Space Sells -- Tips for Clearing Out Excess Stuff

One of the great things about moving is that it gives us an opportunity to "lighten the load" and get rid of stuff we've been holding on to for too long.

You'll probably get more money for "good stuff" if you sell it online than at a garage sale. If you have the time and necessary skills, consider clearing stuff out by selling it on eBay or advertising it on CraigsList.

There are also companies that will do the work of selling your stuff on eBay for you. They are known as "eBay Trading Assistants." Do a google search to find a location close to you.

Of course if you've got some really nice stuff and a significant amount of time, you might also want to go the consignment shop route.

Consider donating useable items to charity. The Atlanta Furniture Bank provides essential household furnishings to formerly homeless families and individuals. Goodwill Industries of North Georgia has many collection centers that will accept donations of a wide range of items that they put to use in helping people gain employment skills and find jobs.
Yard sales are also a great way of clearing things out. Here are a few tips:

See if friends or neighbors want to participate and have a multi-family or block sale to attract more visitors.
Advertise. Put a free ad on CraigsList and any other free or low cost print or online classifieds you can find. Put up signs and balloons at major intersections near your home.
Post signs or flyers at grocery stores, libraries, and other establishments that allow flyers.
Price items ahead and attach prices with removable stickers. Remember, yard sale shoppers expect major bargains.
Check items before the sale to be sure you haven't included something you want by mistake.
Keep pets away from the sale.
Display everything neatly and individually so customers don't have to dig through boxes.
Have an electrical outlet available so buyers can test appliances.
Have plenty of bags and newspaper for wrapping fragile items.
Get enough change, and keep a close eye on your cash.

Atlanta also has an active "FreeCycle" YahooGroup. Members post messages to the e-mail list letting other members know what they are offering for free. If anyone is interested, they contact you and arrange a time to pick the item up. Everything offered must be free, legal, and appropriate for all ages.

If you just can't bear to get rid of any of your stuff, but you need to clear out space for your house to show properly, you'll probably need to rent a storage unit.

Copyright © 2006 Lisa Crowder, e-PRO

Space Sells -- Tips for Clearing Out Excess Stuff

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