Selling Your Unwanted Items Before the Big Move

Jun 12, 2024 Admin 52 view(s)

Moving can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. Whether you're a savvy shopper looking to lighten your load, a senior couple downsizing, a first-time mover, or a student relocating, there's one universal truth: we all have stuff we don't need. Before you pack up for the move of your life in boxes, why not use this as an opportunity to declutter, make some extra cash, and start fresh?

 

Why declutter before the move?

Let’s face it—moving is stressful enough without the added burden of hauling around items you no longer need or use. Decluttering before moving offers numerous benefits, facilitating change and creating a fresh start in your new space. Firstly, why not turn your unwanted items into something useful—money! A few extra bucks can go a long way in offsetting costs of removalists, packing supplies and even help contribute towards the final end of lease clean. Secondly, fewer items mean fewer boxes, which translates to less cubic meters for the move. Lastly, moving is also a significant fresh chapter in your life. Starting with a clean slate, free from unnecessary clutter, can be incredibly liberating.

 

Preparing to Sell

Assessing Your Belongings

So, where do you start? Begin by taking a good, hard look at your belongings. Here’s how to decide what to keep and what to sell, ask yourself:

• Have you used it in the past year?
• Is it in good, sellable condition?
• Does it hold significant sentimental value?

Categorise your items into three piles: Sell, Hold, and Donate. This systematic approach will make the whole process much easier!

 

Setting Realistic Goals

Before immersing yourself in the selling frenzy, establish clear objectives to guide your actions and maximize your success. 

Is the purpose to get rid of the item or to make money?

• What financial goals are you aiming to achieve through your sales efforts?
• Conduct research on similar items to gauge their market value, enabling you to competitively price your items for sale.
• Set a timeline for when you want to have everything sold.

 

Choosing the Right Sales Channels

Choosing where to sell your items before you move is also important. Let's explore some popular options:

 

Online Marketplaces

Online platforms like eBay, Gumtree, and Facebook Marketplace are excellent for reaching a wider audience. eBay is great for rare or high-value items, but beware of shipping costs and Paypal fees that eat into your profit. Gumtree is perfect for local sales without shipping hassles. Facebook Marketplace is easy to use and integrates well with your existing social network if you use the Meta platform already.

 

Social Media and Community Groups

Facebook Groups are a great way to find local buy/sell/trade groups where you can list your items. Nextdoor, a neighbourhood-focused platform, is excellent for community sales. Another way is engaging with your community on local forums can help promote your sale effectively.

 

Garage Sales 

Plan and organise a garage sale by choosing a weekend morning for maximum foot traffic. Use signs, community boards, and social media to spread the word. Hand out homemade cookies or instant coffee or tea to attract attention.

 

Preparing Items for Sale

In the midst of moving with a hundred other things to do, it can be quite tempting to leave your item and sell it as is. But spending some time with the upkeep of it may put a few extra dollars in your pocket which can be used for other expenses of your move.

 

Cleaning and Repairing

First impressions matter. Nobody wants a couch that's missing the cushions or a bike that's all rusted so make sure your items are clean and in good usable condition. A quick wipe-down can make a world of difference when it comes to cleaning. Additionally, fixing minor issues can significantly increase the item's appeal. 

 

Taking Quality Photos

Quality photos can be the deciding factor in online sales success, capturing the attention of potential buyers and increasing the likelihood of a sale. A picture can tell a thousand words so use natural light to highlight your items and ensure the background is clean, simple and clutter-free.

 

Writing Effective Descriptions

Your description should be clear and compelling, when listing your item before you move, include key information such as brand, size, condition, and any unique features. Highlight the features that make your item irresistible to potential buyers. 

 

Pricing Your Items

When preparing for a move, we can sometimes get side tracked and just sell the item for what we may think it's worth. but it is equally important to properly price your items. This ensures you get a fair value for belongings you may sell or donate before the move. 

 

Researching Market Prices

Scan online platforms for similar items to gauge their selling prices, providing valuable insights for pricing your own items competitively. Take note of the condition and brand which can heavily influence pricing. If you have some time before you big move and know that there is demand for your item such as a Bugaboo pram, try and demand a high price and negotiate down.

