WemonAde.com When Life Gives You…

There was a reason you hung onto some of the “stuff” that filled your room. Either it has worth or sentimental value.  If you’ve been prudent, you have really gotten rid of the junk and only have leftovers that can go to good will, be sold or passed onto someone who needs it. 

Good will pile: be hard core here, separate the stuff that you yourself wouldn’t purchase. Don’t include your undies, that’s just not classy. But Furniture is a great commodity at the good will, Arc or any store that takes donations.  Also, you may/may not know, you can use this as a tax deduction if you are a homeowner and you itemize your taxes.

Sellable pile: if big enough, have a yard sale.  Do a Saturday definitely, and only Sunday if you have a lot left.  Rest of the pile goes to good will.  Do not take back in the things you decided to get rid of!  Feel good about being lighter in the “stuff” realm. The one who dies with the most stuff does not win. And it makes you emotionally cluttered.  If you don’t have enough for a yard sale, you can rally for a multiple family yard sale.  Get your neighbors on board, do one day, Saturday.

Otherwise, do a craigslist posting.  It’s nationwide and free.  I’ve sold cars, furniture, air conditionars, and laptops.  Clothes don’t do that well.  If you have lots of books, find swaps or student sites for reselling academic books.  Use amazon for reselling books. 

 You may even have the opportunity to trade some of your items, but this is rare and hard to find.  Regardless, try to get those leftovers out within a month, or they become part of the stuff again. 

You can also choose a specific charitable organization and donate all your items to one place.  Some people like to have a positive impact.  For example, I got rid of a hand made blanket but made sure it was given to a veterans association. 

This approach is green, eco friendly and helping others while you help yourself, a great way to go!