Whether you’re downsizing or just leaning into current trends, a home décor and furniture overhaul might be on the horizon. Before you hit your favorite big box store, though, ensure your outgoing items find the perfect new home. Luckily, there are plenty of great ways to pass along what you no longer need, so try your hand at these popular eCommerce sites and reap the rewards (Better Homes and Gardens, 2020)!
Chairish
Chairish should serve as your first stop for anything vintage, antique or particularly valuable (Chairish). The online interface resembles a virtual flea market, where sellers can set their prices and provide photos, measurements and descriptions of items. Keep in mind that shoppers are primarily interior designers or tastemakers, so an Ikea sofa may not make the cut. If you’re looking to sell something especially rare, though, Chairish is probably the place.
Craigslist
When it comes to unloading unwanted furniture, Craigslist is a classic. For anyone who may not be familiar, Craigslist is an online collection of local classifieds, so a particularly popular place for buying and selling items of all kinds (U.S. News, 2014). Unlike Chairish, Craigslist shoppers may be looking for a deal. If the price point is less important, or if you’re looking to sell as quickly as possible, try your luck with Craigslist.
eBay
Similarly, eBay is another excellent online marketplace you can use to buy, sell or trade your items. The primary benefit of using eBay is the bidding system, where a seller can essentially auction an item off. Buyers bid on the item, driving the price up with each subsequent bid. At the end of the auction, the highest bidder pays for the item. So, as the seller, if you have a particularly in-demand item, you could potentially fetch the highest price with eBay‘s help.
Etsy
Etsy is yet another online option, though it comes with stricter guidelines than Craigslist or eBay in that it specializes in the sale of “special or extraordinary items” (Etsy). In other words, you can only sell vintage or handmade pieces here. So, if you happen to have a stunning vintage sofa or handmade media center, you may find success on Etsy!
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a feature of the popular social networking site that groups listings by geographical area, so it’s simple and streamlined to sell to your neighborhood (Facebook). One of the main benefits of using Facebook Marketplace is the interaction with potential buyers. You can check out their Facebook profile before meeting up to see if you have any mutual friends or otherwise get some background on the buyer. Keep in mind that you’ll need to have a Facebook profile of your own, though.
OfferUp
OfferUp has a similar listing and grouping process, simplifying how you sell to those in your immediate area. It’s also the largest mobile marketplace in the nation, so sellers are sure to be in good company (OfferUp). Using the mobile app, you can easily upload photos, craft descriptions and instantly message interested buyers.
Keep in mind that you can always list your items on multiple platforms and track interest as you go. If you’re feeling especially generous, you can also forgo the check and simply donate anything you no longer want. There is certainly still value in helping thrift stores, donation centers and their patrons!
Published on July 12, 2021
