Real Estate Blog - Moving? Got a lot of stuff and not a lot of time?

Moving? Got a lot of stuff and not a lot of time?

Are you considering the purchase of a new home? Does the idea of packing up your entire house or apartment make you cringe? Are you downsizing - or would you like to clear out some space in a spare room so that it can be used for a new addition to the family or an office or guest room?

Holding a yard sale is the obvious choice, but there is usually a lot to think about when you move, and planning a yard sale is usually the last thing people want to deal with. Here are 3 quick ways to simplify and get rid of those items that are no longer useful - but may be to someone else! And you'll feel much better about sending them off to a new home than sending them to the landfill, right?

FAST - eBay.com: You never know what people would be willing to pay for something you have no use for - and you don't have to pay for postage! Be sure to post an accurate description and as many pictures as possible. Some background on the item will help, too (where you got it, what you used it for, how long you owned it). Be sure to package the item carefully.

FASTER - craigslist.org: Faster because it's local, and people may be willing to come to you to pick up the item or meet you somewhere. I've sold items on craigslist before, and chose a local Dunkin Donuts as a meeting place. It's always worked out well.

FASTEST - freecycle.org: Fastest because you're listing an item that's free. Some people post on their listing "must pick up today". When you join Freecycle, you receive up to the minute emails whenever an item is listed, so members see it right away.

Rhode Island also offers options for getting rid of items like mattresses. Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation will recycle your mattress and boxspring for $15. They also accept the following items for recyling free of charge: moving

Computers
Monitors
Mouse pointers
Hard drives
Modems
Scanners
Laptops
Printers
Cellular phones

Simplifying and downsizing doesn't have to be painful. And you can do it in a way that will help someone else, and the environment!

Bob Black REALTOR Williams & Stuart Real Estate 870 Oaklawn Ave Cranston, RI, 02920	Work: 401.942.0200 ext 28 Mobile: 401.261.1599 Bob@BobBlackOnline.com www.BobBlackOnline.com
Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate

Posted by Bob Black on 07/27/2008 03:49 PM

Comments (10)

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10 Comments on Moving? Got a lot of stuff and not a lot of time?

JUL

2008

This is a very good idea. Every one that I have ever talked to cannot stand moving including myself. These are some great pointers to pass along. Thanks, Keith

It would take me a year worth of Sundays to get everything in my basement. I tried Ebay, but it just takes up too much time.

Purple Heart is an organization that will take almost anything. One day, going to put it on the front porch and call them. They come around once a week or so. Who cares about the 25.00 I might make on Ebay, but at least it's given to someone who just might need it. Plus, you know how much work Ebay is?

Ask me sometime, and I'll tell you my horror stories...

When you donate you can get a receipt for a charitable donation.

Keith - Glad you found my tips useful. Moving can be a challenge to some, so anything to make it easier!

Nancy -

I know... it's easy to "collect" things without even realizing it. Before you know it, your basement or spare room is full of stuff that you "might use someday"! Oftentimes when people are moving or remodeling, a bit of extra income helps, so selling the item can be a good solution for those who could use it. Thank you for the information on Purple Heart. I like the idea that they will come to you to pick up the items!

Good thinking and well thought out. Goodwill maybe the fastest at least in Texas. They take just about anything and all you need to is drop it off, at least I know mattress are not on the list of things they will will take.

Sometimes these sites can be very helpful :)

Thanks

Tom Davis

World Class Delaware Realtor

I find local consignment shops to be another good option for sellers. They can get rid of furniture and collectibles and make some money in the process.

Thanks for the tip on freecycle.org. That is a new site for me.

JUL

2008

Bob Let me add two other choices for getting rid of stuff that is not valuable enough to sell but still good enough for someone that needs it. #1 Schools will take paper products, or used computer equipment for their class rooms or art projects, #2 the local church will take a decent couch and give it to someone that needs it, and most of the time they can write you a letter of tax deductible donation for the gift. Thanks for the post, hope I have added to the options. Steve

Bob, another place to give things away that are still of use, would be libraries, and the local youth services. As Steve mentioned above, a letter from these places will also benefit for a tax deduction.

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