Turn Your Clutter into Cash

I was terrible about wanting to keep everything.  It really was a problem. Finally I had to learn to sort - yearly - everything that was "stored for safe-keeping" into 2 boxes according to the last time used or accessed:

1. the last year or two and 
2. three-years or more

And then when that was done I sorted each of those boxes into 3 other boxes or piles: NEED/WANT, SHARE/SELL, TOSS. Now I just sort into these three boxes only.

Some (as the article below) will say to not keep anything you haven't used in the past year. Well, that will not work for me. I need to sort and resort, plus be in the mood and not be emotional when I do this or I will want to keep everything, because of sentimental reasons or the inevitable,"I may wear (or need) this next year, because what if XYZ happens?" etc. I'd hate to get rid of something now and find out in a week or so that knowing it was there, I could have used it... and now it's gone!  I sure hope you are not like this too!

If you have suggestions that have helped you, please respond to this post. I'd love to hear how you managed. 

Now, here is what The Nest says about what to do with the clutter (i.e. SHARE/SELL boxes of stuff) that needs to go.  And let's be honest, making money on the stuff that is going out makes it much easier to fill that box! Whatever does not sell, donate it. Either way someone who wants or needs what you have been stashing will make use of it all.

When you pictured married life, we bet you didn’t envision that pile of magazines in the bathroom or a closet so packed you’re both afraid to open it. Well, roll up your sleeves—it’s time to sell your stuff.

Step 1: Do a Clean-Out

• Closets: Place stuff you haven’t worn in the past year in a pile and decide what’s sellable (new or almost-new), what to donate (used but in good shape) and what to chuck (read: that shirt with a massive stain). 

Do the same with:

• Movies
• Kitchen items
• Books
• Wedding Gifts
• Kid's Toys
• Phones no one is using & old electronics
  
  

Step 2: Start Your Research

See how much items similar to yours are going for. Think hard about what your stuff is worth to you -- if that vase your sister gave you fetches only $20 on a website but you’d hate to lose it for less than $50, hang on to it until the demand rises.

Step 3: Know What Sells

• Labels are hot right now, from Banana Republic to designer vintage. 
• Sunglasses, organic goods and décor items, like antlers and funky lamps, are also flying off the cyber shelves. 
• And remember: Sets sell. Say you want to sell a Fred Flintstone figurine or a teapot, you’ll get more eyes on it if you post it with the rest of its clan (i.e., Wilma and Pebbles or teacups and saucers).
  

Step 4: Get Your Item Camera-Ready

• Press and clean any clothing or linens, 
• make sure the lighting is good so the color is right, and 
• also take a close-up shot of the label (especially if it’s a name brand). 
• Same goes for your handbags, shoes and even dishes.

Step 5: Describe the Goods

• You’ll fare better if you type luxury sectional sofa with chocolate-brown Italian leather rather than brown couch.  
• Skip all caps and exclamation points -- that stuff just gets on buyer's nerves. 
• In your description, add your ZIP code in case buyers want to shop locally or calculate shipping costs.
   

Step 6: Suss Out Your Buyer

• Websites like eBay allow you to use PayPal, where the buyer has to pay before anything is shipped. 
• Craigslist, on the other hand, doesn’t have a pay system, so contact them by email and make your own arrangements. 

Okay, now you are ready to make some money!  But before you go, remember to use the numerous Facebook 'Buy/Sell/Trade' groups... that is where I've made my best sales.  

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I usually give you the overall idea of any given post I find, because I base it on my own understanding. Plus I want to give credit where credit is due by sending you to the original authors posting for any extra info. It's only fair.   

I hope this information has been of some help to you. As always, if you would like to add a thought, question, give suggestions for another topic, or make a general suggestion, please post a comment below. Also, please follow / subscribe to this blog.  Thank you!