Minimizing Your Move

Clear That Clutter!

Let’s be honest now – just how much of that wardrobe full of sales “bargains” which you’ve never worn do you actually need?! Packing to move home can be a pretty daunting task when you look at all the junk you’ve accumulated over the years. Don’t forget that it can actually cost more to transport bulky, easily replaceable items than to buy them new when you arrive at your next home. Now is definitely not the time to get sentimental – you’ll be doing enough of that with all the goodbyes. It’s time to get ruthless with those keepsakes and sort the useful must-haves from the hopeless have-to-go’s!

Sale Of The Century

Why not make yourself feel a whole lot better about clearing out by turning your junk into a money making machine? Consider whether the clothes and equipment you have are really suitable for the climate and location of where you’ll be living. Ebay is a great place to sell anything and everything; check out what buyers have gone for and how much they’ve paid if you’re not sure how to create a listing.

Garage sales (also known as car boot sales) can be another way to coin in the cash! Put a bit of effort into organising your event, and watch in amazement as complete strangers pay good money for objects you find useless or downright ugly! Try to play by the golden rules:

• Spread the word

Plan ahead for your garage sale by advertising in local free-ads publications, schools, church bulletin boards and supermarkets. Consider holding it over a couple of weekends to give buyers more of a chance.

• Don’t clutter the layout

OK, so you’re selling your clutter, but make it easy for people to walk around and actually see what’s on offer. An open layout makes people feel less pressured into buying.

• Learn to barter

Savvy market vendors have a sales pitch and know when to push the price a little bit! Have some fun, don’t stick rigidly to set prices, and try bumping up the prices which your customers offer.

• Forget you ego

So what if someone wants to buy that much-loved kaftan that you never wear to cut up and use as dressing up clothes for their kids? Remember it’s one less thing to pack, and count the cash!

• Keep cash safe

Have someone trustworthy on hand to stash away large amounts of cash and keep you topped up with change. Only accept cheques from people you know and trust.

Offload For Free

It’s not a disaster if you don’t manage to shift all your unwanted gear in your sales – you could always try giving it away! Contact a couple of your favourite local charities to see if they collect furniture, clothes and toys which may be of no use to you, but may make a big difference to someone else. Even old blankets and newspapers may be useful to local animal shelters. Why not try giving something back to your community before you go?