You’re moving, what next? Let’s face it, we all have things we could do without. Whether you’re downsizing, trying to reduce your overall moving costs or simply de-cluttering the big question is, “where to start?”
Start by accessing your bigger furniture items first. What will you need for your new home? Then more on to those smaller items you’ve been collecting for years. Does it have sentimental value? Can you live without? Do you really need the entire subscription of Home and Gardens dating back to 1999? It’s time to let go.
To begin, start going through your home room by room. Gather all those items you think you can do without and place them in one room. Start separating items into designated groups: donate, junk and sell for cash.
Once you’ve established your groups, break it down one step further by separating each group into categories, such as books, clothing, furniture, kitchen ware, toys, etc.
For those items you deemed trash, take advantage of 1-800-GOT-JUNK. For those items you wish to donate start calling your local donation agencies to find out if they will send a truck for pick-up at your home or if you need to make trips to your local agency. And don’t forget to keep a receipt of items donated for a tax write-off.
All that’s left are those items you want to sell for cash. You can hold a garage sale or sell your items online using craigslist of eBay. If you’re not versed in the art of online selling you’re probably wondering where to go from here.
The good news is the hard part is done! Now use these tips to be as descriptive as possible when listing your items for sale:
- Take a picture of the item and include the sale tag if the item is hasn’t been used
- Disclose the purchase date and condition of the item
- Include brand names, if applicable, i.e., designer/artist
- Be descriptive when describing the item for sale. Does it have a history that makes it interesting?
- Decide on a minimum purchase price you are willing to accept and how long you’re willing to leave it listed (You can also consider the option of allowing someone to purchase it on the spot for a set price)
- Depending on the site you choose you’ll need to determine the shipping arrangements. I.e., if you’re selling through eBay you may request the buyer pays for shipping and insurance. If you choose craigslist for local buyers you can request they arrange for pickup.
- If the sale is final make sure you clarify there is no return policy
- And finally, keep all documentation of correspondence with the buyer
Last, but certainly not least, make sure you really want to part with the item you’re selling. Once it’s gone, it’s gone for good!
