Yard sales are a great way to make additional money from clothes and household items that you no longer use. But I hate sitting out in the sun for a full day trying to sell the stuff. Additionally, I don't have the storage space in my home to keep this stuff through the winter to sell in the summer. So, I've found a better way.

If you itemize your taxes, everything you donate to a thrift store (Salvation Army, National Kidney Foundation, or Good Will) is tax deductible. Take all your clothing that you no longer wear (or clothes the kids have outgrown) and donate them to the thrift store. Be sure to ask for a receipt. The Salvation Army also has a list of the value of different items (the amount you can deduct from your taxes).

Donations to a thrift store actually increased the amount of money I was getting for the stuff I wanted to get rid of. Typically, I'd make a couple hundred dollars on a yard sale. But donating increased my tax return by $500 last year!

So, you can make more money on unwanted items. You don't have to store them all year long. You don't have to sit out in the sun all day on the day of the yard sale (and worry that it's going to rain). You don't have to advertise. And on top of all that, you are helping a very worthy cause. Everyone benefits!

Take a look around while you are at the thrift store. This is a great place to pick up used books, play clothes for the kids, and a variety of household items. I love the thrift store, it's like a giant yard sale any day of the week, all year long.

eBay gives clear step by step instructions and it's easy and fun! Be careful though, you might catch the auction fever and start selling all your "stuff."