Let’s talk clutter. You’ve got it. I’ve got it. We all do. That drawer stuffed with tangled cables you swear you’ll organize “one day.” The mystery boxes in the garage are filled with who-knows-what from a past life. That jacket in your closet—two sizes too small—that you’re convinced you’ll fit into again. Spoiler alert: you won’t.
Via Pexels
Step 1: The Brutal Declutter—How to Decide What Goes
There’s no sugarcoating it: decluttering is a ruthless business. If you start getting sentimental, you’re doomed. The solution? Make quick, no-nonsense decisions.
Some people swear by the Marie Kondo method—hold it, hug it, and if it doesn’t spark joy, say goodbye. That’s nice in theory, but let’s be real: that weird candle holder from your aunt doesn’t spark joy, but tossing it out makes you feel like a terrible person.
A better strategy? Be honest. Ask yourself one question: Would I buy this today? If the answer is a hesitant, sheepish “uhh… probably not,” then it’s time to let it go.
Still hesitating? Try this:
- Haven’t worn it in two years? Sell it.
- Kept it ‘just in case’? Get rid.
- Did you even own it? Bye.
If it’s useful but not worth selling, donate it. If it’s broken, it goes. Brutal, yes. But trust me, the future will thank you.
Step 2: Selling Smart—Where and How to Make the Most Money
Now that you’ve got your “sell” pile, it’s time to turn it into cash. But hold up—not all selling platforms are created equal. Where you list your stuff makes a huge difference. Here’s where to go, depending on what you’ve got.
Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, & Local Selling Apps
- Great for Furniture, home decor, kids’ gear, and appliances.
- Why? No shipping. You set your price. Buyers come to you.
- Heads up: You will deal with people who ask, “Is this available?” and then vanish into thin air.
eBay
- Great for collectables, name-brand electronics, and weird niche items (vintage Pokémon cards? Yep.)
- Why? The audience is massive—there’s a buyer for almost everything.
- Heads up: eBay takes a cut, and shipping is a pain if you’re not used to it.
Poshmark & Depop
- Great for: Trendy clothes, designer pieces, shoes, and accessories.
- Why? Fashion people love these apps. You’ll make way more than you would at a thrift store.
- Heads up: Poshmark’s cut is steep, and Depop is slow unless your items are trendy.
Craigslist & Gumtree
- Great for Large, bulky stuff like Furniture, bikes, and cars.
- Why? There is no shipping, no fees, and no local buyers.
- Heads up: Scammers are everywhere. If someone says, “I’ll mail you a check,” run.
Specialized Marketplaces
Do something unique? Certain things sell better on niche websites. Like number plates. (Yes, really.) Ever wondered, “HOW MUCH IS MY NUMBER PLATE WORTH?” It turns out that some plates are crazy valuable, especially if they’re short or if they spell out a name. Sites like Platehunter specialize in buying and selling them. Who knew?
Step 3: How to Make Your Listings Stand Out
Want to actually sell your stuff instead of letting it sit for weeks? You gotta make your listings pop. Here’s how.
1. Write a Listing That Doesn’t Suck
Bad: “Sofa for sale. Used. $100.”
Better: “Comfy 3-seater Sofa, perfect for binge-watching. No rips, smoke-free home. Pick-up only!”
See the difference? The more specific and friendly you sound, the more people trust you.
2. Photos Matter—A Lot
Nobody’s buying a shirt if your photo looks like it was taken inside a dungeon. Good lighting, clear angles, and no weird backgrounds (yes, that means no dirty laundry in the shot).
3. Price It Right
- Too high? No one bites.
- Too low? People assume something’s wrong with it.
- Solution? Search for similar listings and prices just under the competition.
Step 4: Avoiding Common Selling Mistakes
Thinking Your Stuff Is Worth More Than It Is
Listen, I get it. You spent $200 on that coffee machine. But today? It’s used. And people aren’t paying retail for used stuff. Be realistic.
Falling for Scams
If someone offers you more than your asking price or asks for your phone number, it’s a scam. Stick to local buyers or trusted payment methods.
Not Being Ready to Let Go
The longer you hesitate, the harder it is. If you’ve decided to sell something, follow through. The regret? It never lasts as long as the relief.
Final Thoughts
Decluttering isn’t just about having a tidy home—it’s about breathing room. It’s about less stress, more space, and even some extra cash.
So don’t overthink it. Start small. Sell one thing today. The more you do it, the easier it gets. And before you know it? Your home—and your life—will feel a whole lot lighter.
Last Updated on by Icy Tales Team