Top Ten Tips - Getting Rid Of Things
By Tip Diva | Jul 27, 2008
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Do you have unneeded items laying about your house? Don’t know what to do with them? Well, don’t throw them out - there are other ways you can get rid of them without contributing them to landfills:
- Hold A Garage Sale - Garages are a great way to get rid of things and to make an extra buck or two in the processes. For more, see Top Ten Tips - Holding A Garage Sale.
- Sell Your Items On eBay or Craigslist - eBay and Craigslist are other ways to make money on your items. For more about eBay , see Top Ten Tips - Successful eBay Selling. Craiglist is better if you want to sell locally and quickly without seller’s fees, but beware - you don’t know who you’re dealing with. Make sure you educate yourself on scams and fraud, as well as personal safety.
- Consider Consignment - If your items are valuable, consider selling them through a consignment shop, a second-hand store in which the owner retains a percentage of the sale. You retain ownership of the item until it is sold and can request return of the item, especially if it’s not selling.
- List Media On Swap And Sale Sites - If you have books, CDs, DVDs, video games or other media that you want to get rid of, consider putting them on websites like Half.com, Amazon, Paperbackswap.com, SwapADVD.com and SwapACD.com.
- Freecycle - Freecycle is a website that connects you to a local group of people who want to give away things for free. You can post offers and wants, and you wouldn’t believe some things people have for the taking - computers, plants, clothes, housewares, electronics and more. When you find a person who wants your goods, you set up a time for them to come pick it up, either at your home or meeting them in a public area. If your area does not have a Freecycle group, you’re able to suggest one.
- Put A “Free” Box In Your Front Yard - Find a big box, write FREE in big, bold letters with a permanent market, put your items in it, and drag it to the curb. You’ll likely get many takers (or one, taking the whole box), especially if you put it out the night before garbage collection. If you don’t want the items thrown out, remember to bring the box back inside before the garbage truck comes around. And don’t put the box out in the rain - the items will just get ruined for someone who might actually have use for them.
- Donate Your Items - There are so many groups and charities that could use your items, from schools to thrift stores. Google to find some groups in your area, or schedule a home pick-up with Big Brothers Big Sisters or Salvation Army.
- Hand Them Up Or Down - Check if your friends or family members have any use for your items.
- Throw A Giveaway Party - Put out all your items you’d like to give away, and invite friends to do the same. Pick through everyone’s trash to see if you could find some treasure for yourself. Add some food, drinks and music, and you’ve got a party.
- Trade For Something You Need - Craigslist has a barter section under its “For Sale” section, or get a local group together to exchange items and services.
Other Tips To Check Out:
Great Ideas!
I always have an annual garage sale and I also sell on ebay, but I still end up with too much stuff. I love the Giveaway Party idea!
Tashia - I hear you. I have a hard time getting rid of things myself, it does take perserverance!
Have you ever been to a picnic? If you set it out, the ants will come! One thing to worry about, those that come looking for FREE stuff, may decide to explore further and take things not in the box.
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