Of all the things we’ve done to prepare for life on the road – I’d rank downsizing as one of the most exhausting tasks.
When you live in a big house you tend to fill it up. It’s human nature. It’s consumer nature.
All the kitchen gadgets you thought would rock your world. All the Target red-tag-clearance-treasures you just had to have. The clothes that you thought you’d fit into some day. It all adds up.
And I have to say – it feels a whole lot harder selling it then it was buying it. 🙂
I considered donating and giving it all away. That seemed noble and it sure seemed easier.
BUT – I knew we could use the funds. Prepping for a life on the road was expensive, getting our house ready to sell was expensive, my husband giving notice at work was scary.
I was determined to try and sell my items for as much a fair price as I could get. So I started February 1 and I’m so glad I did – because it has taken me weeks of constant effort to sell my items.
1.) Find a local Facebook Buy, Sell, Trade group to sell your items
2.) Sell used books on Amazon {see my tutorial on selling used books on Amazon here}
3.) Have an epic garage sale (or two?)
4.) Donate items to Goodwill or local thrift shop
5.) Give items away to friends and family
6.) Rent a storage unit for meaningful items
If you’re planning to downsize for full-time travel, I recommend starting immediately – give yourself as much time as you can. You’ll earn more if you take your time and sell items online or in Facebook groups than you will if you just have a big garage sale.
If you want very detailed updates on our 2015 Downsizing progress, I’ve been blogging about it over on my Queen Bee Coupons site –
Week 1 update here – earned $548.16
Week 2 update here – earned $1,283.47
Week 3 update here – earned $432.40
Week 4 update here – earned $300
Week 5 update here – earned $395
Week 6 update here – earned $160
Week 7 update here – earned zilch, nada, nothing!
Week 8 update here – earned $645!!
Week 9 and 10 update – earned $715
Week 11 update – earned $3,280.88 {garage sale}
Year-to-date – $7759.91
I can’t wait to hit the road without the burden of STUFF pulling me down.
Kyle says
So organized! Thanks for these great tips! I’m excited to get started!
Melissa Boyce says
Super excited to follow your journey!! We have just finished downsizing and are waiting for our house to sell. You guys are an inspiration!! Keep sharing and looking forward to meeting you on the road one day. Blessings, Team Boyce
Jeremy says
Thanks for the kind words! Good luck on your house sale. Where will you be launching off from?
Ann Cross says
This is Awesome! I am jealous of your adventure. Good luck and Have fun. Ann
Jeremy says
Thanks Ann!