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Post by success19 on Jan 31, 2010 0:20:54 GMT -5
Okay I would say I have tossed out at least 50% of my stuff from a year ago - but now I need to do another 40% - and this is stuff nearer and dearer to my heart - and/or stuff that has financial value (meaning I want to make a huge effort in time to sell them) or it is heavy stuff that is difficult to move around. So now it is getting more difficult. IF I had a ton of money in the bank - I think I would just give away most of it - but it all represents money to me - most of it anyway - so it is getting mentally and physically harder to get rid of it. And it makes me mad in some ways too - cause other people who do this have help from close family and friends. I am getting to the point I just wish I could walk away from it all.
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Post by lizzie on Jan 31, 2010 5:02:17 GMT -5
Well done on the 50% you have already tossed! If you have a camera, consider taking photos of some of the stuff that is near and dear to your heart; if later you decide you don't need the photos they will be easy to dispose of. I have kept the photos of a lot of things I sold on ebay, but actually already after only a few months I am contemplating deleting the photos. As many others will say, selling on ebay is a lot of effort and paying the fees hurts, especially the listing fees for things that don't sell,  ! But you might find you enjoy it, I know I did, and it did bring in some money when I really needed it. I recommend you read whatever you can find along the "Ebay for Dummies" sort of help book, as they have lots of tips on minimising fees etc - I borrowed one from the library and took notes. Keep your focus on WHY you are doing this - because it is part of your plan, and move towards, a much brighter future. Best wishes, Lizzie |
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Post by Butterfly on Jan 31, 2010 5:32:23 GMT -5
Hi Success19. Congrats on the 50% you have already done! That's a terrific accomplishment. I empathize with you so much. I am pretty much where you are, too. Just left with mainly things that are physically difficult to do and no aides, friends or family to make the job easier.
One piece of advice that's helping me is something that Lioness posted that came from a member named BDG and that is every time you get up you do one thing on your way. (Of course, we all knew this to begin with but it is so helpful to be reminded of it and to keep it in our conscious mind.) So, even if I only get out one more box or one book, etc., each trip then at least that's one more thing gone. Of course, I also despair when I look at what's left, but I try to keep reminding myself that it will make a difference.
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Post by 60isolderthanithot on Jan 31, 2010 10:03:20 GMT -5
19, is there a craigslist nearby? If you have valuable things in particular, offering a good price on them can get folks to drive quite a ways to buy it. Ebay is raising fees again in March so if you're going to use them, get to it, prices will double for a lot of small sellers.
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Post by clutterfree on Jan 31, 2010 10:46:21 GMT -5
Congratulations on what you've already accomplished!
The last parts are always the hardest, it seems. Definitely try Craiglist, a lot of people have good luck selling things there. Do you have a local shopper-style weekly newspaper or any type of only classifieds that are free in your area? Those would be options, too. People swear by Craiglist though, and you don't have to fiddle with shipping or anything like that.
You can do it!
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Post by threeg on Jan 31, 2010 14:33:51 GMT -5
  Fifty percent is wonderful, Sucess 19! I know the dilemma of getting rid of valuable stuff, and I agree that Craigslist is a great idea. Go for it! 3g
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Post by success19 on Jan 31, 2010 19:55:11 GMT -5
I've been posting on Craigs with no responses for quite awhile - I think most people in my area aren't computer savvy or don't have computers - those who do aren't looking at craigs - cause they have money to buy new - and I am in nowheresville - so low population to look at it.
The stores here have new stuff at rock bottom prices.
No free ads in papers - and I have to ask myself how much money to waste on ads.
Ebay - time consuming and you have to take stuff to the PO and answer questions from potential buyers - gas money and time.
I see the dumpsters full of stuff better than mine that people toss too.
I do have some things I would love to have appraised or sell - but NO appraisers in a wide geographic area either.
I may have to just decide to toss out most and get rid of things anyway I can.
It is just holding me back anyway.
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Post by yearning4order on Jan 31, 2010 21:55:37 GMT -5
Very well done on the 50% already gone!!!!
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Post by messymimi on Jan 31, 2010 22:11:03 GMT -5
You have accomplished so much, that is wonderful!
For the rest of the stuff, do a sunk cost analysis. If you can't sell it, for whatever reason, then it really doesn't have a value, as hard as that is for us to face.
Be proud of what you have done, and know that you will do more.
messymimi
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Post by success19 on Jan 31, 2010 22:31:07 GMT -5
I keep reminding myself I am like the pioneers who loaded up the wagons and then had to leave it along the path on the prairie - might as well face it - I can't take it with me.
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