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What To Do With That Stuff That Didn't Move At Your Yard Sale

by Bruce Lawson

So you've held a yard sale a couple of times now and you can't seem to get all of your old stuff to move. You might be wondering whatever happened to the saying that one man's trash is another man's treasure! While the saying may be true, you might have to find the treasure seekers somewhere other than in your front yard during sale time. Here are a few other ways to get rid of your unwanted stuff once and for all:

Head to the Pawn Shop

While most people sell their things to a pawn shop with plans to buy it back again, the truth is that you don't have to buy your stuff back once it has been sold to them. Simply take your things in to see what you're offered. As long as the things you want to sell are in sound condition, you'll likely get an offer of some kind. Power tools, electronics, firearms, and jewelry tend to be popular items among pawnbrokers because their customers create a high demand for them.

Help Your Community Out

A great way to get rid of unwanted belongings that you didn't move at your yard sale is to take it to your local thrift store or homeless shelter and donate it. You may not make a profit from the items you donate like you would at your yard sale, but you can write most donations off when you're doing your taxes at the end of the year. Here are some of the things charities seem to always be in need of:

  • Clothing of all sizes.
  • Blankets and pillows.
  • Jackets and shoes.
  • Toys and books for children.

Many thrift stores take things like household appliances and furniture so they can sell them and use the proceeds to fund their charities. If you're in doubt, just give the facility a quick call before you head in to confirm what's accepted.

Host an Internet Sales Event

If you know how to use the Internet you shouldn't have a problem selling some of your things online. Creating a virtual "yard sale" is a great way to target people around the world who might be interested in things you are willing to ship. It can also help you connect with nearby community members who wouldn't know about the things you're selling otherwise. Consider one of these options:

  • Put together a group page on a popular social networking site and start inviting friends who will invite friends, and so on.
  • Create a website complete with pictures on a blog platform that offers pre-made website templates to work with.
  • Join popular auction websites and features your items on them.

You can use just one of these options with success, but you'll increase your chances of quick sales by combining multiple methods into your plan.

Consider Reusing Some of the Stuff

If you find yourself left with things you just can't get rid of at the end of the day, you may be able to reuse some of it instead of having to throw it away. Here are some ideas you can try at home:

  • Use drawers from old dressers as flower and herb planters.
  • Create lamp shades out of old clothing.
  • Use old wood from dining and end tables to design floating shelves.

Get creative! Head to your local craft and hardware stores to pick up some plans for do-it-yourself projects which incorporate some of the materials and products you want to get rid of.

You'll find that with the help of these tips and tricks you won't have a problem clearing out your garage and closets within just a couple of weeks whether your yard sale is a success or not.

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