the last time i donated was about 2 weeks ago i usually have a clean out every 2 mths as the clutter in my house clutters my headspace .
i acutally have a big pile to go very soon , i just have to go through dd's clothes and give all the smaller ones to vinnies .
Usually i have a vinnies and a rag pile , DH usually buys rags from vinnies for work at around $50 for a huge bag , so we turn our stuff into rags to save a bit there .
if its really broken or not working , i save vinnies the hassle and recycle, otherwise they waste time going thourgh stuff they cannot sell .

