Getting Rid of Junk This Summer

Many of my friends have told me that I should start a business selling old stuff on craigslist. I am not so sure about that idea, but I can tell you that nothing makes me as satisfied as getting rid of "stuff" in my house that I do not use.  

This is often a source of contention for my husband and me because he likes to save EVERYTHING.  I, on the other hand, throw away, give away or sell everything.  I closely stick by the if-I-do-not-use-it-once-in-a-year-rule, then it gets a new home.I am all about simplifying our lives and using only what we need.  Hence, my passion with selling things on craigslist.  I sell it all!

I just sold a nightstand last night that I bought a year ago and just never really used.  I posted it around 10 a.m. and it was picked up with cash in my hand at 3 p.m.  Granted, I am selling good quality items.  Items from big chain stores such as Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel tend to sell very fast. Often, it is  expensive to buy things brand new from these stores, so buyers always are searching for used items on craigslist.  However, a friend of mine laughs that she once sold vinyl vertical blinds on craigslist (the ugly ones that come standard in many apartments).  

You know what they say - one man's junk is another man's treasure.  This time of the year, many people have garage sales as well to get rid of the junk.  My in-laws had one a couple of weeks ago and made $700 - not bad!  I have only had one garage sale in my life and I think by the time I bought the balloons, signs, donuts, coffee, juice and other things to keep my kids occupied while we sat there, I probably made $10.  I just found that a garage sale was not worth my time.

People pay closer to what an item is really worth on craigslist.  I understand that selling things to strangers on craigslist can be a little weird and scary, but I have never had a bad experience.  I never let people into my home and I always make sure a neighbor or my husband is around if I need to interact.  Regardless of the way, it does feel good to get your house organized!