Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. I never understood that phrase before, not truly. However since embarking on our own declutter journey I have come to know the peace of mind and return of joy to my life when we shed ourselves of the unnecessary and focus on what is really important. This doesn’t mean living like a scrooge, just that we now are intentional about where our money is spent – on the things that are not only needed but give us the most joy. It also has opened our eyes to new opportunities that are available to us.

Never in my life did I think that tidying up would lead to a way to incease the funds coming in to our household ! Finding hidden forgotten treasures which could either add value to our life and reduce further spending, or that could be sold to give someone else joy! How surprised I was to often finding items still with tags attached!

So, you’re ready to embark on your own declutter journey! As mentioned in our main article found HERE, we recommend you have a nominated pile not only for the items you want to keep, donate or throw away but also the items you are able to sell! This will be the focus for this article.

Do:

• Inspect the item you wish to sell. Does it require any cleaning or maintenance? Take note of the condition, and be prepared to fully disclose any wear and tear.
• Decide if this is an item you are willing to post, or must it be picked up.
• Consider the baseline amount you are willing to sell the item for and price accordingly. Deciding this in advance can save heartbreak later – especially if you are not willing to let the item go for pittance in an auction situation.
• When decluttering, take a good look at what you have. Do you really need 5 black tops all with the tags on them?  Could this provide you with financial gain by letting some of this go?
• Ask your partner to get involved and see if they may have any tools, sporting, mechanical or car related items that may also add value to the family by selling.
• Second hand designer purses and handbags are a great selling item, so if you don’t use it or no longer love it then it’s time to go!
• Are there remnants of old hobbies laying around that you no longer participate in? Perhaps its scrapbooking supplies, a treadmill or a collectable doll. If you haven’t used it in years, chances are staring at it is just making you feel guilty and it’s time to go.
• Now it’s the kids turn! Have an old games console lying around? Maybe its Barbie, Lego or Thomas the Tank Engine tracks that your little Master or Miss are no longer playing with. Have a chat to them about letting go of the old so that it may bring joy to another little boy or girl. If you or your partner has toys from your own childhood locked up in the garage somewhere, you may be surprised to know that some of your old toys have now become collectable items and may be worth a pretty penny!
• Every woman I know has a Tupperware cupboard! But did you know that some of these items sell quite well, even as second hand used items? Now is the time to brave it and take a look at what you really have lurking in there. Are you using it? Can it add value to your life right now (start using it to increase the longevity of your groceries!) or can you let it go? (sell , donate or throw away).
• Speaking of the kitchen, do you have appliances that you just aren’t using? Perhaps it’s a novelty item like a hot dog maker or something that you own that you just don’t use. If its taking valuable space up in your cupboards and its not providing value, then it’s time to go!
• Know your values! Check out what other people are listing for similar items to manage your expectations on what your item may fetch.

Don’t:

• Don’t be afraid to list your item/s. Millions of people list their second hand items for sale, and the right buyer will find value in what you have to offer.
• Don’t give up! If the item/s doesn’t sell right away, find a new and creative way to sell them. Maybe the avenue in which you are trying to sell needs to be changes, or maybe you will have better luck combining it with another similar or complimentary item.
• Don’t overprice your item because of sentimental reasons. Research will show you what similar items are listed for so it’s important to be realistic.
• Don’t list an item that is dirty or broken beyond value. Whilst it is true that some broken items may fetch a sale if it is valuable, be stringent and realistic with evaluating the item.
• It’s not a good idea to list your partners’ items without their knowledge and input into the sale. You may not like the item, but you may not have enough knowledge to appreciate the true value of the item and you may not wish to experience their disappointment. Communication and respect is key.
• Rome wasn’t built in a day – know that it may take some time to achieve your desired results so don’t feel that you need to have all of your unwanted items sold in a week.
• Don’t fall into old habits! Once you have sold your items and have some extra cashflow, make sure you are investing it into something that will add value to your family – whether that is a needed item, savings or paying off debt. Whilst a nice dinner out sounds like a fun idea to spend your money on, that thrill is very short lived and very disposable.

Now that we have that covered, let’s look at just some of the ways you could on-sell your pre-loved items.

1. Auction Sites such as Ebay. This is where the item can be placed at a minimum bid, and bidders vie for your item. Ebay now has a cool feature which suggests an appropriate minimum bid based on other similar items. You can choose to use this minimum or go with your own. If you are not prepared to part with the item for 99 cents , then I suggest not listing it at the starting bid. If however this is an item you are willing to risk it on in order to drive more interest, then proceed. This really depends on your perception of value of the item. You will be able to set out any postage costs, if you allow local pick up of the item for free and the payment method. Unsold items can often be relisted for free.  Check to see if the site allows you to provide free photos, as these often sell the product . Make sure to list any conditions , faults or defects in the product description. If selling multiple items, one way to attract bidders is to explain in the description that you are happy to combine postage if this is an option for you.
2. Online Classifieds. There are a number of free online classifieds which you can google. Often the listing requires you to place a set price for your item and be aware that you are often competing against a much larger marketplace due to the free nature of the site. If you have a high value item to sell, such as a collectable, car parts or even a vehicle then there are a number of paid online classifieds you can use which should yield better results.
3. Niche trading and interest sites/groups. This is particularly true of the collectables market, often times there will be a section for items for sale, or through forums on these particular sites and Facebook interest groups.
4. Garage/Yard Sale! Have a number of household items for sale? Why not try an old fashioned Garage/Yard Sale!!! Enrol the help of your family, and make sure you prepare with signage in the area, and notification on online community groups. List if you can any major attraction items.
5. Facebook Marketplace. Advertise freely and simply through the use of Facebook Marketplace. Be aware that you may get queries from out of your area. It is important to keep an eye on which person responds first to your advertisement and honour that sale first.
6. Facebook Buy, Swap and Sell local groups. Check with the admin of the page if there are restrictions on what days you are allowed to advertise. If you also have a side-hustle, note what days they allow for business advertising.
7. Newspaper Classifieds. Does your item fit the criteria of a popular category often found in your local newspaper? Consider this as an option.
8. Gold Traders – do you have some old gold jewellery that you are happy to sell? Google for local Gold Traders in your area.
9. Community Noticeboards. Do you have an item that is applicable to advertising on a flyer? Consider promoting the item on your local community Noticeboard. Cafes also often have noticeboards that you can utilize.   
10. Local Market, Car Boot Sale or Swap Meet. Check your local community groups for events where you may be able to attend and sell your wares.

Now that you know how to decide what to list, and how to list it – all there is left to do is put your plan to action and reap the rewards! Get started and turn those unwanted goods into cash and help yourself achieve those financial goals a little bit quicker! Melissa xx