Is it better to go online to sell stuff you no longer want, take it to an auction house or hold an old fashioned yard sale? Consumer Reports has researched the best ways to get the most money for things you want to get rid of.
Valuable furniture and antiques in excellent condition could bring the most profit at an auction or consignment shop.
"This should be very easy to sell. We go to your home, we assess your items, we pick up your items, and we sell your items. The only thing you have to do is collect your money," said consignment shop owner Miriam Speropolis.
You can search online for a local auctioneer or consignment store. Once you’ve found an appropriate shop ask the shopkeeper how much money you might make and check the website terms carefully.
Your art pieces will also get a better audience at an auction or consignment environment and will make you more money.
Furniture in good or gently worn condition should be sold on the web. Using Craigslist or a community Facebook site makes it easy to list heavy items as “pick up only.”
Check out what similar items are selling for on the website you choose and list your item for a similar price. Keep your descriptions short and add photos.
As for clothing? Consignment is a good idea if it’s less than two years old and in good condition.
If you choose to hold a yard sale instead, don’t tag your items. You’ll make more money asking buyers for their best offer.
But there are some things you can’t even give away. For instance, there is zero value to a big-screen tube television.
For things you can’t sell, charity is an excellent option. But you may want to check to make sure it’s a registered charity first.
And finally, you could always take items to the recycling depot or the dump.
