Homebuilding Insights

Congratulations! You’ve closed on your new home and you’re ready to move into your new place. It’s an exciting time, but one that can be busy, stressful and more than a little overwhelming.

One of the things that often shocks and dismays people during the moving process is how much STUFF they’ve accumulated. Moving time is a great opportunity to get rid of things you no longer want or use. If you’re using a moving company, keep in mind that some of them base their rates on the weight of what they’ll be moving. Culling out the things you can will save you money in the long run. You’ll also spend less time and money when it comes to collecting or buying packing boxes!

But what should you do with these things? Where should they go? Luckily, you have the experts at Ernest Homes to give you some suggestions!

Consignment Savvy

If you have clothes, shoes, furniture, or household goods that are gently used, consider taking them to an appropriate consignment shop. Most shops are small businesses, so you’ll be supporting the local economy. Shops typically accept items they think will resell well, and will offer you a portion of the eventual profit.

Most shops will keep items on their floor for a set period of time, such as 60 or 90 days. If the item doesn’t sell, they may return it to you or donate it to a charity. To learn more about how consignment works, check guides like this overview.

Pawn Shops

Most people mistakenly believe pawn shops are only a place to get a loan against an item they intend to buy back later. However, pawn shops will also purchase items outright to resell to customers.

To see how pawn shops operate, tune into an episode of the History Channel’s Pawn Stars.

Pawn shops accept all kinds of items—jewelry, musical instruments, sports equipment, electronics, appliances, tools, video game systems, toys, collectibles, coins, vintage pieces, and unique knick-knacks.

Sell Your Items Online

If you have the time and basic knowledge of online selling, you can make extra money by posting your items online. Everyone knows about eBay and Craigslist, but here are several other popular reselling platforms:

• Ebid
• Bonanza
• 5miles
• OfferUp
• Close5 (now merged with OfferUp)
• Wish Local
• Carousell
• SocialSell
• Listia
• Linger (Android)
• ThredUp
• Poshmark
• Mercari

Run a Garage Sale

It takes some organization, but you’ll be surprised how many unlikely items will march right off your lawn—and put cash in your pocket.

It’s even more fun if your neighbors join in; a multi-home “block sale” draws bigger crowds and promotes more sales. Here’s an excellent guide to planning a successful garage sale.

Donate Your Stuff

If you have items left over from your selling efforts—or simply don’t want to sell—donating is a great option. Goodwill and the Salvation Army are classic choices, but there are many other places that accept donations, such as local:

• Humane Society thrift stores
• Church missions
• Crisis centers
• Youth organizations
• Independent thrift stores

For a more extensive list of donation options, check out this helpful resource.

Recycle, Recycle, Recycle

You’d be amazed at how many everyday items can be recycled or repurposed. This fantastic guide offers dozens of creative ways to recycle while decluttering your home.

You can also contact your local recycling center to learn what they accept. For more moving and new-home tips, visit the Ernest Homes Blog or reach out through our Contact Us page.