This week I wanted to talk about where your clutter ends up after you decide to let it go. There are two main choices which are to sell or donate it. Be honest with yourself, have you got the time and inclination to list everything, answer questions from prospective buyers and post it all when it sells? If the answer is no, that’s absolutely fine. There’s no point deciding to sell, then have everything sitting in a pile for the next year. There are people that can sell it on your behalf but they will take a cut, normally between 25-50% of the sales price. More on that later. It’s also good to consider what you’re selling and how much you’re going to get for it. Items of clothing or toys that fetch a few pounds each will still take the same time to list, answer questions and post as the Rolex watch you were left buy a very generous Uncle but don’t wear.
Statements I hear all the time are: 1. “It cost me so much money, I can’t sell it for a lot less” and 2. “It’s worth so much money, I can’t give it away.” With regards to selling it, the truth is that often, we place a higher value on things than the reality of what they’re worth. Put simply, something is only worth what someone will pay for it. My wife bought trainers for £140, wore them a couple of times and realised they weren’t a good fit. The retailer wouldn’t take them back so she decided to sell them. She started off at £85 and had no interest. After reducing the price they went unsold for 2 months with offers around £40- £50. Yesterday she sold them for £63 and is happy. She’s got some money come in and the trainers are out of the house.
Once I buy something, the money is gone. If, at any time in the future I sell it, whatever money I make for it is abundance coming into my life. Most things in life deteriorate in value over time. Cars, computers, phones, clothes and more. There might be some that increase in value (certain watches, retired Jelly Cats and Lego sets) but that’s definitely the minority.
When I give anything to charity it’s positive for three reasons: Firstly, it’s out of my house and my space is a little less cluttered. Secondly, someone can buy it and love it. It’s living another life , rather than being stuck in a corner of my house, part of the pile of doom. Lastly, the charity makes some money which goes towards supporting the local children’s hospice, mental health, the homeless, Cancer research or whatever cause they represent. I also feel good for giving stuff away and helping others.
Apart from your local charity shop, there are other places you can donate your unwanted things:
Facebook Market Place / FB Selling Groups: I find these to be good for anything, especially stuff that charity shops don’t take. Lever arch files, computer leads, hangers, anything that’s got a flaw but still works. People don’t always turn up to collect but overall I’d say 8/10 do.
Trash Nothing, Freecycle : There are local groups so people aren’t having to travel far to collect. The ethos of these groups is to keep as much as we can out of landfill. What might be useless and rubbish to you might be someone else’s treasure. So much of my things have gone here over the years that would have otherwise gone to the tip and landfill. The same kind if things as above but also half empty pads of paper, partly used toiletries and loads more.
Friends, Family, Colleagues: They can be a great way to release unwanted things. When you have anything you don’t want or need that can’t be sold for whatever reason, try and open your mind as to who might want it. There’s usually someone.
Ebay: This used to be the place everyone went to sell anything. Their selling costs turned a lot of people away but they recently changed so most things are now free to list with no final purchase fee for sellers as standard. The buyer now pays a small amount on top. The first thing I ever sold on Ebay, back in 2003 was a leather couch and chair for £750, I was gobsmacked and so happy. Since then it’s been a mixture of mobile phones, fish tanks, various electrical items and lots more. You can reach potential buyers everywhere and have a choice to sell things for a fixed price (with or without offers) or as an auction. I listed an old toy bear I’ve had forever yesterday and it sold this morning.
Vinted: I’m a big fan as are all the family. Very easy to list and sell on and postage is included so as soon as something sells, it can be posted. As with selling anywhere, always do your research and see what similar things are going for elsewhere. Listing too high could mean you won’t sell, listing too low could mean you lose out financially. As with Ebay, there’s no selling costs involved as standard but you can pay extra to have your listings more visible. My daughter sells clothes more than anything and has great success. I’ve sold clothes, bike inner tubes, toys, shoes and more. They’ve recently added certain electrical items to their allowed list which is great.
Facebook Market Place / Selling Groups: Personally, this has been the most frustrating place to sell. People offering ridiculously low amounts compared to the reasonable asking price. People asking if it’s available then disappearing off the face of the earth. People asking 100 questions, sounding like they’re going to buy it then saying it’s too far even though they knew from the start where you live. Basically just being messed around. Also, whilst Vinted and Ebay have systems set up where the buyer pays in advance, on FB it’s usually cash so people can be less committed and reliable. That’s been my experience anyway. Saying that, I have sold lots here over the years too.
Looking at the decision whether to sell or donate, just consider this: Is it in your best interests? Do you have the time and inclination to do it? As I mentioned earlier, there are people that will sell your possessions on Ebay on your behalf for a fee. This normally includes listing and posting them for you. It will normally cost up to 50% of the sales price so think if that’s worthwhile for you.
For me personally, I tend to donate the things that aren’t worth a fortune or that might take time for me to sell. This includes books, clothes, household stuff, toys, games, DVDs, CDs. With selling your stuff, try and be patient. We had a bunk bed and gymnastics crash mat and beam listed for ages with no real interest. The the person saw them that really wanted them and they both went.
Whatever you decide to do with your stuff, good luck! Just remember, you only need to deal with one thing at a time and each item that leaves your house gives you a bit more of your space back. You can put all the money you make from selling together and spend it on something useful or special. Just not on more stuff that will add to the clutter you already have.