Will Somebody Buy This or Should I Donate It
If you’ve ever stood in front of a pile of things you no longer use and asked yourself, “Should I try to sell this, or should I just donate it?”—you’re not alone. I hear this question all the time, and it’s such an honest one. It usually comes from a good place: wanting to be thoughtful, responsible, and maybe even a little hopeful that something still has value.
A wise friend once told me, “There’s a market for everything.” And that’s true. But what matters just as much as the market is how much time, energy, and patience you want to spend finding it.
When Selling Feels Like a Joy—and When It Doesn’t
Some people truly love selling. They enjoy listing items, taking photos, posting on social media, messaging buyers, and keeping up with it week after week. Some even have lists of people who regularly buy from them. If that’s you, that can be a wonderful way to move things out of your home.
But not everyone enjoys that process—and that’s okay. The real question isn’t Can this be sold? It’s Does selling this make sense for my life right now? Your timeline, your energy, and your resources matter just as much as the item itself.
Giving Yourself Clear, Kind Limits
One gentle approach I often suggest is setting a time boundary. You might decide to try selling an item for a week, a month, or maybe two months. If it doesn’t sell within that window, you donate it. This gives you permission to explore the option without letting it drag on indefinitely.
Some people also like to set a simple goal—how much money they’d like to make or how many hours they’re willing to spend each week. That clarity can be incredibly freeing. You quickly learn whether selling feels satisfying or whether it’s starting to take up more space in your life than it’s worth.
Creative Options and Letting Experience Guide You
Sometimes, the answer isn’t selling it yourself at all. Maybe there’s a family member who enjoys the process—someone retired, or a young person looking to earn a little extra money. I remember during one downsizing phase, my child wanted to try selling items. We agreed on a 50/50 split of whatever sold, and it worked beautifully for both of us.
And if you’re not sure yet, give yourself permission to try. Let the experience—not pressure or guilt—be your guide. Over time, you’ll know. You’ll reach that clear moment when you think, I don’t want this taking up any more room in my home or any more time in my life. That clarity comes because you allowed yourself the space to decide.
Every decision you make with intention—whether to sell, donate, or pass the task along—is part of creating a home that supports you. Each item released, in whatever way feels right, is a step toward more ease and breathing room in your life.
Pinky Jackson is a Decluttering Specialist and Home Organizing Expert. If you need expert organizing help, don't hesitate to reach out. Pinky and her team would love to help you. Onsite Organizing services are available in the Louisville, KY area and Virtual Organizing services are offered for clients in other locations and for those who prefer to work online. Visit pinkyjackson.com to learn about our services and schedule a free assessment.
Photo: Zehra K. @zehra-k
