One thing we know for sure...
We all have too much stuff!
Downsizing Diva is in the business of helping people move which involves sorting, organizing, downsizing, packing and moving.
But did you know we also help clear estates? Over the past few months, we've been doing quite a bit of estate clearing!
Family members, Realtors and Lawyers often call us for assistance in clearing a house or apartment so it can be listed and sold.
We begin the process by asking family members to determine what they would like to keep in the family and/or give to friends.
Our next goal is to maximize the value of the remaining items by selling what can be sold, donating items that are still functional and useful and recycling and disposing of the rest.
The important thing to remember is...what you think is worth money, often is not. What you think is junk, may be worth something.
The only solution is to search for interested buyers and find out what they are interested in what they are willing to pay. |
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SELLING stuff you no longer want, use or need
Downsizing can take place at any time - you don't need to be moving. Here are FIVE ideas that could make you money as you let go of surplus stuff:
Ask about an auction sale-Sending items to auction seems like an easy and convenient way to deal with your extra treasures. An Auction House sorts, packs and picks up your stuff (cartage charges apply) and transports it to a central location for a regularly-scheduled sale. The price you get depends on who shows up for the auction and what they're interested in buying.
Consider a contents sale-A Contents Sale is like a garage sale, but it's held in your house and conducted by someone else. The cost is usually based on a commission split, so it is to everyone's advantage to sell your stuff for as much as possible.
Deal with a dealer-There is no shortage of people looking to buy your stuff...at their price! Dealers visit your house, look at items you want to sell and make you an offer. Keep in mind, the dealer knows some of your stuff will sell and some will not. The price the dealer suggests enables him/her to make a profit and you to get rid of your stuff quickly. If the offer includes a complete clear out of your house, you won't be faced with cartage and disposal costs.
Go with a garage sale-Garage sales can be a great way to meet your neighbors but not always a great way to make money. Garage sales are time- consuming, labor intensive, weather-dependent and require you to negotiate the selling cost of your stuff with your neighbors. If you're still emotionally involved with your stuff, a garage sale might not be the best recipe for financial success.
Investigate the internet-You can post items for donation or sale at little or no cost on a number of websites, like eBay, craigslist or Kijiji. All you need is time and a bit of computer savvy.
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Diva Thought for June:
Anything that costs you more hours of effort or worry
than it brings you hours of enjoyment
is a candidate for downsizing.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie |
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