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Tips?

February 6th, 2015 at 04:17 pm

I have way too much stuff in my new apartment. There's not room and we don't need a lot of it. A bunch was stored from my move from high school to college, and more was stored after we moved back into my parents, so I really didn't know what or how much I had.

I won't have a problem letting go of items this time, I just don't have space and don't want to move it all again. My piles are going to be shrunk and fast. When I get rid of things, I'm typically am a toss or donate type of person, but we have some items that we could probably make a little money on and use it towards the down payment.

My problem is really summed up in: How do you decide whether to donate or sell? I am very good at knowing what to toss and what to donate, but the donate vs sell is difficult to me.

Do you use the time-factor to decide? With two little-little ones and full time jobs, I really don't have a whole lot of time to spare for researching best prices and post and re-post. It almost seems counter-productive to me for what cash we could get. It's not like selling a big-ticket item like a car. It seems easier to just pile it up and donate it all. Not that easier is better, or is it at this stage of my life?

Then, if you do decide to sell, how do you decide where to sell it (Craigslist, EBay, elsewhere)? Do you have any tips on how to sell effectively? Or even find the best prices to list it at? And how do you deal with bartering? I'm a "get rid of it now" kind of person so tend to not push for a higher price, but I know bartering is a big thing. I would just save it all to garage sale it come summer, but I'm in a large apartment complex so that's out of the question and don't have any local family/friends that live in a town to hold a garage sale.

It's so confusing to me, even though it should be a simple concept.

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As a side note- I know I'm horrible at not commenting or even replying on comments, but I really enjoy everyone's input and blog posts. I do try to keep up with reading everyone's posts and really enjoy hearing everyone's stories.

So, here's a quick blanket "Thank You" to the SA community. You all rock!

6 Responses to “Tips?”

  1. scottish girl Says:
    1423240867

    I'm probably not much help but I've got loads of stuff to get rid of too. I've just been going down the donation route because it's quicker and easier. I'm no help as far as Craigslist/eBay.Sorry.

    I've been working on decluttering 10-15 mins at a time, sometimes less with the two little ones. Good luck!

  2. creditcardfree Says:
    1423241682

    I use Craigslist for big items like furniture and appliances, maybe tools or hardware items. Ebay is great for kids items, especially brand name...but I have heard that Facebook groups by city are good options too. Another option for kids clothes that give you garage sale type returns, but without as much hassle, is a consignment shop.

  3. creditcardfree Says:
    1423241733

    Good pictures, good descriptions are the most important when selling, along with the right price and honesty!

  4. snafu Says:
    1423242328

    I'm a fan of CraigsList & Kijijji site plus the name of your city for furnishing and household stuff. Post a photo and write a brief ad, copying whatever is similar. I see that FB sell pages are gaining popularity.

    I price stuff that's excellent at 50% of replacement cost. Anything that shows wear, at 33% and since I want it gone, I always tell responders I'm open to offers. Books and clothes don't sell well here so books go to consignment for whatever they give, clothes donated to charity re seller like Goodwill. prices. Board games sell well in our area and I've seen them listed for 90% of store price.

    Anything damaged can be dragged to the curb with a FREE sign and it's likely gone before you get back indoors!

  5. Kiki Says:
    1423242698

    I belong to a facebook page for my local community where people list things to sell. For example I bought a table and 5 chairs for my new kitchen for $75. I also bought 3 nesting tables for $25.

    Is there a local city selling page for your city on Facebook? People take a picture, post it with a short description. Most things sell in just a few days. there is no haggling or negotiating until someone comes to pick up the items or else it is done via private messages. It has been very handy to pick up a few things for little cost.

    If you post something and no one bites adjust the price down a little. I bet most things would sell quickly.

  6. chloe Says:
    1423245089

    I've always just gone the donate route myself, or passed things on to a friend/relative who said they could use it. I've never been interested in putting in the time to sell things, but it seems there are people on this site who do really well with sales!

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