4 Reasons to sell unwanted items

Here's a question that came my way: "I plan on parting with a lot of things. But do I attempt to sell or just pass my belongings onto an op-shop? It feels overwhelming that I could be drawing out the length of the process by trying to sell."

It's a good question. Here are four reasons why selling is great - and really helps you declutter.

1. You know it goes to someone who'll use it.

There's something reassuring about an item you once loved going to a "good home". My wife sold her old money box to a mum and daughter for a small amount. It's nice to imagine the kid cheerfully saving up her pocket money in it - and makes it so much easier to part with. She'll get far enjoyment from it than we ever did.

2. Selling makes saying goodbye easier.

My once-beloved jacket had not been worn for years and was an obvious candidate to be given away. Still, to see it go was difficult. Thirty dollars made it a whole lot easier. Many other items are in the same category.

3. Selling takes away the what-ifs.

We've sold more than 280* items and so far haven't regretted any. Yet there's still doubt about some items as we go to sell them. What if I change my mind? What if we need it again later? It's interesting human psychology (for another post) but we struggle to part with things we own, even if they not very useful.

Selling helps with the doubt. Even if we one day regret selling or giving something, we can easily replace that item with the heaps of money we've made from the hundreds of sales we don't regret. It's a no-lose situation.

4. People take it away for you.

One of our first sales was a spare mattress - it had a few tears but was quite use-able. We no longer needed it and my wife would have paid for someone to remove it. Instead someone took it away and paid us for the privilege.

Here's how to do it

My wife and I have sold more than 280* items as we've downsized. I've put some of our learnings into a free ebook Less Clutter More Cash. If you're downsizing or decluttering you may find it helpful.

Yes, selling can take a little time. But if you do it well it can be a helpful, motivating and profitable way to declutter.

*Update: We're now up to 557 items.