Downsize & Simplify!

If you’ve been following me on social media, you probably know that I recently downsized big-time! I went from a larger house to a smaller bungalow style house.  This also meant downsizing my office.

It was a bit of a whirlwind for me, I’m not sure I recommend doing it quite so fast, but I did learn a few things and I’ve got several tips for you to help you if you want to downsize your space or if you simply want to get rid of a few things to unclutter your home and office.

Marketplace – FOR SALE!

The first thing that you want to become familiar with is Facebook Marketplace.  If you have items that may be large or you know that you should be able to make a little money off of, post them on Facebook!

I had lots of items that either didn’t fit into my new home or were simply dust collectors and taking up space.  This is space that is taken up when you could be using it for your business.

I had success posting items locally to Facebook Marketplace.  Just make sure you are smart and safe about it.  I had moved out of my house, so I didn’t mind someone knowing the address to pick items up from.  However, if this is not the case, check your local police station.  Many offer a meeting area at their location to keep residents safe.

With Facebook Marketplace, don’t just go on and post something on only on the Marketplace. When you post it, make sure that you have also joined various Facebook Groups for local garage sale and yard sales.  A search can easily find these.

When you post an item in the Marketplace, put all the information in and then before (and after) posting, you are given the option to also simultaneously post to specific groups that you’re a member of. More people will see the item and when you sell it and make it SOLD in the Marketplace, Facebook automatically marks it sold in all of the groups too.

NextDoor

I’ve talked about NextDoor.com quite a bit. I love this site and I had several items that I posted on there and sold to neighbors. When you sign up, it’s based on your subdivision and you can post items in just your subdivision or in surrounding subdivisions.  I’ve sold various items to neighbors from the site.

I also have items that I don’t want to throw away, but can’t be sold.  I normally put them at my mailbox and post a picture to nextdoor and tell everyone that there’s a box of free items, first come, first served!  It doesn’t last long.

DONATE!

If the item isn’t worth the time and effort to sell, then I donate it. I like finding local charities that I know are doing a lot of good in the community. I love finding local pet rescues that also have thrift stores to raise money. You donate items and get a tax-deductible receipt and they sell the item and use the funds to run the organization.

There are several local ones in Marietta. I have Our Pals Place and FurKids that both have a thrift store.

Make sure to see if they do pickups as well.  If you have a large item and cannot get it to the store, they may pick it up for free.  Our Pal’s Place picked up a kitchen table and chairs and a heavy TV stand.

Give!

If I have anything left that can’t be sold or donated, I put it on a website called FreeCycle.com.  It’s based on your location and you can post items for free and people will message you and come pick them up.

I had a sofa that was 25 years old and the rescue thrift store didn’t have room for it.  I didn’t want to have it end up in the landfill and most garbage companies charge to pick up large items.

I posted it on FreeCycle.com and within a day I had someone come look at it and haul it off to use in their home!  You can also check this site out for items that you are looking for.

I’m finally moved and did it in record time thanks to these sites and locations.  By downsizing, you can reassess what is and isn’t working and focus on the areas that work and do away with the excess.

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