 

Setting Competitive Prices

If time is limited and you want to achieve quick sales prior to moving, price your items slightly lower than competitors to sell quickly. Be prepared to negotiate or offer discounts for serious buyers.

 

Promoting Your Sale

Use the move as a reason for the sale to entice people to have a look. Stating phrases like 'Urgent Sale', 'No Reasonable Offer Refused' will also help attract attention.

 

Creating Attractive Listings

A good listing can grab attention and that's half of the battle won. Then work on your titles and descriptions, be creative but precise. Cut to the point as people don't have a lot of time. Bullet points work well too. When it comes to keywords, use relevant terms to improve searchability.

 

Leveraging Social Media

Share your listings on all social media platforms. Start by contacting your immediate circle through personal pages and let them know you are getting rid of some quality furniture or household items before you move to a new suburb or interstate. Additionally, engage with local groups on community pages to gain more visibility.

 

Utilising Local Advertising

The old flyer advertising is also a good free method. They can be posted in community centres, libraries, and coffee shops. Additionally, tapping into local online classifieds and bulletin boards can help reach a wider local community where you know you don't have to deal with shipping.

 

Managing Transactions

It's important not to get complacent when moving too as you'll be dealing with lots of people involved with your move. Keeping your wits when managing transactions with buyers is important and staying away from deals that are too good to be true. 

 

Communicating with Buyers

Responding promptly and politely to all communications, whether they are emails, phone calls, or messages. You never know who will buy your item. When making arrangements, it's important to be clear and specific about viewing times and locations to avoid any confusion and help you close out the sale.

 

Safe and Secure Transactions

Know that there are also opportunists out there and theft is always prevalent. Stay safe and always meet in public places when possible. Always have a second person around to help if possible and for secure payments, use trusted methods like cash or electronic transfers. There always has to be some level of trust when selling your items to the community.

 

Handling Negotiations

When it comes to negotiation tactics, it’s important to be firm but flexible. This means sticking to what’s really important but being willing to compromise on smaller things and meet in the middle. Know when to accept or decline offers, it's all about being courteous and thanking them for taking the time to view what you have.

 

Dealing with Unsold Items

When it comes to the crunch and you're still holding onto unsold items, these household items are going to cost you to hire a delivery company to donate them at the charity store or time if you choose to do it yourself. So, at this point your priority to get rid of the item may change as the looming move date gets closer. Offer discounts and lower your prices to clear out what you have remaining. Bundle items together, maybe someone that's interested in purchasing your refrigerator may be interested in buying your washing machine. 

 

Donating to charities

If you find yourself with items that haven't sold and you’re running out of time before the move, consider donating to charities. Many charitable organisations are more than happy to take gently used items off your hands and put them to good use. Not only does this help those in need, but you'll also benefit from a sense of satisfaction knowing that your items are going to good homes.

 

Choosing the Right Charity

Research local charities that accept donations of furniture, clothes, and household items. Organisations like Salvation Army, Vinnies and Brotherhood of St Laurence or community centres are great places to start. Make sure to check their donation guidelines and what items they currently need.

 

Arranging Pick-Ups or Drop-Offs

Many charities offer pick-up services for larger items, which can be incredibly convenient if you’re short on time or transport. Otherwise, find out their drop-off locations and hours. It's best to call ahead to ensure they’re able to accept your items.

 

Preparing Items for Donation

Even though your items are donations, make sure they are clean and in good condition. This respect for the charity and the end recipient ensures your donations are actually helpful and welcomed. Pack smaller items properly to avoid damage and label boxes if possible.

By choosing to donate, you are contributing to your community and reducing waste, making your move a bit greener and more meaningful.

 

Conclusion

Moving can turn into quite an expensive task, but why move it all if you don't have to. With a bit of planning and strategy, you can turn it into an opportunity sell unwanted items before the move, declutter and even give back to your community. By effectively describing your items, setting competitive prices, promoting your sale, managing transactions, and knowing when to donate unsold items, you'll make the entire experience smoother and potentially even enjoyable. Remember, every item you sell or donate is one less thing you need to move, and it could bring joy or utility to someone else. So, take a deep breath, stay organised, and look forward to the fresh start your new home will bring.