Problems and Solutions when disposing of a lifetime of Stuff:

To my chagrin, many of the expensive things I had purchased were not valuable now. Anything marketed as "Collectible" is not worth a thing. Thankfully I did not have many collectibles.
 

First, determine value. A search on eBay will tell you if something is worth big bucks or not. Bear in mind you are seeing Asking Prices which is an entirely different thing from Sold prices.

eBay: After checking prices on eBay, anything of value and small or easy to ship was listed there. I often opt for Free Shipping and add the price of the shipping into the starting price.

1. Check eBay for the Seller's Fee Schedule. Items started at $9.99 pay one fee. Ask one cent more ($10) and your fee is higher.

2. If there are twenty-five or even ten of the same item listed on eBay, do not waste your time and resources listing. Yours probably will not sell and you must pay fees to offer it on eBay.

3. Instead, opt for Craigslist.

Craigslist: It is free, so what's not to like? Pick the nearest big city to your location and list on that Craigslist.

1. Have at least one picture and hopefully more for each item you want to sell

2. Only accept cash and have someone at your place with you at trading time. Better still, meet in a nearby diner/fast food joint.

3. Anything can be listed but do be careful that you place your item in the proper category.

4. Do not list a book in garden equipment. And do not bother to list that garden encyclopedia set you paid $$$ for. It is not worth the paper it was printed on.

Yard Sales: Anything you cannot sell via eBay or Craigslist might just sell at a yard or garage sale. Make sure everything is priced. Carry your money with you. No one goes into your home and keep it locked - including the back door.

1. Have a box of free stuff for kidlets to play with and take home.

2. Offer cold water ($1 per bottle or two for a buck) -- it is summertime and you will sell water.

3. And drag everything you do not want outside. Even if you only get $5 for that $100 statue, if you do not love the dust collector, why would you want to keep it? Value is determined by the purchaser.
    

The whole idea is to transfer your clutter to them and have them
pay you perfectly good money for it. Anything is better than nothing.
 

Freecycle: I love Freecycle. You describe something (pictures or not -- that does not make a difference) and then someone will write you an email saying "I want that". The next step is to set up a time when they will come by and pick-up your unwanted item.
 

Please DO NOT give to the first person who responds. Wait and pick from among the many letters you'll receive. Someone who says more than "I'll take it" might be a good choice.
 

The Freecycle Rule is that if you accept anything you are not to sell it. Some folks do not take that as gospel. Just be aware.

Church charities and veterans organizations are usually a great option. Drop off your clean but unwanted items there and make a difference in someone else's life. You will not make money, however the tax deductible statement might be useful.

And for certain whomever ends up with your items will need them.
 

It feels good to share.