How to Throw a Used Goods Party

We all have clothes we haven't worn in years, toys our kids never even touched, and knick-knacks we have no room to display. It's also true that we want to get our hands on even more stuff! The best solution? Gather up your friends and have a Used Goods Party! Exchange what you like, and donate the rest. Here's how.

Invite everyone you can think of.

Family, friends, co-workers: ask them all! Have your guests come over with a box or two of unwanted goods, such as clothes, small appliances, accessories, tapes and records, toys, whatever. You may also want each participant to bring a food or drink item. Remember: it's a party, not just a junk swap!

Lay out the goods, then draw straws .

Or roll a die, or pick a number out of a hat. The object is to determine who gets first pick at the used goods table. Let each guest select one item. When everyone has something, go around again. Continue until no one fancies anything that's left.

Box up the donations.

Pack away everything you're going to donate to the thrift store, shelter, or organization of your choice. (Goodwill, the Salvation Army, and Veterans' groups in your area are all good options.) If you're short on boxes, that's okay; most places will take goods in plastic shopping bags (and won't you be glad to get rid of some of those!)

Take the donations to the drop-off center, or make arrangements.

In some areas, you can phone the donation center and ask them to come pick up your items on certain dates. In other places, you can drop-off your donation at a specified location. Check your phone book and call for details. (Note: this certainly doesn't need to be done the night of your party, but as the host(ess), it should be done, by you, as soon as possible.)

Congratulations! You've just cleaned out your closets, recycled, made a charitable donation, scored new stuff, and had a party. If your guests had a good time, why not make used goods parties a regular event? You can take turns hosting one every couple of months or so. Each guest is bound to have a whole new crop of people for you to meet and exchange goods with. Have fun!