When it’s time to downsize, you will most likely have many items that you will not have room for at your new residence. While yard or estate sales are still popular options, you will increase your reach and exposure through online channels.
In a recent article, one of our preferred move manager vendors, TAD Relocation, suggests the following online options to either sell or donate your unwanted belongings.
1. Facebook Yard Sales
Yard sales on Facebook are simply virtual yard sales. Instead of displaying your items being sold on your front lawn, you take a picture of them and post them on a Facebook yard sale group that you’ve joined. And just an FYI, in order to join the online yard sale group, you must be a member of Facebook.
2. Freecycle.org
Freecyle.org is free to join and is a place where people give their belongings away in an effort to reuse items and keep good items out of the landfills. This website consists of many different groups based upon geographic locations. Once you join a group, you can post your item and any pictures.
3. Etsy
If your parents have handmade items, this is the place to be. Etsy.com is an online site where you can sell anything handmade. A great way for your parents to make some money selling their art, jewelry and more!
4. Craigslist
Craigslist.org is similar to online yard sales and freecycle.org. You can take pictures and post what you are selling or giving away based on your geographic region. It is free and they have geographical areas set up to draw in buyers from your immediate area.
5. eBay
Ebay.com is another online option where you can sell anything that you have – from cars to shoes. Some items require a fee, but it has the biggest audience of all online selling places.
6. Close5
Close5 is a bit different than the other online options discussed so far. This option is actually an application that you can download on your iPhone or Android device. Once downloaded, you can sell items just as you would on a website such as eBay.
7. Virtual Estate Sales
There are several sites that hold virtual sales for those that are downsizing such as maxsold.com, capitalonlineauctions.com, invaluable.com, proxibid.com, estateliquidatorsmd.com and estatesales.net. Some of these sites are geared towards those selling in our immediate area while others are nationwide. Either way, it is a way to increase the audience of people that see what you have for sale.
8. Artnet
Artnet.com is a website that allows you to sell your prints, photographs, modern and contemporary paintings, and more. Once you register for an account, you will have access to experienced specialists that will help you get your items listed on the site, for the right price.
9. Online Newspapers
Not only can you place an ad in the classified section of your local printed newspaper, but you can also include your ad in the online edition. Check out your local newspaper website, such as The Washington Post, to learn more.
10. Local Listservs
Last but not least, you can check out local listservs in your area. In Maryland, there are several, such as The Chevy Chase View and The Palisades Listerv. Listservs are designed to provide all members with emails regarding local events, lost pets, and items for sale.
If you are downsizing and would like guidance on how to best approach your home sale, download our FREE Rightsizing Guide, which include tips on timing, condition, and price. And, for a complimentary, no obligation home valuation of your home, contact the REALTORs at the Eric Stewart Group, who have over 27 years helping sellers and buyers across the metro area!
