The resale value of each item can vary based on factors like brand, condition, and market demand.
Additionally, consider any associated costs such as packaging, shipping fees, or consignment store commissions that could impact your overall profit. If the potential financial gain aligns with your goals and outweighs the associated costs and effort, selling the items may be a viable option.
However, if the expected returns are minimal or the effort required outweighs the financial benefit, donating the items can be a more practical and rewarding choice.
Is it worth your time and effort?
Mums are busy - this could be your resting time
After carefully considering all of these factors, it is essential to assess whether the time and effort required for selling baby items are truly worthwhile.
If, upon evaluation, the answer is a resounding yes, indicating that the potential benefits outweigh the associated costs and effort, then confidently proceed with selling.
However, if the conclusion leans towards a no, it is advisable to explore alternative options that align better with your circumstances and priorities.
Where is the best place to sell/advertise baby items?
- Online Marketplaces: Websites like Facebook marketplace, eBay, Gumtree, and Etsy provide a vast audience for selling baby items. These platforms offer various categories and allow you to reach a wide range of potential buyers.
- Parenting and Baby Groups: Joining local parenting or baby groups on social media platforms like Facebook can be a great way to connect with other parents who might be interested in buying your baby items. Look for groups specifically dedicated to buying and selling baby-related items such as a sell and swap site.
- Garage Sales: Organizing a garage sale can be an effective way to sell baby items. It allows you to engage with local buyers and potentially sell multiple items at once. However the downside of this is you would need a large number of items so may not be suitable for everyone.
- Local children's consignment stores: Consignment stores work by selling your items for you, and they take a percentage of the cost.
Here in Melbourne, we have a great store, Kids Warehouse, Carrum Downs sells second-hand (and a lot of new) babies, kids and teens items.
The Kids Warehouse team are big believers that, the most sustainable items are the items that already exist. They strive to always bring our customers beautiful Baby, Children & Teen goods that are in great preloved condition. Gorgeous and unique pieces (as well and day to day play clothes) that will move on to another appreciative family.
Both online and in-store. Google search ‘Children's consignment stores’ to find one local to you.
Tips for selling second hand baby items
- Make sure the items are in good condition. When Paying for items people normally want them to be ‘as new’
- Separate into bundles based on size and seasonal clothing when selling multiple items. This will save you time as you don’t need to photograph and list separately.
- Take good pictures. There is nothing worse than browsing to buy something and you can’t see it properly in the picture. It puts buyers off.
- Set a time limit. There is no point listing something and it takes 2 months to sell online. So set a time limit of 1-2 weeks and if it isn’t sold, reduce your asking price or donate it.
What do I need to know before donating baby clothes and items?
By considering these factors, you can make informed decisions when donating baby items, ensuring that your contributions are beneficial and have a positive impact on those in need.
- Check Donation Guidelines: Before donating, check the organization's guidelines to ensure they accept the items you wish to donate. Some places may have specific restrictions or preferences.
- Good Quality and Condition: Donate items that are in good condition, free from holes, stains, or excessive wear. Charitable organizations often rely on selling donated items to support their programs, so they may not be able to accept items that cannot be resold. They end up discarding anything they can't sell which would waste both your time and theirs.
- Washing and Cleaning: Take the time to properly wash and clean the donated items before handing them over. This ensures that the items are ready to be used or sold by the organization, and it shows respect for the recipients.
- Research the Organization: It's important to verify that the place you are donating to is genuinely helping people. Research their mission, programs, and impact to ensure your donations are going to a worthy cause.
Where is the best place to donate items?
If you are in a position to donate your items - There are various options for donating baby items, offering different avenues to make a positive impact. Here are some popular choices;
- Online Marketplaces: Platforms like marketplace websites or local Facebook groups allow you to create bundles of baby items that someone in need can pick up for free. This provides a direct and convenient way to help others within your community
- Facebook Mothers Groups: Joining local Facebook groups dedicated to supporting mothers can connect you with families who may benefit from the baby items you wish to donate. These groups often have designated spaces for members to offer or request items
- Op Shops: Donating baby items to thrift stores allows them to be resold at affordable prices, supporting the organization's programs and initiatives. These stores often contribute to community development or charitable causes.
