How to make some money after decluttering

Do you sometimes look around your home and think: “I can’t believe I spent money on this.” Just like you spent money on it, declutter and make money of it again! The beauty of letting go what no longer serves your needs, it may still be of value for someone else. If it’s in good shape, why not sell it?

There are plenty of places where you can sell your unwanted items.

Go online

Sites eBay, Dubizzle or Craig’s List or your company’s intranet let you post the item from the comfort of your couch. Take a picture of the item first. For this, it’s often best to just show that on the picture. If it’s surrounded by other pieces, it can become difficult for any potential buyer to see it properly. Too many items in the back or a busy wall as a background can distract, too.

As you describe the item, think about words others would use to find it. This will help your chances of being found amongst the other ads.

When you price the item, you may want to check what others have either advertised or bid for these items. That gives you an indication of what the market is willing to spend.

Ensure you protect your privacy when you sell on any site (this also goes for old fashioned newspaper ads). Don’t disclose your home address or your phone number. If you don’t get notified via the site’s own email system, set up a separate email for selling the items. When you sell the item from your home, have another (adult) person in the house. Keep the item close to the front door, if possible, and keep some small change for when you’re exchanging the money.

Hold a garage sale

Garage sales may not be common in every part of the world. Yet, they are growing in popularity as they are easy to organise. You don’t even need a garage to sell your clutter. The front of your house can work just as well.

Spread the word amongst your neighbours and don’t forget your friends and family. They can be your marketeers, too. Post it on your social media and if you’re teaming up with another neighbour, you can also print out some flyers to be dropped at other houses. On the actual day, put up some balloons to attract more footfall.

Arrange for a table where you can display your goods. You can put little stickers on them, showing the price. This avoids answering the same question 14x times and allows visitors to scroll and explore.

Engage with them. Ask them about their morning, afternoon, evening or what they are looking for. It’s a conversation starter and you can show off what may be for them.

Have a little, secure box for your petty cash. Be sure to have enough small change. There’s nothing worse than having a buyer and no money as change.

Go to a flea market

Who doesn’t remember flea markets as a way to make money? It’s pretty much like a garage sale, except you go to a location. Yup, getting all your items for sale packed in boxes, transported to the flea market, put on tables and ideally you come home with more money than the table fees cost you!

A flea market has the advantage of attracting potential customers without you having to do any marketing. The organisers do you for you. After all, they’re selling a stand to you and want you to be successful (and come back for more).

Compared to your neighbours, it can be more intimating talking to strangers and trying to sell your clutter to them. They may also negotiate more than your neighbours. For some, however, the anonymous status in a sales transaction (sounds pretty dry, doesn’t it) is easier for others. It gives them more space to part from their items.

Try a consignment store

Now, not everyone one wants to sell their clutter directly. A consignment store, thrift store or second hand shop can be the option for you. Some offer to sell everything while others specialise in certain items like books or clothing only. Here, they sell the well-kept items for you.

The money you get may not be as much as if you were to sell it yourself. However, you don’t have to get involved in any negotiations or even deal with any buyers. This is a good option for someone who doesn’t want this hassle or is short on time.

We’ve used various options when selling our stuff before we moved countries. Some of our furniture was sold via our company’s intranet site. This created a bit more comfort as we knew the individuals. We had books which we sold via eBay and through a second hand book shop. Then there were clothes, lots of them. They went to a consignment store specific for clothes. We also had some items that were sold by pure chance of mentioning them in a conversation.

Now, it’s time for you to create space and make some money. Go on, what are you waiting for?

Until next time,
Agni

PS: Don’t forget to tell us where you sold your clutter.