Moving can be a stressful time, and sorting through your belongings to figure out what to keep and what to get rid of can make it even more overwhelming. Whether you’re downsizing, upgrading, or simply decluttering, selling or donating items can be a great way to lighten your load. Here are ten tips to help make the process easier:
- Start early: Don’t wait until the last minute to start sorting through your belongings. Give yourself plenty of time to decide what to keep, sell, donate, or toss.
- Donation plan: After deciding which items you want to sell and which you want to donate, create a list of local charities that accept donations and research online marketplaces such as Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace. Some charities require drop-offs where others will pick up your item.
- Be realistic: Be honest with yourself about the value of your items. Consider the original cost, the condition, and the demand for the item when setting a price. Sometimes a local professional can help with restoring your items before selling it or fix any damages that may help bring the value up!
- Take good photos: If you’re selling items online, make sure to take clear photos that accurately represent the item. This will help attract potential buyers and increase your chances of a sale. You can also use your smartphone or software such as Canva to eliminate the background and keep your living space private.
- Be descriptive: When creating a listing, be as descriptive as possible. Include the brand, model, size, and any other relevant information about the item. This will help buyers make an informed decision. Measurements and true condition will eliminate any discrepancies when the buyer comes to pick up the item.
- Set a fair price: Do some research to determine a fair price for your items. Check what similar items are selling for on online marketplaces or consult with a professional appraiser.
- Consider bundling: If you have multiple items to sell, consider bundling them together to increase their value. For example, you could sell a set of dishes or a collection of books as a package deal. Let your customers know you may have other items to sell if they’re open to you sending them the details before they show up.
- Be safe: When selling items online, always prioritize your safety. Meet potential buyers in a public place and bring a friend or family member with you if possible or make sure another adult is home. (Craigslist, LetGo App, Facebook Marketplace,etc)
- Donate responsibly: Make sure to donate your items to reputable charities that will put them to good use. Call ahead to confirm what items they accept and if they offer pick-up services. A good tip is to make sure that they provide receipts for proof of your donation and tax purposes if necessary.
- Be kind: Remember that donating and selling items can be a win-win situation. You get rid of items you no longer need, and someone else gets a great deal. Be kind and courteous to potential buyers and those who accept your donations.
If you need any other tips on reselling or need a referral to charities that we at M&M Moving and Storage use, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We only work with licensed non-profits for donations such as Cradles to Crayons and Savers. You will find plenty of information on their website. We pickup directly from customers, donate to your choice of organization and send you the donation receipt. All transactions are tracked for your records.
Happy decluttering!
- Your M&M Moving Family