We all have things around our house that are in good condition, but we no longer use, need, or want. We have a tendency to hold onto them and to justify doing so….because we paid good money for it, because it was a gift, because we might use it someday. But, let’s get real. If you are not using something currently, and do not have immediate plans to do so, there are several great options to free up your physical (and mental) space and bless others in the process.
Assuming the items are in good condition, they could be donated or sold. For lower ticket items, I don’t bother selling them. It’s just not worth the time. I can easily drop by Goodwill or another donation center and someone else can get some good use out of them. Certain items, though, I’ve chosen to sell. Why not turn some clutter into cash?
Pricing:
- Price to sell. In our minds, our things are often worth more than the market is willing to pay. If you want to test the market and start off on the higher side, go ahead and see how much interest you generate. Give it a set amount of time (a week?), then lower your price if you haven’t yet sold/generated interest.
- Be Customer Centric. Be timely with your responses to people’s inquiries. And think of a win-win pricing scenario. 2 for 1 deals, for example, are good for you both. You’re moving your items and the customer gets a discounted rate and is incentivized to purchase.
- Consignment store pricing. Ask your local consignment store what their pricing policy is. I find they’re pretty consistent from store to store, and fair. To me, it’s worth receiving less per item because I can immediately get things out of my house and not hassle with any further legwork.
Where Should I Sell?
- Facebook Marketplace – My go to for most household items
- Nextdoor – An online social community for selling and donating.
- Deluttr – They’ll buy CDs, DVDs, video games, phones, iPads, etc.
- Cash4Books.net – They buy mainly (not exclusively) college textbooks.
- Poshmark – Known for clothing, but also sell home goods.
- Craigslist – I sometimes receive spammy responses here, but it’s still a decent option to reach a wide audience.
- Consignment Shops – There are some great ones for kids and adults. Note they’ll often only take the current season’s clothes.
- Garage Sale – If you have a lot of items, it may be worth the effort to host or co-host a garage sale. Go ahead and donate what doesn’t sell.
- Mom to Mom Sale – Great for baby items.
What Should I Sell?
You know what you use and what you don’t. Some good places to start in search of sellable treasures are…kids closets or storage bins in an attic, basement, or garage. Or, do you have a storage unit? What a great 2020 goal it could be to eliminate the need for one!
20 Items to Consider Selling:
- Skis and Gear – Kids gear, in particular, as they grow so quickly!
- Purses – Any collecting dust on your top closet shelf?
- Toys – How do these multiply so quickly?!
- Electronics – Sooner the better, since they get outdated quickly!
- Cameras – There’s demand even for older models.
- Clothes – No use keeping things that don’t fit or you don’t wear/love.
- Furniture – Do an online search to see what similar items sell for.
- Bikes – I’ve had success posting on our neighborhood facebook page.
- Workout equipment – You got some good years out of that treadmill. If you’re done with it, that’s ok!
- Game console/games – There’s a market for these!
- Camper – Consider your current season of life and if this fits.
- Musical instrument – Commit to using/learning it or move it along.
- Books – Some you’ll re-read or pass down to your kids. Some are sentimental or are favorites. Consider donating or selling the rest.
- Jewelry – Your style evolves. It’s ok to part with the outgrown.
- Sporting Goods – Think cleats, baseball pants, things your kids used for just a season but are in good condition.
- Designer Goods – These tend to be in short supply and hot demand, so should move quickly at a consignment shop.
- American Girl Dolls/Accessories – These should definitely sell!
- Yard Tools – No need for that trimmer if you have a lawn service.
- Tires – Winter tires for a vehicle you no longer own?
- Collections – stamps, baseball cards, coins. Be sure to look up their value!