Your Stuff is Money in the Bank
You don’t need a breadmaker. You’re better off without extra pillows. The kids outgrew those toys a year ago. And yet, these are the kinds of things you have laying around the house, and you don’t really know what to do about them. The answer is to let them go. Doing so not only declutters your house, but is also a great way to put a little jingle in your pocket.
Americans simply have too much stuff. In fact, according to a duo of psychologists writing for Psychology Today, the public storage industry in the U.S. is more than a $30 billion business. That’s $30 billion we are spending to own things that aren’t even in our homes. Instead of spending money on stuff you don’t use, you might just be better off taking your unwanted belongings and jumping headfirst into the second-hand economy.
What’s the second-hand economy?
The second-hand economy is really just a fancy way to describe the things that are bought and sold used. You can see this in every city at car lots, thrift shops, and flea markets. But yard sales and private, person-to-person transactions are also part of this secondary economic system. If you have ever sold something on Craigslist, you are already a part of the second hand economy. Further, as Gumtree notes, buying and selling used is an excellent way to both save and earn some extra cash, which you can put toward credit card debt, a vacation, or home improvements. Not to mention you’re doing your part to keep your stuff out of landfills.
Yard sale basics
One of the easiest things that you can do to take advantage of your excess stuff is to host a yard sale. You won’t have to go through the hassle of packing and shipping and you will have cash in hand at the end of the day. But it is not as simple as just sitting out a few tables and waiting for the early birds to flutter by.
Your first task before putting a sale sign in the yard is to gather the goods. Electronics, toys, music, books, clothing and other everyday items are usually in high demand and will sell quickly, provided they are in good shape. You can use the What’s it Worth on eBay app to help you figure out what you can expect to get for your stuff. Don’t worry about checking clothing or books – these items tend to sell for between $.50 and $3; save your research for big-ticket items, antiques and collectibles, and artwork.
Once you know your prices, label everything clearly but be willing to negotiate. If you don’t think you have enough to warrant a full weekend dedicated to your personal lawn market, there are plenty of apps that can help you sell individual items. DollarSprout.com recommends Decluttr, LetGo, and ThredUp among others. Remember, safety first. Don’t let strangers into your house and make a point to note that you can’t accept large bills.
Yes, it’s good for you!
Getting rid of your stuff can be an emotional process. However, as the Mayo Clinic explains, all of those items you cherish without actually using create more stress than happiness. So by clearing out the clutter, you will have a cleaner house, extra money, and won’t have the physical and emotional baggage that might be keeping you from being the best version of yourself.
If you’re still not sure what items should stay and which should go, ask yourself if you vividly remember the last time you needed it. Spend an hour walking through your house with a box. If your stuff hasn’t seen the light of day during the previous six months or more, take it off the shelf and let it go. You can always change your mind, but you might just find that having less stuff gives you more of what really matters: health, time with your family, and a better space to call home.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
