Transform Your Home Decluttering into a Source of Income
Nobody ever regretted having a well-organized and decluttered home. Tidying up not only provides a refreshing ambiance, but it can also turn into a source of extra income if you know how to monetize your unused items. With the advent of various e-commerce platforms, turning decluttering your home into a payday has never been easier.
Identifying Items for Sale
First, scan your surroundings for items that haven’t been used for more than a year. That ill-fitting sweater, the sous vide gadget, or those dust-gathering tools in your garage might be your ticket to some extra cash.
Getting your Items Ready
To get the best price for your items, presentation is key. A clean item, whether it’s clothing or furniture, is more appealing to potential buyers. So, spend some time sprucing up your items before listing them.
Top-quality photos are also crucial. Aim for natural light, a white background, and a variety of angles. Remember, your phone camera should suffice for this task.
When it comes to listing descriptions, be as detailed as possible. The more information you provide, the higher the chances of matching a buyer’s search terms.
Choosing the Right Platform
There are numerous online platforms available for selling used items. Here’s a rundown of some of the best options:
The All-Rounder: Facebook Marketplace
If you’re already a Facebook user, Facebook Marketplace is a convenient place to start selling. Its user-friendly interface makes listing items a breeze.
The best part? It’s free! Facebook doesn’t charge any fees for listings, making it an ideal platform for first-time sellers. Remember, Facebook Marketplace doesn’t support shipping in Canada, so buyers will need to pick up items in person.
The Veteran: eBay
eBay, the pioneer of e-commerce, remains a robust platform for selling items. With a reach that spans over 100 countries, you can find a buyer for virtually any item.
eBay charges a percentage fee for each sale, which ranges from 6% to 12.9% depending on the item category and value.
The Fashion Hub: Poshmark
For clothing items, especially designer pieces, Poshmark is the go-to platform. Here, you can set your own prices and see how much buyers are saving compared to the original price.
Poshmark charges a commission for each sale – a flat fee of $3.95 for items under $20, and 20% for sales of $20 or more.
The Traditional Approach: Yard Sales
If you’re not comfortable with online selling, yard sales could be an excellent alternative. Organizing a neighborhood yard sale can attract a good crowd and turn your clutter into cash in a single day.
The Aftermath and Moving Ahead
Once you’ve decluttered your home and earned some cash in the process, you might find yourself less inclined to accumulate unnecessary items. If you still struggle with overspending, consider consulting with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT) or a BDO Debt credit counselor to achieve financial stability.
Need More Guidance?
Feel free to book a free consultation for more advice on turning decluttering your home into a payday.
