As I mentioned last week – I’m on a mission this year. I’m going to call it Project Downsize and the purpose is to get rid of as much stuff in my house as possible.
I’m doing this for two reasons:
- We have plans to move this summer and instead of upgrading to a bigger, better house, we plan to dramatically reduce our square footage. We aren’t being forced to do this – it’s a choice. We want to spend less on our next “home” so that we can focus more on things we love and value – like travel.
- I want to own my stuff and not have it own me. Ultimately I only want to keep the items that a.) serve a purpose and b.) that bring me joy.
My February goal is to find high-value items in my home that I can resell on Amazon, eBay and Craigslist.
Although we don’t officially plan to move until this summer, I don’t want to wait until the last minute. If I wait until the last minute then I’ll end up throwing everything into a garage sale – which means I’ll be forced to sell the items for a lot less than I would if I list the items online. Although more work upfront – to photograph, list and sell items online – you can make considerably more than tossing it onto a table at a garage sale.
I plan to sell items THREE ways:
- Amazon.com – Plan to sell items like books, electronics and DVD/movies
- Ebay – Plan to primarily sell clothing and shoes
- Craigslist – Plan to sell furniture, “lots” of items – basically groupings of like items, and items that would be difficult to ship or sell online
Revenue Goal – I am more motivated when I set a goal, so I’m going to try and earn $2,000 from selling items from around my house this month. I don’t have any crazy expensive items – so this is going to be a lot of work. But I’m up for it.
I will report back each Sunday in February with an update on items I sold and how much I’ve made from my February Selling Spree.
If you’re hoping to downsize and declutter this year – what are your February goals? Let me know, I’d love to encourage you!
We have just decided to downsize too. Last weekend we saw a condo that we really liked. This will mean about a 50% reduction in living space. We both are up for it but it still will be a challenge to get rid of 50% of our stuff. Already we got rid of a bed including bedding (gave away–someone really needed it) and sold a boat. I am already making a list of what to post next.
Sounds great! Good luck to you. I’ve been decluttering too. It’s freeing!
I have found and downsized majorly actually using Facebook. There have been pages/groups that have sprung up running yard sell, out right sells and even auctions. We have many of the groups here in my small town of 10,000 people that have srunp up here let alone across central Illinois
Heather, you can also sell things on Etsy. They don’t have to be handmade if they are “vintage.” I’ve sold antiques and collectibles on Etsy. It’s easy and fun. My shop is “Medicine Creek” if you want to take a look.
Oh and I forgot to add that alot of the give freely groups always have someone posting that they moved and have free moving boxes, this has been a lifesaver for a few friends of mine.
I would add, just because I was doing the same thing recently and a friend of mine ask me why I wasn’t selling on FB, She told me to look at my local city(which is Redmond) and look to see if there is a Buy / Sell group. So when I got a chance I looked up Buy Sell Group and not only did I find one for my city, I found one for Kirkland, Bellevue, Issaquah/Sammamish. It is a great resource for selling which I find a little safer than Craiglist. Also when you get to the end of downsizing there are “Give Freely” groups as well that I have join to help other women who were looking for clothing for interviews and such. Love the post!! Definitely sharing with some of my friends.
I NEED to do this but I am so overwhelmed!
Find a friend to help and offer the same back. do a small bit at a time.
I want to do this very thing to raise money for a mission trip, but I need a lot of guidance!
Although I’m not moving, I’m definitely wanting to get rid of stuff adopting the philosophy that less is more. I’m tired of all the stuff consuming my life. It can be quite exhausting!
I am also moving to not smaller but better space and want less clutter to dust.etc. plus get rid of my six kids leftovers they left when moved out. Hoping to raise at least $1500 .
Awesome Suzy! You can do it.
I saw a good tip that I may try and do. If you have alot of board games get rid of all the boxes and put the directions and pieces in ziploc bags and stack all the boards up. This way it takes up less space. Since I saw you will be downsizing.
Great tip, Sherri! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Have you ever tried Offerup (an app where people sell their things) or I’ve had the best luck selling furniture on Facebook groups like Thurston county buy & sell? I’ve had the best luck on on both sites.
Great Plan! I also use primarily ebay to sell clothing that is still in awesome condition but that we don’t wear for one reason or another. Just wondering if you would mind sharing your ebay id so we can follow your sales?
I for one will look forward on how you do. I sell on craigslist and FB garage sale sites, but haven’t done e-bay or Amazon. com. I have some things like bradford exchange plates, that never sell on craiglist
I love Amazon for selling things like books and DVD/videos – incredibly easy. I haven’t done much with eBay, so it will be interesting how that works for me. I’ll be sharing my progress for sure!
I really like this idea. I’m going to start with turning my basement office that I NEVER go into anymore now that I have a laptop into Bill’s leatherworking shop. Tons of “memory” boxes to go through and start getting rid of. Do I really need my second grade spelling tests anymore? I think not.
Thanks for having me set a goal!!!
Jen
Hey Jen! Great goal. Taking unused space and giving it a new purpose. Do you have a date set? That might help. You can do it!
If you are on Facebook, also look into local for sale groups! I’ve had more luck selling on my local Facebook group lately than on Craigslist. Because we often live in the same or nearby towns, and you can “see” who you are selling to, people feel a lot safer! It’s an interesting new dynamic added to online sales! 🙂
I’ve seen these groups and they seem like a great option. But one of the things I don’t like is that when you post something in the group – all your Facebook friends/family can see it. I don’t want my friend’s newsfeeds filling up with my stuff I want to sell. Maybe I just need to get over that.
Maybe you can set up a different Facebook account with a different email address, and then use a different browser when you want to post items for sale. That way your friends and family will only see the posts on your regular account and you wouldn’t have to keep signing in and out of the two accounts.
I’m right there with you! Doing the same thing, except mine is a goal for the entire year.
Awesome, Angela – you can do it!
I am hoping to do the exact same thing. I can’t wait to see how you do
I’ll be sharing updates – hope to inspire you!
Hope you make it. My goal is only $500.
Tina – I’m not gonna lie, it’s gonna be a hard goal to reach. I’m going to give it my best. We’ll see. 🙂