It's easy to be sentimental—and irrational—when sorting through your stuff. It's gratifying—and convenient—when your unwanted possessions go to people you know.

Incentive Plan

Ask a discriminating friend to help you evaluate what you've got, then give them the pick of the litter.
Throw a Party

• Host a pick-up party! E-mail a list of your offerings, with digital photos, to your online address book, and invite everyone to an open-house brunch. Serve bagels, fruit, and packing tape, and let people take away whatever they can.

Extend Your Circle

• If your relatives, closest friends, or neighbors aren't interested, extend your circle. Visit www.craigslist.org, a virtual community bulletin board available in more than 30 cities. Not only can you buy and sell almost anything, but you also can post giveaways, free for anyone willing to pick them up.