Is a tsunami of gear, toys and books taking over your house? It's time to clear out. Most kids don't play with the majority of their toys and books, and they certainly can't wear clothes that no longer fit. If you can't bear to give away those expensive new sandals your kid refuses to wear, it's time for eBay, baby!
Instructions
1. Sort baby gear, toys, clothes and books into categories--the discard pile, the pass-on-to-someone-else pile and the sell pile. Dole out the pass on items to family and friends. Sort toys by age and/or category: blocks, cars, dolls, electronic toys.
2. Sort books by age. Repair torn pages as much as possible. Wipe down board and plastic books.
3. Sort clothing by gender and size. Wash clothes, removing stains if possible. Fold neatly or hang on hangers.
4. Hold a yard sale with other families who also have gear to sell. Place large items like climbing structures, strollers, and Cozy Coupes near the curb for drive-by visibility. Make grab bags of smaller items and sell them for a dollar or two. Organize items by category. (See Hold a Profitable Garage Sale.)
5. Take the sell pile to a kids' resale shop. Call the stores in your area to find out what they accept, what their buying hours are and how they pay (see Sell Used Clothing).
6. Sell expensive or nearly new items online. Go to parent Web sites and hawk your loot to a perfectly targeted local audience. Browse eBay.com to see what is selling and for how much. Sell by the lot if you have a group of smaller toys or bags of clothes. You can make a decent return on items like individual Thomas the Tank Engine pieces and sets, bicycles, and upscale clothing and shoes. See Sell Products and Services Online, spiff your goods up, post quality digital photos and get ready to haul in some cash.
7. Donate whatever doesn't sell or seem salesworthy to a local children's shelter, thrift store or preschool. Get a receipt for tax time.
Tags: sell, used, baby, gear, toys, clothes, books, items like, sell pile, Sell Used
