There is a shift happening.  A generation ago, bridal registries were filled with china and crystal options, but not these days.  Professional organizers helping people downsize continually hear “Our kids don’t want our stuff.  What do we do with it all?” 

If you’d prefer to make some money versus donating items to a non-profit, then you need to know how to price and sell it. 

Sellers usually want as much as they can get for an item, just as buyers want to pay as little as possible.  Ask yourself what it is worth to you.  Do you want $50 or $250 for your china?  For price ideas, visit consignment, pawn and antique shops and look for same or similar items. 

You should start getting a feel for what the current retail price is…then subtract from that figure.  Subtract because unless you have a very rare or in demand item, chances are slim you will get the retail price.  Subtract because you want to attract dealers, who pay rent and insurance, and buy for profit. 

EBay.com will show completed sale prices.  After searching for the type of item you want to sell, on the left side there are many more categories to refine your search.  One of them is entitled SHOW ONLY with boxes below.  Check the “Completed Listings” and “Sold Listings” boxes and search again.  This can also help in pricing as it indicates what items have actually sold for and the amount of bidding activity shows an items popularity. 

If you feel you have an item of considerable value or have many items, it may be wise to hire an appraiser.  Check with the International Society of Appraisers for a certified appraiser in your area.

There are a wide variety of ways to sell your item(s).

If you have lots of items to sell, consider having your own sale.  Ask friends and family to help and give them a percentage, or hire a professional organizer to help you put a sale together. 

If you have a house full of items, an estate sale company might be a better fit. They will come to the house to evaluate whether there is enough value to merit them doing a sale.  They usually set up, price, advertise, tear down, work the sale and take the balance to donation. 

Consignment shops are another way to show and sell your items for a commission.  Look for ones that are well-established, advertise and appear to get good traffic.   Larger pieces often require you to get on a waiting list.

Single items do best on Craigslist, local Facebook garage sale sights, eBay and Maxsold.com, another online auction site similar to eBay.   If you are not savvy with these sights, ask around for help or check with an organizer.  Many know how to use technology to move goods.  Be sure to read up on precautions regarding meeting with people through Craigslist or others means.     

The desire to downsize is growing as the baby boomers age.  The used-goods market will swell as the next generation passes on what their parents have to offer.  So is it really worth holding onto when only great-great-grandchildren may see it return to its’ glory days? 

Remember, you can’t take it with you. 

Article submitted by Chapter Member Leigh MacCready, Professional Organizer and owner of Re-Nest, LLC.