Sell, Sell, Sell

Since we have a couple more months of living at my aunt and uncle's, (and probably a few months of living with my parents), before the house will be completed, I needed to find something to do. It's weird not having a house to decorate, paint, or do maintenance on. It's amazing how much time you have when it's not dedicated to making your home better.

I have drug my feet with regards to selling my little one's clothes.  I don't know why. Maybe there was still a thought that a 4th child would be on the horizon, or the memories that many of the clothes have, or just the thought of someone else's kid wearing the clothes I dressed my children in.  Whatever it was, I finally decided it is time to let go.  I have absolutely come to terms that our family is complete (see previous post:  How Do You Know?). I contemplated waiting and having another garage sale this Spring, but where would I have one? I don't want to be the new neighbor in this really nice neighborhood having a garage sale. Plus, I'm not sure this community is made of garage-sale-type-of-people, if you know what I mean.  My old neighborhood usually has a block sale every Spring and a couple neighbors offered their garages for me to use. However, dragging all my stuff to someone else's home and hanging out there for a couple days doesn't sound that appealing. Which is why I'm so glad swap sites are available.

They are perfect; an on-line garage sale where you can post items and arrange to meet people for pick up. I quickly decided to join a few different ones because with my work, I travel all over the city and can be flexible with meeting locations. I watched the sites for a few days to see how things were done, what prices people were putting on things and the lingo, (PPU, NWT, NWOT, etc). I posted a few things and quickly got responses. I also posted a couple things that did not get any response-I later realized I had overpriced some things. I know I could take my 15+ bins of clothes to a second hand store, but from what I've heard, you don't make too much. To test it out, I took a tub full to a store I won't mention and was disappointed in the return. They took the items I didn't think they would, and gave me back the ones I thought they would definitely take.

I started this process in the middle of December and am impressed with the profit, (which I am setting aside for window treatments :)).  I have sold something nearly every day since I started this a few weeks ago and have only had one no show, which I think is pretty good, considering all the people I have met.

There are definitely some interesting people out there. You never know who is going to meet up you. I refuse to meet at our home and usually find a busy location, like a gas station, Sam's Club, etc.  A couple ladies had to wait until they were paid to meet up, which really makes me feel guilty for selling them my clothes and not just giving them to them.  (Justin is always quick to say they are just telling me that because they want me to lower the prices. I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt :)).  I have a couple repeat buyers which has come in handy.  I message them first with clothes to see if they are interested before posting on the site.

Through this process I have also donated a lot of clothes, hoping to help those who are in need.  I've realized my kids had a LOT of clothes!  I am keeping a tub of "memorable" items that I hope to incorporate into a quilt for each little one. I am one of those people who can always recall what my kids wore for certain occasions:  Alena and Lauren's first Easter dress, the onesie Alena wore for her first thanksgiving, their going home outfits, a couple matching twin outfits, Caleb's favorite red fire truck shirt, the outfit AJ wore to the San Diego Zoo, etc.

I decided to create a new Facebook account where I do all of my swapping.  (I am rarely on Facebook anymore, except to check in with my twin moms a few times a week).  I have seen some bullying on these sites and more drama than you would think, so I like being able to stay anonymous.

Slowly, the number of items in each bin is being diminished and bins are being emptied, creating a little more storage room in the basement.  If only I was able to have easy access to the items in our storage unit. I'm sure there are some household items that need to go :)).