Last reviewed October 2026
A quick way to decide
- Broken, unsafe, expired, or unusable? That is a Sweep item.
- Works well and is worth at least $50? It is a candidate to Sell.
- Works, is clean, and someone else could use it? That is a Share item.
The $50 line is a rule of thumb. Under that, the time it takes to photograph, list, and answer messages often costs more than the item brings in, and donating it is usually the easier choice.
| Pile | What usually belongs |
|---|---|
| Share | Working hand tools, sports gear, kitchenware, books, clean clothes, furniture in good shape |
| Sell | Power tools, bikes, working appliances, solid furniture, outdoor gear, collectibles |
| Sweep | Broken furniture, torn or moldy items, scrap, anything past saving |
Donating well
- Check first. Call or look at the charity's website. Many have a list of what they can't accept, and mattresses, large appliances, cribs, car seats, and some electronics are often on it.
- Donate clean and complete. Tools with their cords, games with all their pieces, clothes that are washed.
- Get a receipt. Ask for one and keep it. For tax questions, talk to a tax professional, since we can't advise on that.
Our Share service includes your first filled minivan load on 4- and 6-hour garage jobs. Each extra load, and any trip on a 2-hour or packing job, is $50. We load up, deliver to the charity you choose, and bring you the receipt.
Selling well
- Photograph in daylight. Clean the item first and show it from a few angles, including any wear.
- Include the details buyers search for. Brand, model, size, and condition.
- Price from real sales. Look at what similar items actually sold for, not just what people are asking.
- Be safe at handoff. Meet in a public place in daylight when you can, or set the item outside for pickup, and hold off on sharing your home address until the buyer is committed.
- Set a deadline. If an item hasn't sold in a couple of weeks, lower the price or move it to the Share pile.
Our Sell service is 30% of the sale price, for items worth $50 or more. It covers photos, the listing, buyer messages, and the handoff.
Hauling well
Sweep is for what is left: items nobody can use. Before you book a hauler, ask how they price the job, what they won't take, and whether they are insured, and get the price before they start loading.
Our Sweep service is a flat $35. We book a licensed hauler and meet them on site. The hauler bills you directly.
Things that need special handling
Paint, solvents, pesticides, propane, batteries, tires, and electronics usually can't go out with regular trash or in a standard haul. Check your city or county's household hazardous waste and recycling programs, and ask your hauler what they won't take.
When you can't decide
Put it in a maybe box, tape it shut, and write the date on it. If you haven't opened it in a few months, it moves to Share. You can also send us a few photos and we'll help you sort it out. Our garage guide shows how the four piles fit into a full cleanout.
See our services and pricing for the add-ons above.