It seems like everyone lately is on a “tidying up” spree. I think it’s a combo of #newyearnewyou and that Marie Kondo show on Netflix. (Have you watched it?) Selling your old stuff can be a powerful incentive to get rid of something and it might just help you reach a goal. How great would it be to make an extra mortgage payment from your old junk or to be able to pay for a vacation? So today, I’m going to teach you how!

I’ve been selling stuff for over 10 years. The profits from selling stuff online and in person helped me get through college and grad school. I’ve sold everything from dishes to jewelry to bicycles to cars. In my experience selling all kinds of stuff, I’ve learned different items do well in different contexts.

To make the most profit from your item, place it in the right context for the best possible profit. While this list isn’t comprehensive, the following are some of the most successful venues I’ve found to sell my old junk!

Yard sales

For household items, try yard sales. Yard sales can be a great way to unload large amounts of junk. The only problem with yard sales is that people have to come to your house, so you have to advertise it well.

Consider hosting a community yard sale– more folks selling means you’re more likely to have a good turnout. Yard sales need to be well-advertised to be successful. You can advertise your yard sale for free on Craigslist and by putting up homemade signs in your neighborhood.

Flea markets or swap meets

For furniture and vintage housewares, I’ve had more success selling at flea markets than at yard sales. Flea markets have more vendors and attract more customers. There are a couple of keys to success to selling at a flea market:

• If your flea market is outside, check the weather report! People will not shop if it is raining, super cold, or very windy. It is also a total bummer to sit outside in harsh elements all morning. Bad weather can also ruin your stuff. For example, if you sell books, even a little bit of rain will damage them. Bring tarps or a large tent even if the weather report is in your favor.
• If your flea market takes reservations, call early in the week to book a good spot. Scope out the best spots the week before and ask for those specific spots. Look for spots near an entrance or a bathroom. These areas are high traffic; therefore, you’re more likely to be seen.
• Create an appealing booth. Put your best items at the front of the booth to draw in customers. Spread items out and display them like they would in a shop. Go to the mall to get inspiration! No one likes to get on the ground to sort through junk. Put your items on tables, display clothing on racks, and play music that reflects your style.
• Price your items slightly higher than the amount you would take. Some people at the flea market like to negotiate. Some don’t. If you see someone hovering over an item or you can tell they may be a bit shy, let them know your low price.

Craigslist and eBay

Craigslist or eBay work well for specialty or higher-priced items. There’s an art to writing a top dollar Craigslist or eBay post. eBay’s own tips are useful for writing informative descriptions that will save you time (you won’t have to answer as many questions from potential buyers), and you’ll garner higher prices. Here are some of eBay’s own tips:

• “Start with the most important details that buyers need first, such as additional details about your item.
• Include specific information like size, shape, color, age, manufacture date, country of origin, company/artist/author, and notable features or markings.
• Clearly state the item’s condition, such as new, used, or still under warranty. Be sure to mention any flaws or repairs.
• Be clear about what’s included and the type of packaging.
• Make the description as readable as possible.
• Include your return shipping policy for international returns, if it’s different from your return policy for buyers located in your country.”

You can view more tips for writing effective eBay descriptions on eBay’s page “Writing a good title and description.”

If you’re meeting someone from Craigslist, stay safe. (The following is adapted from Craigslist’s own safety tips.)

• Do not meet in a secluded place, or invite anyone to your home. Don’t go to anyone’s home either.
• Be especially careful buying/selling high value items.
• Insist on a public meeting place like a cafe, shopping center, or police department.
• Take a friend or family member and a cell phone with you.
• Trust your instincts.

thredUP

If you have brand name clothing with very little wear, a website like thredUP can be an easy and profitable option. thredUP sends you a bag, you fill the bag with your unwanted clothing and accessories, and mail it to them free of charge. When it’s at their warehouse, someone sorts through your bag and assesses the contents. They send you an email telling you how much you earned. You can use your payout to shop on thredUP, or after two weeks you can cash out. (And just as my husband screamed at me when I won $100 on the slots in Vegas, “CASH OUT!!!”)

Depending on your location, there also may be stores like Plato’s Closet or Buffalo Exchange where you can buy, sell, or trade used clothing. Google your location and a phrase like “sell used clothing” to find a location near you.

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is a subset of Facebook where you can buy and sell items to others in your community.

Facebook Marketplace is very similar to Craigslist, but you can use it on the Facebook App. Craigslist currently does not have an app. If you have a Facebook account, the interface will be familiar to you.

To safely communicate with potential buyers, Facebook recommends using Facebook Messenger or communicate via Marketplace to avoid spam and phishing. And as always, to not share your personal or bank information.

There’s a lot of other apps and ways to sell out there, but these are the options with which I’ve had the most success. Later this week, I’ll talk about where to donate your tidied items.