How to Cash in Unwanted Stuff

Every item you move adds to the weight and expense to your shipment

As you prepare to move, it a good idea to sort through your belongings to identify things you can do without.

If you can successfully trim your moving inventory, you can possibly save some money and even raise some in return.

What to sell

Go through your house with a notebook, listing everything you want to sell. Here are some of the kinds of items that are popular merchandise:

• Appliances, furniture, lamps, mirrors, linens and bedding
• Audio, video and photography equipment; records and DVDs
• Baby furniture and toys, board games, bikes and books.
• Patio furniture and lawn accessories
• Excess china, glassware, flatware and kitchen utensils
• Sports and exercise equipment

1. Have a Garage sale

Many movers looking to unload ‘old stuff’ elect to hold a garage sale to make a little extra money in preparation for the big move. If this option is available, you should consider the following advice:

• Pre-plan
  • Allow at least three weeks for preparations
  • Check with local authorities for restrictions applying to garage sales. You might need a special permit, or be required to pay a fee or collect sales taxes. Signs advertising the sale might be limited or prohibited.
• Consider a joint sale with one or more neighbors
  • Share the work, fun and profits.
  • The greater the assortment of items you have to offer, the more potential customers you’ll attract and the more successful the sale will be.
  • If the sale will be on your property, let your insurance agent know, and make certain your homeowner’s policy will cover any liability for injuries.
• Start saving shopping bags and cardboard boxes.
• Remember that your items should be reasonably priced, and always be prepared to bargain with your customers.
• Have plenty of change on hand.

2. Set up Shop at a local Flea Market

For a nominal fee, local flea markets are a great means for selling secondhand items. Because most markets are advertised, professional secondhand bargain hunters usually attend. Again, have shopping bags and cardboard cartons on hand for your customers’ convenience and don’t forget to have plenty of change on hand!

3. Post Items on Craigslist or Ebay

Have something that you think would be of great value to someone else? A great way to earn extra money is by selling your unwanted goods online. When you use an online auction or public listing, you are given the opportunity to showcase your items for sale to the world, not just your own neighborhood.

• Visit the individual auction site for specific details on payments and requirements.
• Take extra time to properly describe your item and include a good quality photo to increase your chances of selling.
• Be sure to play up any offbeat merchandise that might intrigue and attract shoppers.
• Most online sites allow you to specify that the purchaser must pick up the items themselves or pay for the cost of shipping – saving you even more time and money

4. Consider Donating Items to Charity

Consider donating any leftover items to charitable organizations such as Goodwill, the Salvation Army and children’s homes. Even though you wont make any money on the transaction, you’ll save on shipping costs and the value can be deducted from your income tax return.