Decluttering can free up space at home, but it can also put extra money in your pocket if you know where to sell your unwanted items.
Organizing expert Megan Arthurs says many people make the mistake of listing everything on a single platform instead of matching items with the marketplace most likely to attract buyers.
“This is actually one of the biggest mistakes that I see, that people sell their items just on one platform,” Arthurs said during an interview on CTV Your Morning. “Different items attract different buyers.”
Match the platform to the item
According to Arthurs, Facebook Marketplace remains one of the best options for furniture, sports equipment, baby gear and home décor because it connects sellers with local buyers and often results in quick sales.
She also recommends researching similar listings before setting a price.
“Do a little search in the search bar to see what other people are posting,” she said, depending on the season and what’s trending.
For fashion items, including clothing, shoes and handbags, she recommends selling on Poshmark, while electronics, collectibles and rare finds are better suited to eBay because it reaches buyers nationally and internationally.
When stores and auctions make sense
Luxury goods such as artwork, designer clothing and high-end furnishings may be better suited for consignment shops, even though sellers typically receive a smaller share of the final sale.
For large home clear-outs or estate sales, Arthurs says online auction services can simplify the process because companies handle the photography, listings and sale after items are dropped off.
What buyers are looking for
Garage sales remain a good option for lower-priced items such as books, children’s toys and kitchenware, especially during the summer months.
Arthurs says one of the biggest misconceptions is assuming older items are automatically worth more.
“What buyers are really looking for are practical and useful items,” she said. “Those rare pieces, the unique pieces, the vintage items, the antiques, the collectable items do really well.”
She also pointed to retired Lego sets, vinyl records and players, patio furniture and sports cards as categories that continue to attract strong buyer interest.
