Is It Worth Selling? A Professional Organiser's Guide to Assessing your Decluttered Items for Sale

The True Cost of Selling

Before listing anything, consider:

• Time spent photographing and listing items

• Storage space while waiting for sale

• Effort handling buyer enquiries

• Packaging and posting costs

• Platform fees and payment processing

• Failed sales and relisting time

Quick Value Assessment Checklist

High Potential for Selling

• Brand name items in good condition

• Current electronics (less than 3 years old)

• Vintage or collectible items

• Designer clothing with labels intact

• Complete sets of items

• Current trendy items

Better for Donation

• Generic household items

• Outdated electronics

• Well-worn clothing

• Incomplete sets

• Items needing repair

• Mass-produced decorative items

Where to Research Value

• Check completed sales on eBay

• Browse local Facebook Marketplace

• Compare Vinted listings

• Consult specialist dealers for antiques

• Search Gumtree for similar items

• Check CeX for electronics

The £20 Rule

A practical rule I share with clients:

• If an item will sell for less than £20, consider if the time investment is worthwhile

• Exception: If you can batch sell similar items together

• Consider the seasonal timing of sales

Best Selling Platforms

High-Value Items

• eBay for nationwide and international reach

• Specialist auction houses

• Facebook Marketplace for local sales

• Antique dealers for vintage pieces

Mid-Range Items

• Facebook Marketplace

• Vinted for clothing

• Local selling pages

• Gumtree

Batch Items

• Car boot sales

• Market stalls

• Local jumble sales

• Platforms such as Ziffit or Music Magpie

Professional Tips

• Set a time limit for selling

• Have a donation backup plan

• Be realistic about condition

• Factor in all costs

• Consider tax implications for valuable items

When to Seek Expert Valuation

Get professional appraisal for:

• Antiques over 100 years old

• Fine art and sculptures

• Valuable jewellery

• Rare collectibles

• Historical items

• Designer furniture

The Final Decision

Ask yourself:

• Is the potential profit worth my time?

• Do I have space to store this while selling?

• Am I willing to handle the entire selling process?

• Would donating bring more immediate satisfaction?

• Could someone benefit from this item more than I would from the money?

Need help assessing your items and creating a selling strategy? Let's work together to maximise your returns while minimising stress.

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