Selling your house is a monumental task, one that involves more than just putting a “For Sale” sign on your lawn. One of the essential pre-sale chores is decluttering. After all, your treasure trove of keepsakes can look like just plain “junk” to prospective buyers. The problem is, where should all that stuff go? Throwing it away seems wasteful, and you don’t have a lot of time for decisions. Luckily, in the age of the internet, you’ve got options. Read on for 10 ways to get rid of your junk when selling a house.
Cashing in Online
Before you consider donating or discarding your unused items, you might want to explore the possibility of selling them. The internet has made this process easier and more effective than ever before. From furniture to antiques to gently used electronics, there’s a website for almost anything you need to sell. Here are some top platforms to consider.
Poshmark: Your Closet’s Cash Cow
If your closets are bursting with clothing you don’t wear anymore, Poshmark could be the perfect solution. This platform specializes in the sale of men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing. With this, selling items priced under $15 incurs a flat fee of $2.95, while items priced above $15 yield 80% of the sale price for you. The site even handles the shipping logistics, offering a free prepaid shipping label for packages up to 5 pounds. Once the sale is complete, the payment lands in your Poshmark account, easily transferable to your bank.
BuyBackWorld: Quick Cash for Tech and More
Do you have old phones, video games, or cameras collecting dust? BuyBackWorld offers an immediate quote for these items. Free shipping is part of the deal, and the final sale price is determined after they assess the item’s condition. If you’re unhappy with the revised offer, they’ll ship the item back to you at no extra cost. Payment options include PayPal, direct deposit, or a prepaid credit card, providing flexibility and quick access to your money.
thredUP: High-End Labels Welcome
If your wardrobe includes high-quality or well-known brands, thredUP is an online consignment store that might suit your needs. Request their ‘Clean Out Kit,’ complete with a shipping label, and send them your new or gently used clothing. They primarily focus on women’s, children’s, and maternity wear from recognizable brands. Once they receive and assess your items, you’re offered a payout percentage. You can opt for cash, store credit, or even redeem the payout at other participating stores.
Facebook Marketplace: Localized Sales Made Simple
For those larger items you can’t easily ship, like furniture or seasonal equipment, Facebook Marketplace is an excellent option. This platform allows you to list items for free, targeting buyers in your local area. Unlike the other platforms, there’s no intermediary, so buyers generally pick up and pay for items in person. It’s a convenient way to get rid of bulky belongings without the hassle of arranging shipping.
Craigslist: The OG of Online Selling
Craigslist has long been a go-to platform for selling just about anything, but it’s particularly good for furniture, building materials, and tools. Listings are generally free, although there are some categories, like vehicle sales, that may involve a seller’s fee. Just make sure to follow Craigslist’s safety guidelines to ensure a secure transaction.
Tips for Selling Online Safely
Speaking of secure transactions – before you go on a listing spree, it’s crucial to be vigilant to protect both your goods and your personal information. Here are some key tips to consider:
Identity Protection
Always keep your personal information secure. Never share financial details via email or messaging apps. Make use of the secure transaction processes that many online marketplaces offer. If a buyer insists on using a payment method you’re not comfortable with, it may be best to decline the offer.
Safe Meeting Locations
If you’re selling bulky items that require in-person collection, always choose a public, well-lit location. Some cities have established ‘Internet Exchange Zones’ at police stations specifically for this purpose. Always inform a friend or family member about your plans and consider having someone accompany you.
Communication
Stay within the platform’s messaging service for all communications with the buyer. This not only protects your personal contact information but also provides a documented conversation history should any dispute arise.
Shipping & Payment
Always confirm payment before shipping any items. Utilize tracking services and consider requiring a signature upon delivery for added security. For in-person exchanges, electronic methods such as Venmo or PayPal provide a record of payment. If dealing in cash, ensure that the transaction happens in a secure environment.
Trust Your Instincts
If a deal sounds too good to be true or a buyer seems suspicious, don’t hesitate to walk away. Scammers often prey on people who are overly eager to make a sale.
Donating Your Items for a Good Cause
Sometimes, the quickest way to declutter is to donate. Not only does this method clear out your space, but it also benefits others and can even offer you a tax deduction. If you’ve got items that are not selling or are better suited for donation, consider giving them to established organizations or local initiatives that can put them to good use.
Goodwill: Transforming Clutter into Community Support
Goodwill is a universally recognized option that accepts a wide variety of items, from clothing to electronics. When you donate to Goodwill, you’re not just getting rid of your items; you’re contributing to job training and placement services for people in your community. Plus, donations to Goodwill are tax-deductible, so keep those receipts.
Local Churches and Shelters: Close-to-Home Compassion
If you’d prefer to keep your donations local, churches and shelters in your community are often in need of items like clothing, furniture, and even kitchen appliances. Many offer the added advantage of pick-up services for bulky items. This is an ideal option for those who want their donations to have an immediate, local impact. Check with your nearby places of worship or shelters to see what items they are currently in need of.
Haul-Away Companies for Immediate Clearance
If you’re under a time crunch or simply don’t want to go through the hassle of selling or donating your items, hiring a haul-away company might be your best bet. These services come to your property, take what you don’t want, and dispose of it responsibly. Some even sort items for recycling or donation. It’s the quickest way to empty your home of unwanted items, although it usually comes at a cost.
The Cost of Hauling Junk Away
According to industry experts, the cost of junk removal is often determined by various factors such as the weight of the items, the number of trucks required, and the size of the crew involved. Generally, you can expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $2,000, depending on the scope of the job.
Garage or Estate Sales for a Local Option
A more traditional and hands-on approach is holding a garage or estate sale. This is particularly effective if you have a large number of items to sell and enjoy the social aspect of haggling with potential buyers. Prepare in advance by pricing items and advertising your sale through local bulletin boards, social media, or community websites. Remember, the goal is to get rid of items, so be willing to negotiate. Any unsold items can be donated at the end of the sale.
Keep it in the Family: Passing Along Items to Friends and Relatives
Another satisfying way to declutter your home is to offer items to friends or family. Not only does this provide you with the opportunity to pass along things that have sentimental value, but it also ensures they go to a good home. You might have furniture that’s perfect for a niece heading off to college or tools that a friend could put to good use. This method may not be the quickest, but it can be the most rewarding on a personal level.
Sell Your House for Cash (Junk Included!)
Selling a house is never an easy endeavor, especially when you’re surrounded by years’ worth of accumulated belongings. Decluttering can quickly become one of the most overwhelming aspects of preparing your home for sale. Yet, as we’ve explored, there are multiple ways to efficiently dispose of your items, from profitable online sales to meaningful donations to quick and convenient haul-away services.
As experts in the field, we understand that the challenges of selling your home don’t end with decluttering. Like many homeowners, you might be searching for a straightforward, hassle-free sale to lighten your emotional and financial load. We’re committed to making that possible for you. We can offer you a cash offer for your home (junk included), and if you accept, we could close the deal in a matter of weeks. If you need a little more time to prepare, we’re flexible and will work on your timeline.
If you’re feeling weighed down by the process and want to get on with your life, we’re here to assist you. Reach out to us today for a no-obligation cash offer for your property. We’re also available to discuss your various options, ensuring that you make a decision that truly benefits you and your family. To find out more or to receive an offer for your home, click here.