Look around. All that clutter used to be money. All that money used to be time.
Looking around your home, you might not realize the treasure trove of opportunities lying in unused items. While you may feel tempted to keep your clutter, with a bit of effort and the right strategy, you can transform clutter into cash.
Of course there are other financial benefits available to you when choosing to declutter, but let’s focus on how to get the most of it the items you are removing.
Here are 15 tips to help you sell your stuff and breathe new life into your space.
1. Start Small
Begin with a single drawer or closet. Small wins will motivate you to tackle larger areas. Your first step in the right direction doesn’t need to be a big one.
2. Use the Right Platforms
Choose the best platform for what you’re selling. Use eBay for collectibles, Facebook Marketplace for furniture, and Poshmark for clothes. They each have their own learning curve, but once you learn one platform, the lessons are quite transferable.
3. Take Great Photos
Clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles boost your item’s appeal. Consider natural lighting for the best results. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.
4. Write Clear Descriptions
Be honest and detailed in your descriptions. Mention any defects to avoid disputes later. And don’t be afraid to talk about the benefits or joy the item brought you.
5. Price to Sell
Research what similar items are selling for and price yours competitively. Consider bundling items for a quicker sale—especially collectible collections.
6. Be Responsive
Quick responses to potential buyers’ inquiries can make the difference between a sale and a missed opportunity. As someone once told me, “90% of business is just returning phone calls promptly.”
7. Offer Bundles
Grouping similar items can attract buyers looking for a deal and help you sell faster.
8. Seasonal Selling
Sell items in season. List winter coats in the fall and gardening tools in the spring for the best results.
9. Refresh Your Listings
If an item hasn’t sold, refresh the listing with new photos or a better description.
10. Use Social Media
Share your listings on your social media accounts to reach a wider audience. Even posting your items in your Facebook Feed among just your friends may lead to unexpected discoveries.
11. Safe Transactions
For in-person sales, meet in public places and consider cashless payments for safety.
12. Consider Consignment
For higher-end items, consignment stores might be a hassle-free way to sell.
13. Donate the Unsellable
If something doesn’t sell, consider donating it. Some organizations even offer pick-up services.
14. Keep Track of Your Sales
Maintain records of what you sell for financial and personal satisfaction.
15. Reinvest Your Earnings
Put your earnings towards your financial goals, whether it’s paying off debt, starting an investment account, or saving for a vacation.