Let It Go - Peter Walsh Page 0,76
retail stores and on the used market.
If they’re easy to obtain, that’s probably going to lower your asking price. But if you suspect that you have an uncommon item or it seems to be in especially good condition, this is evidence that likely supports a higher asking price.
Describe the item well. When you write the title and description for the item, use keywords that will bring up the listing when shoppers search for it. If they can’t find it, they can’t buy it! If you were looking for this thing, what words would you put in the search box?
Also, use lively writing to make the item sound appealing (think like an advertiser or marketer would), but accurately describe the item. If it has damaged spots or flaws, acknowledge them, too. Finally, use good grammar and spelling. This gives you the air of a well-informed seller, and it makes your wares more attractive.
Take great pictures. The photo you include of the item can make shoppers reach for their credit cards or run the other way. So take time to make it good. Be sure the item is clean and free of dust. If possible, shoot the photo in natural light (in other words, sunlight) and place the object against a noncluttered, plain background.
Be sure that you’re close enough to capture details of the object that will interest the buyer. If it’s large, you might want to post a close-up or two alongside a photo of the entire thing.
Respond to user questions. When you walk into a retail store and can’t find any employees to answer your questions, how likely are you to make a purchase? The same is true when you offer items for sale online. Your potential buyers are probably going to want to ask for more details about your item. So regularly check for messages so you can answer these questions promptly.
STEP 9: DONATE REMAINING ITEMS
You’re very close to being finished with your downsizing project. If you have items of value that you couldn’t sell at a garage sale, estate sale, or online—or you decided not to bother trying to sell them—it’s time to donate them to charity.
Your parents brought these items into their home because they saw some type of value in them. I set up the Let It Go process to help you honor your parents’ legacy as much as possible. You now have the opportunity to help your parents’ choices continue to make a difference for a lot of people.
Their remaining I-Might-Need-It Items can provide a fun moment for a kid who wouldn’t otherwise have it, clothes for an unemployed person who wants to make a good impression at a job interview, appliances to parents starting over after a crisis, or just a bit of joy to people who love bargains. These items also support jobs for the people who process and handle them.
In return, your family may be able to deduct the value of the goods you donate at tax time. When possible, get a receipt from the organization listing the date of the donation and the items you gave. Talk to your tax professional—or check out the IRS Web site—to learn more about how this process works.
You can check out groups in your area that accept household items at CharityNavigator.
As you select items to donate, ask yourself: “Would I feel good about giving this toy to my child in its present state? Would I feel good about my guests sitting on this couch? Does this blender have a lid, and does it turn on when I plug it in?” If the answer is no, then don’t pass it along to the charitable organization. The more trash they have to sort out, the more work they must pay someone to do.
That said, some will sell overly worn or stained clothing to recyclers. If you’re uncertain whether your items will be useful, call and ask! Also, if the organization sends out a truck to pick up your goods, make sure to set them out on time so the hauler doesn’t waste a trip.
STEP 10: DISPOSE OF TRASH
Congratulations—you’ve reached the end of your downsizing! But even at the finish line, you still have a bit of important work to do to ensure that your parents’ downsizing is as meaningful and sustainable as it can be, with as little waste as possible.
To the extent that your community makes it feasible, please recycle as much of your trash as you can. Take hazardous items (like household chemicals, old batteries,