When your garage sale closes, you’ll need to figure out what to do with the stuff that didn’t sell. (If you have nothing left, celebrate!)
You have options! Take a look at the list below to pick the choices that work for you. Click an item to jump down to it:
- Donate It
- Gift it through your local Buy Nothing Group
- What to do with building materials and large appliances
Donate to Goodwill
As of 2020 Goodwill is unable to bring a truck to accept donations on Saturday of the sales. You can still donate however, just a mile or so down the road at the Coralville store. Their hours (as of June 30) are Monday-Saturday 11am–6pm and Sunday 12pm–5pm, but you may want to call first. Reach them at (319) 248-4729.
Goodwill: Prohibited items
There are certain items Goodwill can’t accept, including baby gear (cribs and other baby furniture, car seats, strollers, high chairs, etc.). Before you load up and head to the store, check the list of prohibited items.
North Liberty Community Food Pantry: Winter Outerwear donations
Each year, the North Liberty Community Food Pantry accepts Winter Outerwear donations following the Garage Sales. Please check our Facebook page for more details.
- Outerwear (child and adult)
- Coats
- Snow pants
- Gloves and mittens
- Hats and scarves
- Winter boots
For the most updated information on the pantry’s donation policies and their current needs, visit their website.
Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP)
The Iowa City area DVIP provides services to victim/survivors of domestic violence, stalking and human trafficking in a 10-county area, including Johnson county. Many victims/survivors come to DVIP with just the clothes on their backs. Find out how to donate.
DVIP has a “Top Ten Needs” list which is regularly updated. See it here.
Your local Buy Nothing group
If you’re not familiar with the Buy Nothing movement, here are the Cliff’s Notes: Buy Nothing is a network of Facebook groups whose members live in close proximity to each other (in the same city, or in the case of North Liberty, within the same part of the city).
Post anything you’d like to give away in the group. No money can change hands, no trades, no bartering. Find your Buy Nothing group based on where you live:
- Buy Nothing North Liberty (North): For those who live north of Penn Street.
- Buy Nothing North Liberty (Southeast): For those who live south of Penn Street and east of Hwy 965
- Buy Nothing North Liberty (Southwest): For those who live south of Penn Street and west of Hwy 965
How to dispose of building materials and large appliances
If you have building materials: glass, doors, window frames, scrap lumber, metal, et cetera, consider donating them to Habitat Restore.
If you have large appliances (refrigerators, stoves, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, humidifiers/dehumidifiers, microwaves, dishwashers, trash compactors, console stereos, and water heaters), contact Johnson County Refuse to arrange pickup. More info here under ‘Disposal of Other Items.’