Over the years I have built a repertoire of giveaway strategies. For a big, instant declutter like you're facing, I'd opt for curb alert (either a sign or a sign combined with a CL curb alert in the free section) or a curbside pickup from a charity organization if available. In our area, the Epilepsy Foundation comes by. They get paid by the pound by thrift stores.
I just hate throwing things away that could be reused.
Some other giveaway ideas:
- Broken items still go on CL free listings. People are pretty handy and glad to get even some broken items, like snowblowers/lawnmowers or more expensive items. Even small electrics get put out because sometimes at least scrappers will grab them for whatever metal is in them.
- Personal care items like surplus toothbrushes we got from the dentist but never used, or feminine items picked up on sale but that didn't really work out for the user, could be used at foodshelves.
- For items you have kind of an attachment to, I found it helpful to know who was getting them. For example, old prom dresses went up on CL rather than in a giveaway box. Might sound dumb to some, but hey, whatever it takes.
- I grouped items and gave them away as a batch. For some reason I was hanging onto tons of perfumes and perfume samples from my teenagerhood. I hate perfume and it gives me a headache! I posted that batch of perfume on CL and had so much interest it was crazy.
Oh! Speaking of CL! I find it super fast to list on my phone. If you have a smartphone, consider that.
I also state right in my ad that I am not going to answer e-mails unless I'm offering the item, and that if offered the person should plan to come get it (then I list the neighborhood, so they have a clue of where) within 24 hours. That way if they don't show I have no qualms about offering it to another person, and I don't feel bad not answering all those "do you still have it?" e-mails.
By following these we are generally successful in being able to give things away for a bit more life rather than putting them in the trash. However, in a real pinch I have just pitched. Because, ultimately, that's where it'll all end up anyway, whether it's now or after another family or 5 have used it.