Selling Your Stuff

[Eleanor]

My boyfriend and I are trying to get rid of a lot of our stuff so that our apartment isn't so cluttered and we figured we would try and sell some of it while we were at it. But, I've never done this before and I have a few questions.

Furniture- We are getting rid of a love seat and a dresser, we are trying to sell the love seat on Craigslist but it isn't going so well. Do you think we should keep trying to sell it on Craigslist or try to sell it at a consignment shop?

Clothes & Books- What's the difference between thrift stores and consignment shops and which one should we try? I have A LOT of practically unworn clothing to get rid of and, while I am not opposed to just giving it away, if I would really like to get something for it.

Any other advice about selling your things? Thank you!

[AccountantSalary]

It's not going to cost you to keep a listing on Craigslist, so my advice is to keep it there.

Consignment shops move things very slowly, so I'd keep away from there if you need money right away.

Thrift shops generally get things for free. Those that are more commercial may be interested in your goods but only if they're in salable conditions.

What's worked best for me is to hold a garage sale? Let your neighbors know that you're planning one, so they can have sales on the same day and you can combine advertising and signs for all the sellers. More sellers will also attract larger crowds.

[Shaabenanizer]

When you sell your furniture on Craigslist, pictures and dimensions are absolute must, especially for couches and loveseats, and include close up pictures too. I know personally I don't even bother if the neither are available. And if you know the brand name include that info too.

[disneysteve]

Craigslist is generally good for furniture but it can vary depending on your area and how active craigslist is there. Definitely make sure you have good clear photos and detailed descriptions. Most importantly, make sure your prices are reasonable. Search and see if others are selling similar types of items and set your prices a bit lower than everyone else.

For books, check half.com and amazon.com. You can list there for free and only pay if they sell but first search each ISBN to see if it is worth listing. Again, set your price lower than everyone else's. I sell a lot of books on half.com that way. Even making your price one penny less will put you at the top of the list when people make a purchase.

For clothes, I'd check consignment shops. Some will just buy them from you outright which may be the best way to go. You don't get quite as much but you get it upfront and don't have to wait for the stuff to sell.

[Eleanor]

Thanks for the tips guys! I found some good used book stores that buy books, so I'm going to drop all of those off this weekend. We ended up deciding the keep the loveseat, and I'm still working on what to do with the clothes. I'm going to try to go to a few thrift stores before deciding where to take them.

The garage sale was a great idea, but we live in an apartment and thus have no yard or garage

[disneysteve]

The garage sale was a great idea, but we live in an apartment and thus have no yard or garage

Are you allowed to have a yard sale? You don't need to actually have a yard - just a place to set up a table or spread a blanket with your stuff. An alternative would be to take a table at a local flea market for a day. If you check your local paper, there are often ads for "vendors wanted" for church or school yard sales.

[Leishrac]

You can consider advertising them online, take some pictures set the price and have some info about it. Then presto it might get interesting previews

[ecoadapt]

You can consider advertising them online, take some pictures set the price and have some info about it. Then presto it might get interesting previews

Online really is an interesting idea. You know the trend.. Easier, time saving. I also would recommend the yard sale. I believe it is aloud in your apartment?

[SMSF101]

Putting your business on Craigslist sometimes do good but due to the fact that there are many choices your furniture will slow down. I guess, having garage sale will do much better. You just need to tell it to your colleagues.

[surveyspencer]

It also depends on where you live. If you're in a big city then Craiglist is best (although it's becoming popular in the burbs as well).

However, a yard sale (especially in the summer) is a great way to get rid of your stuff. Just don't be one of those people that thinks their old-beat up shirt is worth $20!

[p_wyt_12]

I was able to sell my sister in law's hand me downs couple of months back through online. I just took a picture of it and I was able to sold a few. If you are to sell some furniture, a yard sale is a good option since it's too bulky to be shipped. If within a certain period or you aren't able to sell some items, putting it online would be best. Goodluck on your process of decluttering!

[Blessed]

As far as books go I have sold a lot of mine on half.com . It is really easy.

[David wong]

You can try to advertise them online like on google , or try to sell it on Amazon , half.com etc