A New Year’s Resolution I’m Actually Keeping: Reduce That Clutter
It doesn’t take a blog post to know that most of us actually slip up on most if not all of our New Year’s Resolutions. This year I managed to find one that happens to be good for the pocket book and that I’ve managed to keep — so far.
Since November (I started a little early) I’ve managed to sell 31 books, CDs, or DVDs. The resolution was to reduce the clutter in my life. This photograph is of some of the books I decided clear away. After expenses I’ve put away about $300. It all reminds me of the thrift sales my grandma use to have each spring and fall.
List, sell, earn is Amazon.com‘s clever-sounding three step process that got me started with them. After undergraduate school I sold a chunk of text books on Half.com now owned by Ebay.
Some folks build entire businesses around selling stuff online. Not me. I’m just getting rid of some clutter. Any Queercents readers out there have a part or full-time business selling stuff online? Let me know and I will interview you for the Weekend Entrepreneur series.
I’m doing this too Adam. I have a craft room in my basement I refer to as “The Craft Cave.” It is my goal to have the clutter reduced by half- like they do on Clean House/Sweep shows on television.
I am also finding many items to sell on my way- I am probably going to contract with an eBay seller known as My Sister the Lister locally, just because I don’t have the time to deal with all the trappings of eBay selling. If I make anything out of the deal, it will be more than it would have been going in the dumpster- so that’s how I’m looking at it. AND- before I give the wrong impression that I’m spending tons of money on stuff I don’t need- let me ‘splain myself— I was gifted most of the stuff that needs to go. ‘Nuff said, I’m sure many people can understand the concept of stuff entering your home that has no relation to what you’d really choose on your own.
As for books, I am thinking that I’d rather use Book Mooch or some of the other book trading groups online.
I have cleared out a lot of my old books & cds by selling them online, and I have to say, my apartment feels cleaner and more spacious now.
I use half.com for most of my listings, and Amazon.com for ones that bring in higher prices. Amazon has higher commission fees than half.com, but I find that things sell quicker on Amazon.
I find books in my neighborhood in Brooklyn occasionally, and will bring them home and list them on half.com. This brings in a little extra pocket change each month.
I’d like to figure out a way to sell more online. If I could find a good source of cds and/or books I would go for it.
DivaJean: Thanks for the tip on Book Mooch. I’m gonna check that out.
Jay: I strongly encourage you to keep an eye open for opportunities to sell more stuff online. DivaJean mentioned “my Sister the Lister” who works by selling stuff that belongs to other people. Perhaps there’d be a source. Perhaps I’d be your first client!
Adam: I’ve always been envious of resourceful people like yourself selling their unwanted items on eBay. That said, I’ve always been of the school of “donate and take the tax deduction” instead of figuring out a way to resell online or at a garage sale.
I think too, it depends on the size and value of the item. CDs are perfect to sell online. Vintage typewriters – not so good.