You may be able to turn those castoffs into cold cash. This is Ellen Levine with Good Advice From Good Housekeeping. Don't just toss out those old clothes and housewares when you clean your closets and cupboards. Thousands of resale shops around the country sell used goods from golf clubs to bridal gowns. There are two types.
Resale shops buy merchandise outright.
Consignment shops sell it for you and split the dough. If it hasn't been sold by a certain time, often 90 days, you can retrieve it and donate it to charity. Designer clothes, brand-name sporting goods, china, handbags, and costume jewelry are hot right now. Clothes should be less than three years old, undamaged, cleaned, and pressed. Appliances and housewares move faster if you save the boxes and instructions.