A Series on Getting Your Clutter Out Of The House
Part two of our series on getting rid of clutter is going to focus on ways you can actually make money downsizing and decluttering. Yes, it's true! All those items that are eating away at your space and your sanity may actually be able to fetch you a pretty penny. How's that for some spring cleaning motivation?
If you missed part one of the series on ways to donate old items, find it here.
Now, no one is going to promise you that your junk is going to bring you thousands of dollars, so let's just temper any overzealous expectations you may have right away. But, it is possible to make some money back on old items, whether they be clothes, furniture, tools, etc.
Whether the amount of money you ultimately bring in will end up being worth the amount of time you spend selling it is something only you will be able to judge. And you probably won't know until after you've sold a few items and get a feel on the process and necessary time investment.
Where to sell?
1. Craigslist
This one will come as no surprise. Selling on Craigslist is extremely easy, and it has been one of the most popular online classified ads for many years. Whether you are selling furniture, collectible items, or goods/appliances, you really can't go wrong listing it on Craigslist. The only real drawback here is Craigslist lack of an official app, though there are some third party apps that work fairly well.
2. Offerup & Letgo
These are classified ads apps, similar to Craigslist but designed for mobile. While these do not yet have the large community or visibility that Craigslist does, they are constantly growing. We suggest (and many people seem to agree) posting your items to both and see where you get the best results.
3. Sell it to Amazon or to other customers on the Amazon Marketplace
Did you know that Amazon will buy a lot of items from you? Textbooks, phones, dvds, etc. Just type in the ISBN or product name in, and you'll see a price in the ride sidebar with Amazon's quote. Print off the packing slip (Amazon pays the shipping) and off you go. Keep in mind that you'll be paid in Amazon giftcards not cash.
Amazon Marketplace isn't free to sell your items, so keep that in mind.
4. ebay
If you are selling unusual or rare collectible items, you are going to need a much larger audience than any of the above options are likely to net you. Those beanie babies you have in the closet have a much better chance of selling on ebay than anywhere else. On the flip side, you're unlikely to sell your old, worn bookcase for $25 to someone on the other side of the country.
5. Good old fashioned yard sale
Why not just throw together a yard sale the way people used to when times were simpler? You may be surprised at just how popular they still are. Get the neighbors involved. Invite friends and family. Just be sure to advertise it!
6. Consignments stores & sales
In consignment shops, you are giving someone (owner of the shop) a cut of the money in return for them doing the work of selling. Not a bad trade off, even though, generally, they take about 50% of the sale price.
Consignment sales are similar, except instead of a physical store, they are temporary events, such as an outdoor weekend consignment sale. A benefit to these events is that you're likely to sell your items quickly (it only lasts a weekend).
You are definitely going to have to use a combination of these options. There really isn't a one-stop-shop for all your clutter. Easiest way to get rid of your last cellphone is selling it to Amazon. But they won't haggle with you. That rare, leatherbound book collection of frog species from the 18th century? Ebay.
Items won't sell anywhere? Donate them!