How To Earn By Selling Your Things

Experiencing periods of financial strife has happened to almost everyone. When it happens, it can bring on feelings of worry and anxiety. But one way to make some quick money is to sell some belongings you don't use or no longer want.

From big-ticket items to clothing and tchotchkes, you might be surprised what you can sell to thicken your wallet. As they say, "One man's trash is another man's treasure." Here's how you can make the most from your sales.

1Sell Everything Unused And Extra

Make a list of the items you'll sell room by room and jot down reasonable prices to ask. Don't worry; you won't miss them once they're gone. Are your rooms overstuffed with too much furniture? Sell your least favorite pieces. Sell that extra recliner in the back bedroom that's piled with junk; sell the junk on it, too!

Consider selling your SUV that consumes too much gas. If you don't use your bread maker anymore, sell it to someone that will. What about those wrong size clothes or those you dislike? If you don't wear them, sell them. Remember to sell those unused items in your garage as well.

2Exchange Your Gold For Cash

Look through your old jewelry and separate the pieces that you don't like or wear anymore. Cufflinks, tie clasps, pierced earring backs, bracelets, or the like can bring in some cold, hard cash. Take your items to the local gold exchange to see what you can get from them.

Follow safety protocol. Avoid allowing anyone to leave the room with your jewelry. If a staff member at the gold exchange says that the scale is in the back, go to another shop or state - you should not let the gold out of your sight. If the place is reputable, this will not be an issue, as the scale will be located on the counter for all to observe.

3Put Up A Yard Sale

Make a yard sale for your smaller items. For items that are too small for Craigslist or newspaper ads, put together a yard sale. If you don't have enough pieces for a yard sale on your own, get together with your neighbors to share in one.

4Advertise Your Items

For larger items worth more money, write quick ads to sell them. Take a look at how ads are written on Craigslist and the for sale section of your local paper. It won't take long to create several. Here are some examples: 1997 Ford F250, automatic, good condition, $3,500; 60-foot ladder for sale, $150; Nicole Miller strapless dress, $25.

On Craigslist, you'll be given the opportunity to select how you prefer interested people to contact you. You can provide either a phone number or an e-mail. Also, on Craigslist, you can upload a picture of the item for sale, which will help you sell it more quickly.

In the event that your local newspaper offers for sale ads for free, you would want to write ads for your items. But you'll be required to keep only a certain number of words. Here are some samples of for sale ads for a newspaper: sofa & chair, black leather, three tables, excellent condition, $325, 555-0100; queen bed with a white wicker headboard, great condition, $300, 555-0100; pool table, regular size, American Heritage Classic, $1,000, 555-0100.

5Put Aside Your Cash Sales

Obtain a large envelope. Label it "sales profits." Accumulate the money from your sales.

Then deposit the profits into your bank account. This way, you won't be tempted to use up the cash as you receive it. You can designate it for whatever purpose you need.

Selling items you no longer want or need is a great way to pave the way for your new and improved financial life. This article has provided you some helpful tips on what you should do. So go ahead!

Make your list. Post some ads, gather your gold, and get that envelope ready. Save toward a bright, shiny financial life.

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