- Animal Shelters: While not directly related to baby items, some animal shelters welcome donations of baby blankets, towels, or soft toys, which can provide comfort to animals in need
- Charitable Organizations: Organizations such as St Kilda Mums, Mums Supporting Families in Need or foster care agencies.
Mums Supporting Families In Need
Mums Supporting Families In Need, or MSFIN is a Frankston/Seaford based non for profit. MSFIN was started with a big heart and a simple idea. The idea that as a community, they can ensure no family is living without their basic daily needs being met. They believe no child should go without essentials.
By gifting your pre-loved stuff to MSFIN, you’re not only giving a once loved item another life, but you are also helping us support those who need it the most. MSFIN have a detailed guide on what they can and cannot accept as donations.
Another great organisation you could support with your second hand baby items is St Kilda Mums. Like MSFIN they have guidelines on what they can and cannot take - so make sure you check out thier list. Their vision is "Share more. Waste less. Every child thrives." By rehoming essentials they help give kids the best start in life.
St Kilda Mums takes great pride in passing on high-quality baby items and equipment. They prefer to liaise with donors directly when they wish to donate items with mandatory safety standards such as change tables, cots, prams, car seats etc. Please see their "A Guide to Donating" PDF, and email donate@stkildamums.org if you have any questions and/or to confirm the donation complies with safety requirements.
How to work out what price to sell used baby items at
When determining the pricing for items you wish to sell, it's crucial to find a middle ground that attracts buyers while ensuring you receive fair compensation.
Researching similar items on online marketplaces or local selling platforms can provide valuable insights into their asking prices.
Take into account various factors such as the brand, condition, age, and any additional features or accessories included. Additionally, remain open to offers and negotiations, as this can help you find a mutually agreeable price that satisfies both you and potential buyers.
By considering these factors and remaining flexible, you increase the chances of a successful sale.
When to just throw an item away
No one wants a puzzle with the last piece missing
Items with significant flaws, such as holes, or stains, or those that are unsanitary, like used reusable nappies, are typically not suitable for donation.
Donating such items can burden the recipient or the charitable organization, as they may be unable to use or resell them.
Is it rude to pass clothing and toys onto someone in need?
No, it is not considered rude to pass clothing and toys onto someone in need. It helps support those who may be facing financial challenges or difficult circumstances.
When donating clothing and toys, it's important to ensure that the items are in good condition and clean so that they are able to get appropriate use out of them.
Would someone want baby clothes that are a little stained or should I throw them away?
While it's generally recommended to donate baby clothes that are clean and in good condition, there are instances where slightly stained items can still find usefulness. The severity of the stains and the preferences of the recipients play a role in determining whether to donate them.
Remember: If you are donating items to an organisation that are stained, then they might not be able to take them - and you are creating more work for that company as then they need to pay to get them disposed of.
Think, would I be happy to receive this as a gift? If no - then don’t donate it to an organisation.
If the stains are minor and easily removable through washing or stain removal techniques, it may be worthwhile to clean the clothes before donating.
Additionally, if you have friends with younger children who don't mind light staining, you can consider passing the items along to them.
Many people understand that children grow quickly and can get messy, so they may not mind slight staining. It's also possible that people may want the clothes specifically for activities like crawling in the dirt or engaging in painting.
When deciding whether to sell or donate baby items it ultimately depends on various factors such as your personal circumstances, available time and storage space, financial considerations, and the condition of the items.
Selling items can offer financial benefits but requires time, effort, and storage space until they are sold. On the other hand, donating items can help those in need and declutter your space more quickly.
Consider the potential financial gain, storage capabilities, condition of the items, and the impact you want to make when making this decision.
By carefully weighing these factors, you can choose the most suitable approach for you, ensuring that your baby items find new purpose and contribute to someone's well-being.
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Do you have a question about your Grace & Maggie Playmat? Feel free to email us.
Written by Laura Agrimi, mother of 2 and owner of Grace & Maggie.
Online store - Open 24 hours
orders@graceandmaggie.com.au
PO Box 2852, Cheltenham, VIC 3192
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Online store - Open 24 hours
orders@graceandmaggie.com.au
PO Box 2852, Cheltenham, VIC 3192
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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