Declutter Your Way Out of Debt

Since last few years ago, I started reducing paper clutter in my life. Finally, I have near-paperless home with the exception to few important documents.

Yet I have many small items that are lying around. Some of them were never used, while most of them were used once but way past their usability in my life. The items included a heart rate monitor sports watch (I thought I would run marathon), analog TV card, old GPS, and a network hub.

All was good and forgotten, neatly packed in an unmarked brown box. When I moved to the new apartment, I realized the box contributed nothing but one additional hassle. Either I had to throw it out, or better sell it, which I did, reducing my debt by $163.53.

This is how to declutter and cash out.

First of all, you need to be emotionally ready to part with my items. If it is not being used or will be used soon, it will soon contribute towards your back pain while organizing or moving next time.

After that, you have to accept that few things appreciate in value. Most likely, you won't get even half of what you paid. For example, I bought GPS for $349 one and half years ago, but just received $64 after its sale.

Third, "Stop Procrastinating". Schedule a time with yourself (better write it down). Get all products and list online. Sometime you may need a digital camera to take picture.

My recommendation for selling venues;

• Amazon.com seller account is easiest to list. All you need is get Amazon seller account (need credit card and bank info to open), go to the product page of your item, click "Sell your item", describe honestly in a few words about condition. Price competitively. If an item didn't sell within a week, I lowered my prices. Amazon takes 6-15% commission and $0.99 fee. The listing is free. Amazon is best for selling standard items such as electronics with UPC.
  
  
• EBay.com is my second choice for selling items with UPC. EBay is best for selling small used parts or other small shippable items. The worst thing about eBay is that it charges for the listing fee regardless of sale. Also, listing unusual items would need a digital camera and you need PayPal account to process the payment. Since eBay charges listing fee (insertion fee) and PayPal also charges commission, you are paying commission twice when using eBay.
  
  
• Craigslist is good for selling bulky items such as old TV and furniture locally. Last year I sold analog TV-VCR combo for $50. Make sure to post photo(s). If an item does not sell within a week, lower your prices.