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Writer's picturePaula F. Hill

How to sell your stuff (and make good money!) 1 of 5


As I check off each item posted for a client, I feel the stress and strain emitting from the photos I took yesterday. The angst comes from the fact that she has to be out of her condo at the end of this month (yes, THIS month) and the place is PACKED with goods that just won't fit in her new space.

"I should've started this a year ago," she frets. Of course, I'd love to pitch-in my agreement but that won't do either of us any good. She'll skyrocket into space, never to return to the basic reality. Her goods, as she nears moving day, are diminishing in value, rapidly.

Why? Because, as they say, everything will sell, with the right buyer. And more often than not, that takes time. Obviously, she doesn't have the time. Oh, did I forget to mention she's working full-time? And she doesn't have acumen for the computer, using the cell phone to take pics, nor a way with words that definitely helps draw attention to the items, unique as they are. And, by the way, the condo association doesn't allow a SALE, not wanting a lot of traffic and movement around the secluded circle.

It isn't her fault, human nature tells us to put shit off. We do it all the time. I'm one of those "I'll pack later" people, and toss the clothes into my luggage willy nilly, hours before my trip. Typically, I've gotta buy or borrow stuff I've forgotten to pack, because...it was so last minute!

I find my Self sucked-into the bubble of anxiety when I even think about my client's circumstances. I know she doesn't need to reflect that back to me but it happens as naturally as gravity. The Worry leans into me, as though I have ALL THE ANSWERS. No, I don't. (Just wish like hell she'd started this project last year.) I can only help all of you, folks that have time, energy, and focus, BEFORE you need to pare down or just want to sell some unwanted things.

1. So, BIGGEST TIP I can give you is to START BEFORE YOU'RE READY.

2. Cull aggressively from your collection all the things you aren't really attached to.

3. Know it gets easier. (The momentum picks up as well.)

4. Start local. eBay is great yet you're competing with the $.99 to $1000 and more.

5. Be gentle but firm. Don't go trolling in the donation box.

It is a BIG project, this decluttering/downsizing/organizing/selling yet can be very lucrative. I find, if you get excited about what you are going to do with the money you earn (put it in a jar, in cold hard cash, so you can have a visible result) it makes a HUGE difference.

I also stress finding relatable recipients for the goods you donate ('cause you'll run across a lot of stuff you can give away while searching for the items you can sell.)

Look for "2 of 5" for more on that!

See you soon,

Paula


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