“How many things I can do without!” ~ Socrates (on looking at a multitude of wares for sale)
Take a good look! Scary isn’t it?
I am not sure how much you have collected, I do know that after 11 years we had a substantial collection. Is a punch bowl, stacks of wicker baskets and 3 overflowing bookcases needed? No, it is time for them to go along with all the other stuff!
If you have decided that it is time to break free, you have to decide whether to store your belongings or say goodbye to them. After hearing tales of friends paying storage fees for three years and then realizing that they did not want to keep any of what they now considered junk, we decided it all had to go.
Craigs list, Is a great resource, it is free and simple to use. We sold an amazing amount of goods and developed a few tips and techniques, for the best results try the following.
Use attention getting headlines and do not forget to include what benefits the buyer will get from having your widget.
Use a good quality photograph, you can take your own or use a photo pulled from the manufacturer’s site. While you are there check to see how much the item, sells for at retail cost. However realistically if you get half price you will be lucky, a third is probably more realistic. It just depends on who is looking for that item at the time.
Watch out for the scammers! Do not accept Money orders and bank drafts especially when they are long distance purchases. The draft may appear to clear your bank until they try to redeem it with the issuing bank, which doesn’t exist, you are then liable for the funds and the fraudster offers to include shipping in their payment to you, which you then pay for too! Someone tried that with me, be very cautious and take a moment to read the guidelines on the Craigs list site.
Sell clothes on assignment, especially if you have good quality classic pieces. Check your area for consignment stores and pay them a visit, to see what they sell and discuss how the process works. Some stores only take seasonal items, which mean you may be stuck with some items. The sooner you start the better as you may be able to clear more items that are seasonal. Be aware though that your dearly beloved outfits may not be so desirable by the storeowner. They know their clients and have a good idea of what will sell and what will not.
Donate to Charitable organizations, the remainder of your excess wardrobe will be gratefully accepted by any charitable organization, such as Developmental Disabilities Association, Big Brother, Salvation Army thrift stores or the local hospice. You can de-clutter and help a worthy cause at the same time.
