Last reviewed October 2026
Decide what is worth selling
Our rule of thumb is $50. Below that, the time spent photographing, listing, answering messages, and arranging a handoff often costs more than the item brings in. Those items are better donated.
Items that tend to be worth listing:
- Power tools and tool sets
- Bikes and outdoor gear
- Working appliances and solid furniture
- Exercise equipment in good shape
- Collectibles and items with a clear brand and model
Items that usually are not worth the hassle: clothing in bulk, worn furniture, and anything cheap enough that a buyer will haggle it to nearly nothing.
Where to list
Local marketplace apps and classifieds work best for bulky items, since the buyer picks them up. Nationwide sites work better for small, specific, or collectible items that need the right buyer. Each platform has its own fees, rules, and buyer habits, so read the current terms before you list.
- Local marketplaces: best for furniture, tools, and anything heavy.
- Neighborhood groups: good for quick local sales and a friendlier handoff.
- Specialty sites and consignment: worth a look for higher-value or niche items.
Price from real sales
- Search for the same item and see what similar ones have sold for, not just what people are asking.
- Price slightly above your lowest number so you have room to negotiate.
- Be honest about wear. A fair price for an item with a scratch beats a returned item and an argument.
Take photos that sell
- Clean the item first.
- Use daylight and a plain background.
- Show the whole item and a few close-ups, including any wear or damage.
- Photograph the brand name, model number, and any tag or label.
Write a listing buyers can use
Include brand, model, size, condition, and whether it works. Say how the buyer will collect it and when you are available. A clear listing cuts down on back-and-forth messages.
Handle buyers safely
- Meet in a public place in daylight when you can, or set the item outside for pickup.
- Hold off on sharing your home address until the buyer is committed.
- Do not hand over the item until payment has cleared. Cash in hand is simplest. Digital payments can be hard to reverse once sent, so confirm the money has arrived before the item leaves.
- Watch for warning signs. Be cautious about buyers who offer more than you asked, ask you to send a code, or want to pay through an unusual method.
- Bring someone along for large items, or ask the buyer to bring help.
Set a deadline
If something has not sold in a couple of weeks, lower the price once. If it still does not move, donate it. A cleanout does not need to wait on every item.
If you would rather hand it off
Our Sell service is 30% of the sale price, for items worth $50 or more. It covers photos, the listing, buyer messages, and the handoff. See pricing for the details, or send us a few photos and we will tell you which items look worth selling.