Moving to a new custom home often means filling it items that are equally as new – from furniture to lighting fixtures, appliances and artwork. While it can be fun (and even therapeutic) to toss out the old and make room for the new, liquidating your possessions can be time consuming and stressful.
Below are some of the best ways to let go of items from your home. From connecting with a collector who understands the value of the belongings your selling, to choosing the ideal auction format, to how to sell online, we’ve got you covered.
First, know what your items are worth
When possible, get your items appraised by a local expert. For example, have a jeweler look at the jewelry you’re ready to sell. Do the same with furniture you’re selling. A collector of mid-century modern furniture, for instance, will be able to give you a qualified, accurate estimate of your furniture’s worth in Cincinnati and in other parts of the country.
You can also have your items appraised online on websites including valuemystuff.com and worthpoint.com. After uploading photos and information about your belongings on these sites, you’ll be matched with an expert who will appraise them and tell you how they arrived at their value.
Reach out to collectors
Sometimes, the appraisal process leads you to a buyer, or at least opens doors to ways to sell your items. If you already have appraisals and are ready to sell, contact local art and antique dealers who also buy to see if they’d be interested in purchasing from you. When you go this route, you can be almost certain that you’ll get what your item is worth – and that it will be sold to someone who will cherish it as much as you did.
Hold an estate sale
This type of sale doesn’t have to be reserved for a deceased family member. If you are still among the living and you’re ready to part ways with a considerable number of belongings in your home, and especially if many of these items are of great value, holding an estate sale is usually a good idea.
Unlike the standard garage or yard sale, estate sales are of larger scale and usually reserved for homes with some big ticket items. You probably wouldn’t sell an antique Persian rug at a yard sale, for example. This is where an estate sale comes in.
To hold a successful estate sale, first take inventory of all the contents in your home and decide which to include in the sale. Then, make sure to get everything appraised (or at least have a solid idea of how much each item is worth). Beyond word-of-mouth, use social media and websites like Craigslist and nextdoor.com to advertise details about your estate sale. Good ol’ signs around the neighborhood work, too.
Go to auction
While traditional auctions are alive and well (and gaining in popularity again), an online auction may be a better option for you. First, let’s talk about how they differ.
In a live, or traditional auction, buyers can look at items in real time and ask questions before the selling starts. Often, sellers can leave with cash in hand that day, as soon as the auction ends, and the sale is finalized. If you have a small number of items to sell, this may be a good option.
Alternatively, online auctions like Cincinnati’s Everything But the House list items in a catalog format. Buyers browse the website looking at items of interest. They can see how much time they have to bid and watch as the price of the item rises as others try to beat it. Once the item is sold, the seller can choose to pick it up at the auction house’s warehouse or have it shipped.
Work with an auction house
If you have a special collection (of art or antiques for example) or an item or two of significant value, you may want to work directly with an auction house like Sotheby’s or Christie’s. These high-end auction houses can pair you with an expert who can appraise your collection and either connect you with an individual buyer who may be interested in your items or place them in an auction. These auction houses often have a live option that allow buyers to take part remotely as well.
Facebook Marketplace and eBay
Both eBay and Facebook Marketplace are great options when you’re looking to sell items quickly. eBay selling is easy. Simply set up a profile, upload photos and descriptions of whatever you’re selling and choose whether buyers can bid or if the price if fixed.
Newer to the online selling game, Facebook Marketplace allows buyers and sellers to connect with less anonymity than say, Craigslist. Buyers can see a seller’s Facebook profile and vice versa. The process feels a bit safer and more honest than selling on Craigslist or via other platforms that allow sellers to remain anonymous.
Donate
This is always a good idea if you’re looking for a way to liquidate items quickly and aren’t in need of extra income. Some organizations like St. Vincent de Paul will even pick up your donated goods, which is helpful, especially if your items are large or you’re in a time crunch. Additionally, donations are tax deductible, so don’t forget to ask for a receipt.
2021 is coming to a close. What better time than now to start building your dream home? When you’re ready, connect with the team at Classic Living Homes and start the new year on a high note.
