Getting Rid of Unwanted Items

Moving time is an excellent opportunity to get rid or unused or unwanted items and start fresh and clutter-free in your new home. There are three major advantages to getting rid of these items. First, the less stuff you have, the less you have to move. This means less hassle and less money to move. Second, depending on how big a pack rat you are, you may even make a nice chunk of change! Remember, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure, so your old things may actually be quite valuable. Finally, a noble option is to donate your unwanted things to charity. Not only is it a generous thing to do, but your donation may also be tax-deductible. Be sure to get a receipt.

Garage Sales
Garage Sales can be a fun and easy way to get rid of your stuff and make some extra bucks. Here are some tips to make yours a success:
  • Pick a date at least two weeks before moving date. Hold your sale on the weekend and try to pick a date when the weather is mild.

  • Remember to advertise locally. Place a classified ad in local papers, featuring your best or most unusual items. Take advantage of any free advertising in your community such as supermarket bulletin boards, church, or schools. Put up your signs on trees in your neighborhood and by major roads.

  • Check with your neighbors to see if they would be interested in teaming up to sell some of their old belongings, and plan a large neighborhood yard sale.

  • Keep the sale set-up simple and organized. Arrange your items so that shoppers have plenty of room to walk around.

  • If possible, bring an extension cord out to the yard with an outlet so appliances can be tested.

  • Anything goes! Not sure if something will sell? Put it out anyway.

  • Price items realistically. Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes and imagine what you would be willing to pay for the item.

  • Keep money in a safe place, such as a box or fanny-pack, and keep it within sight at all times. Cash is usually the only payment method accepted, except for larger, more valuable items. Don’t accept checks unless you know the buyer well.


Internet Auctions
Remember, the more potential buyers, the more likely your items will be sold for the best price. The Internet will give you a much wider audience than your garage sale or local secondhand store. If you have a rare antique or collector’s item, it may bring top dollar at an Internet auction. There are many benefits to using these sites, and nowadays it’s easier than ever to sell over the Internet. Here are some basics.
  • If you’re new to Internet auctions, start by investigating auction sites and compare their features. Perhaps the best known and most widely-used site is eBay.

  • Most auction sites will require that you set up an account, which is usually a free service. The longer you’ve been a member, the better the service or features are available to you.

  • When listing an item on a site, first take a look at other auctions to see how much your item should sell for. If you ask for an unrealistic amount, your chances of getting serious bidders will not be very good.

  • Specify who will pay for delivery and postage of the item. If you aren’t prepared to provide for this, make sure your minimum selling price is a little lower to accommodate this.

  • Indicate your preferred payment method. Options include C.O.D. (Collect on Delivery), PayPal, Money Order, or Certified Check.

  • Check to see if your site offers Seller Protection Services to keep transactions safe and secure.

  • The description of your item will play a large factor in the success of the auction. Be sure to describe the item as accurately as possible, noting its condition, origins, age, where it was manufactured, measurements and weight, packaging, etc.

  • Provide color photographs of your items to enhance the auction. High-quality photos showing the item form different angles made all the difference.

  • If there are any defects in your item, or if it has been damaged, don’t worry about the value. Be sure to mention its defects in your description; buyers will appreciate your honesty.

  • People who bid are serious buyers. If they If they place a bid, they are bound by a legal contract to purchase the item, unless they contact you to indicate otherwise.

  • You can view a buyer’s feedback before you decide to sell to them. There may be good or bad comments posted by other sellers who have had experience with this person.

  • When your item has been sold, you will be notified immediately. This leaves you open to negotiations with the buyer, who you should try to contact as soon as possible.

  • It is your duty to fulfill your obligations as a seller - if someone successfully bids for an item you have put on auction, it is your responsibility to ensure they indeed receive the item they pay for!

  • Escrow is ideal for transactions over $500 because it provides added protection. Escrow.com protects both buyer and seller by acting as a trusted third-party during the transaction and managing the payment process from start to finish.