How to Sell Your Stuff Without Having a Yard Sale

Clear the Clutter with Consignment Shops

For many, spring time means it time to declutter our spaces. Doesn't it make you feel so good when you have simplified and organized your stuff? If you're like me though, sometimes you just don't know what to do with all that stuff. I donate a lot of stuff and almost always have a pile on hand when they call. But, if the item is something that's nicer or cost me a little more money, I find I stash it away (sometimes for years) thinking I'll use it again.

You might have some clothing items that you bought and later discovered they just aren't the right fit or style or home decorating items that you loved but are feeling tired in your home now. If you are feeling the need to host a yard sale and make some money, then these alternatives might work for you instead. Here's some tips on how to clear your clutter and make some money with having a yard sale.

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Tips for selling used items:

#1 – Put yourself in your buyers shoes: No matter how you plan to sell you items, you must put yourself in the buyers shoes. If your items are broken, stained, or just plain worn out, then marking then putting together a donation is probably going to be your best solution. But, if you have some newer items, name brand items, collectables or things that are still in good shape then consignment stores may be your answer. And sometimes consignment can be done right from you own home.

#2 – Keep it in season: Winter items won't sell in the spring and summer and visa versa. Plus, some consignment stores just won't take them.

#3 – Clean it up: Clothing items should be cleaned and even pressed if possible. Home decor and furniture items should be wiped clean.

#4 – Find the right store: Each consignment store has it's own style. It may take some leg work to find the right place for your items. Some clothing places might want trendier type items while others may want vintage. The same goes for furniture and house hold goods.

#5 – Take Great Photos: If you are selling your items online, taking good clean and well lit photos is a MUST and can make the difference between selling and not selling so, take the time to get the “money shot” and add as much personality and detail to your photos and description as possible.

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Men's and Women's clothing –

Local Consignment Shops for Clothing: Uptown Cheapskate, is a great option to consider. They currently have four locations across the Wasatch Front. Call ahead before making a special trip to get a feel for the kinds of items that store takes.

My recent visit to Uptown Cheapskate bagged me a whopping $48.00. There were, however, items I had that they wouldn't take. The clerk was great to offer some suggestions of other consignment stores that might be a fit. Checkout Yelp.com to find more Utah Clothing Consignment stores.

Also, Uptown Cheapskate shoppers can save $5.00 with the coupons found here.

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Apps and Websites where you can sell used clothing:

Poshmark.com (Enter code BVORO when joining to get a $5.00 credit). Poshmark works very much like ebay. List your items and then they take a $2.95 commission or 20% if your item sells for $15.00. They also cover shipping which is pre-determined by them. When your item sells, you simply print the pre-paid postage label they email to you and mail off your package.

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LikeTwice.com (Get a $10 Credit when joining). For name brand women's clothing no older than 5 years. Twice sellers request a free Selling Kit or label, fill it up and ship it to Twice. Twice will make you an offer as soon as they get your package, and you can get paid instantly. Then, they list and ship your items. Before sending  you items in, make sure to check all the qualifications.

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Where to sell Kids Toys and Clothing –

ThredUP.com – Takes Kids and Women's clothing. This is a great one for maternity clothing as well. You simply request a bag from ThredUP and send in your qualified items. They'll even pay the shipping. If your items are accepted they will send you payment. ThredUP also has a useful online calculator so you can get an idea of the value of your items.

Kid to Kid – These locally franchised stores pay cash for gently used kids clothing, shoes, toys and baby items. With Kid to Kid you simply pack your items up and take them to one of their 11 locations state wide. They will give you an estimate and pay you on the spot. Or, forgo the cash and use it as an in-store credit and you'll get 20% more.

Just Between Friends – This is basically an organized yard sale on a massive scale. If you have a lot of kid stuff you need to purge, this is a GREAT alternative. Just Between Friends does all the marketing and collects all the money for you. You just have to register, enter your pricing on the website, then print the tags and show up with your stuff. There's a sale coming in May in Draper at Soccer City 757 W 11400.

Consignment Shops for Furniture and Housewares –

Consignment stores are awesome for both the shopping and selling end. Utah has some that are very strategically placed to maximize your earnings. There's one in Gardner Village (Aunt Elsies) for example. Keep in mind the trendier the location means it's likely they can sell your goods for more money. The consignment store will usually take a split of 40% to 50%. They'll keep your item on the floor for up to 90 days. What doesn't sell gets returned to you or, if you agree, they will automatically donate it to charity.

I visited Home Again located in Midvale and found a lot of great items while browsing. Look for a consignment store that has a nice showroom and prices well (not to high but not too low).

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What to do with Unusual Collectables –

Last, I want to mention eBay.com. If you find you still have items that you feel have value but don't seem to be a consignment fit. Check out ebay. It's super easy to sell on ebay.

How to tell what an item has sold for previously on Ebay

One valuable feature on eBay is to search the COMPLETED auctions. This feature can have benefits to both buyers and sellers. For example, you are looking for what a Kirilenko Nut Cracker or a framed Oakland Raider envelope might have sold for previously, you can find out what they have recently sold for. To do this go to the search tab and type in ‘Oakland Raider Framed Envelope‘. By default it will bring up all current listings. On the left-hand side, under ‘Search Options', click the box next to ‘Completed listings', then click ‘Show Items'.

If you have a collectible that's unusual, eBay's large pool of shoppers could possibly bag you just the right buyer.

Donating is fabulous, but if you have some items that are collecting dust because you just can't bring yourself to let them go, this is a great way to free yourself of the clutter and make a little cash too.

Happy Thrifting.