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Ways to Dispose of Unwanted Items & Lighten Your Moving Load

Every belonging you move adds to the weight of your shipment – and ultimately the cost. That’s one reason it might be a good idea to consider getting rid of some items you no longer need, but hate to throw away. As you are preparing to move, you are provided with an excellent opportunity to sort through some of the excess items you've collected over time. You may raise some quick cash, but will definitely save in moving expenses.

What to Sell

Go through your house with a notebook, listing everything you want to sell. Here are some of the kinds of items that are popular merchandise:

• Appliances, furniture, lamps, mirrors, linens and bedding
• Audio, video and photography equipment; also compact discs, phonograph records and tapes
• Baby equipment and supplies; also games, toys and bicycles
• Books
• Camping equipment, and lawn and patio equipment/furniture
• China, glassware, flatware and kitchen utensils and gadgets
• Clothes, especially for babies and toddlers
• Sports and exercise equipment

Garage Sale

One of the keys to a profitable garage sale is advertising. There are many sites on the Internet that offer free listings for garage sales, as well as sample signs you can use. You can also advertise in your local newspaper.

• Pre-plan
  
  

Allow at least three weeks for preparations. It is always a good idea to check with local authorities for restrictions applying to garage sales. You might need a special permit, or be required to pay a fee or collect sales taxes. Also, signs advertising the sale might be limited or prohibited.

• Consider a joint sale with one or more neighbors
  
  

Share the work, fun and profits. The greater the assortment of items you have to offer, the more potential customers you’ll attract and the more successful the sale will be. If the sale will be on your property, let your insurance agent know, and make certain your homeowner’s policy will cover any liability for injuries.

• Be prepared and have everything you need
  
  

Remember, your items should be reasonably priced, and always be prepared to bargain with your customers. It is a good idea to have shopping bags and cardboard cartons on hand for your customers’ convenience, so start saving! And having plenty of change on hand is also important.

Flea Markets 

For a nominal fee, local flea markets are a great means for selling secondhand items. Because most markets are advertised, professional secondhand bargain hunters usually attend. Again, have shopping bags and cardboard cartons on hand for your customers and don't forget to have plenty of change!
 
Online Auctions

 Have something that you think would be of great value to someone else? A great way to earn extra money is by selling your unwanted goods online. When you use online auctions, you are given the opportunity to showcase your items for sale to the world, not just your own neighborhood. Here are some tips for setting up an online auction:

• Auction site
  
  

Each online auction site may vary in dealing with certain details in the sale of your items. For specific details on payments and requirements it would be best to research the sites for the one that would best suit your needs.

• Describing your item
  
  

Taking extra time to properly describe your item will increase your chances of selling it. Be sure to play up any offbeat merchandise that might intrigue and attract shoppers. Also, including a good quality photo will help with the sale.

• Shipping
  
  

Most online sites allow you to specify that the purchaser must pick up the items themselves or pay for the cost of shipping. This will save you even more time and money!

Secondhand Stores and Charity Stores

Consider donating any leftover items to charitable organizations such as Goodwill, the Salvation Army and children’s homes. They generally give a receipt for donations so the value can be deducted on a donor’s income tax return. Or, contribute leftovers to church rummage sales, resale shops, schools or community centers. Make a quick phone call first to make sure they can accept the items you have left.