Gathering the Items, Finding a Value and Getting Them Sold!
So you want to sell your stuff and turn it into quick cash. For some this is an easy task and for others it can become overwhelming quickly. We can help you create a successful strategy for selling your items and help you identify if an estate sale might be your best option.
What Are You Selling?
Let’s get organized! What are you selling? Choose an area to start getting organized in. Kitchen, closet, basement, tool bench, record collection, jewelry, or maybe you want to go through your attic. Regardless of where you start, take each item and ask yourself: Is this something I use and something I need or am I ready to part with it? Once you have answered this, set that item aside (in a box or a storage container) and move to the next. Make sure to create organized piles and try creating a space where those unwanted items can live for a minute. When the sorting process is completed, you will need to look at how much you have and what your plan to sell the items should be. (Don’t worry, we will help you with those steps soon).
How Much Are You Selling?
Now that you have your piles together you will want to decide if you feel equipped to handle the selling process on your own. The quantity of items you are looking to part with will determine your best method of purging. Some questions to get the ball rolling on determining the best method are:
- Is this pile too large for you to handle alone?
- Is it an entire home worth of items?
- Are you moving and want your leftovers gone?
- Do you have a tight deadline?
- Did someone pass away and you inherited a bunch of their belongings?
- Are you looking to empty a storage unit?
- Do you have a garage / basement full of stuff but are looking to continue living in your home?
- Do you have a small collection of valuables to sell?
Depending on which of these applies to you (if any), your options will vary. Keep reading to see which options apply to which scenarios.
Are You Selling Anything Valuable?
If you do not know the answer to this question, it may be time to reach out to an expert or do some of your own research to determine if an expert is needed. It is okay to be unaware of the value of your own items especially if you have a lot to sell. If you decide you do have the time and capability to do the research on your own, be aware of what avenue you are using to research. You’ll want to become familiar with the source.
All of them have the potential to get the job done but we are sure you will notice a wide range of prices. Take them all into consideration and make sure to look at both sold and unsold listings. If an online resource does not make sense we can help. We have the expertise to identify value and we also work with reputable appraisers who can help you in properly valuing your item.
Should You Have an Estate Sale?
If you answered yes to the questions in our “How much are you selling?” section (listed again below) or if you already know you are looking at a large scale liquidation, an estate sale could be right for you. You may be in a situation where hiring a professional might relieve a bit of stress.
- Is this pile far too large for you to handle alone? Yes
- Is it an entire home worth of items? Yes
- Are you moving and want your leftovers gone? Yes
- Do you have a tight deadline? Yes
- Did someone pass away and you inherited a bunch of their things? Yes
If I Don’t Have Enough for an Estate Sale, What Other Selling Methods Can I Utilize?
No matter the reason, if an estate sale is not the best fit, you have many options to choose from. Below are a few avenues to try along with some information about each one. Of course this is a very brief list of sources but with these in mind, there are unlimited avenues to explore once you’ve dipped your toes in.
