I’m moving from Santa Barbara to San Francisco in a few weeks, and as I’ve started the process of packing, I’ve noticed just how much stuff I have. For instance, I’ve uncovered: a second-generation iPod that’s been collecting dust. My high school wardrobe that’s been sitting untouched in the corner of my closet for the past four years. A medley of giftcards that have never been cashed in. An assortment of odd books I’ve picked up over the years. A desk that I rarely use for its actual purpose, but instead as a place to store my collection of stuff.
I always knew that I bought into the American consumerist lifestyle, but I didn’t realize how bad it was until I had to actually transport all my junk across the state.
However, I soon realized that I could turn a pretty profit on all my unwanted stuff thanks to an explosion in online marketplaces, Here’s a list of my favorite sites:
Gazelle: Easiest way to recycle or get cash for your unwanted electronics. They buy everything from cell phones to projectors to LCD monitors. Click here for a quick demo on how this site works.
eBay: One of the best known and frequently-used places to sell your unwanted stuff. I’ve had a lot of success with this site selling older electronics and “designer goods” (such as that Burberry headband I just had to have in high school).
Freecycle: The purpose of this grassroots, online marketplace is to keep your unwanted item out of the landfill by recycling it or giving it to someone who can find a good home for it. Search for your local group to start the process!
Craigslist: Simply a giant, online collection of classifieds. Posting a picture of your item always helps with bringing in more interested buyers.
Facebook Marketplace: An easy and convenient place to sell a myriad of items. Very similar to Craigslist.
Plastic Jungle: Type in your giftcard merchant and amount, and voila, you’re presented with a number of offers either in cash or an Amazon giftcard. I just sold an unused $50 giftcard to PF Changes for $40!
Zilok: Rent out your car, power tool, camera, or any other good imaginable to other users. Renting your items can free up space in your home and give you a greater return on your investment.
Or, you could always give yourself some karma points by donating your unwanted items to places like Goodwill and Salvation Army. Oftentimes they’ll come and pick up your stuff, making it a low-effort kind of charity.
Got any other great online marketplace sites? Tell us about them in the comments section!
