[Trish Crocker]

Originally Posted by stuckinparadise

We used Craig's List and eBay to sell a lot of our things. It was better to sell the bigger (and heavier) items on Craig's list due to local pickup instead of shipping. We also sold a lot of our things at a yard sale.

We've sold a few things on Craigslist but since our community doesn't allow garage sales and the only way I could have an estate sale would be if I shuttled people to the house since the city won't allow on street parking, we were stuck. The shuttle wouldn't work since nothing we are selling would warrant the expense. I found a really neat charity, a shelter that helps abused women and children. They will pick up items and they are given to the women that are trying to start over. Anything that is not taken is sold and the money is used to help the families. It feels good to give gently used furniture to a good cause, knowing that you are helping someone definitely offsets the amount of money that is lost by not selling it.

[Dancing Queen]

I have actually started the daunting task, by listing 18 items so far on ebay, 8 have sold in the past week.
Lots more to list, but I have found it just as exciting as buying, which for a Shopaholic is a Real Revelation.
I will leave the big stuff to an auctioneer, which I still have to research.
Anyone know of a reputable Auctioneer in the Cincinnati Ohio area?


Tadpole in training.

[Joaniesmom]

We have recently moved to The Villages and have completed the process you are discussing, getting rid of stuff.

First, I contacted a local auctioneering company. They arranged everything I wanted to sell (including 5 sofas!) into lots. They photographed the lots and put the items up for auction on the internet. No one in our front yard calling out bids. It was all done online.There were two in-home visiting periods of two hours each for folks who wanted to inspect a possible purchase. The auction folks came to our home on pickup day and supervised people taking their purchases. They also collected all the money (mostly credit cards), kept track of finances and we got our check in two weeks. We actually got more money than we had expected. Enough to buy a new golf cart!

We donated lots of stuff to Goodwill. The most fun was to give gifts to our friends. Something we knew they would use and enjoy. One other fun thing we discovered is that we actually found items that we loved but had forgotten about.

We started this process in November 2011 and completed it the day we moved, September 10, 2012. So I guess the bottom line here is to start sorting, selling, donating, discarding waaaay earlier than you might think. Take your time. Enjoy the process. How about one drawer per day? Small tasks add up.

It will never be a fun process but you will get through it and be rewarded with a wonderful life here in The Villages. Good luck!

[CaptJohn]

Originally Posted by Dancing Queen

I
Anyone know of a reputable Auctioneer in the Cincinnati Ohio area?

Check with Wes Cowan of Cowan's Auctions.

[Dancing Queen]

Thank you Joniesmom for your timeline and encouraging words and ideas of how to handel this.

And CaptJohn, thank you yet again for help, I will check them out on the internet, and then give them a call.

I have sold 16 items so far, and working on listing more. I am hoping Christmas shoppers will by a bunch of our Stuff.

[MSG@TV]

Originally Posted by Pturner

Hi CarolSells,
I concur with Jane. We are in process of downsizing. It was hard at first. More recently I have found that the more we get rid off, the free-er I feel. Don't let your stuff own you.

All best wishes.

Thanks for posting this. We also are in the process of downsizing in preparation for putting our house on the market and our move to TV. Although I'm not a pack rat, it is hard to part with things. But, I did notice that my willingness to do so is very invigorating. I just hope that I don't suddenly develop a longing for retaining things the closer I come to packing.

[HDriders]

Originally Posted by MSG@TV

Thanks for posting this. We also are in the process of downsizing in preparation for putting our house on the market and our move to TV. Although I'm not a pack rat, it is hard to part with things. But, I did notice that my willingness to do so is very invigorating. I just hope that I don't suddenly develop a longing for retaining things the closer I come to packing.

We have spent the last 2 years 'downsizing', the last year in earnest, took us 10 months to sell our house, 2 visits to TV and 3 days in October to find our new home in TV and we settle on it soon. We too had offsite auctions, donated much to Salvation Army as well as Goodwill. It is heart wrenching and exciting all at the same time. I agree, it was invigorating to free up our space and our lives and can not wait to begin this next chapter of our lives!!

[MSG@TV]

Originally Posted by Rick&Nadine

We have spent the last 2 years 'downsizing', the last year in earnest, took us 10 months to sell our house, 2 visits to TV and 3 days in October to find our new home in TV and we settle on it soon. We too had offsite auctions, donated much to Salvation Army as well as Goodwill. It is heart wrenching and exciting all at the same time. I agree, it was invigorating to free up our space and our lives and can not wait to begin this next chapter of our lives!!

I trust you are enjoying your new home in Charlotte. Can't wait to finish downsizing, preparing our home for sale, and joining you in TV (in our case Fernandina). Thanks for the post; it helps to see that folks do get through this process.

[Dancing Queen]

CaptJohn, called Cowan's today, told to send emails with photos and info.
Took me forever it seemed, but it is done, I hope they are interested in consigning my 3 items. Thanks again for the tip!

[Dancing Queen]

Since my last post I have sold a total of 57 items, and still listing more things to get out the door. DH has sold 40.
Maybe by the time we are done it will cover our moving costs, and maybe more.
No end in site, but it feels good to send things to new homes.
Some people are very appreciative, which is heartwarming.

To sell and donate is the continuing plan to one day get to TV.

Tadpole in Training

[Teryl1949]

Who was the auctioneer here in Ohio? we are in Medina. Also how did you time everything out with regard to sale of the home? Was it prior to listing, during or after the sale? PM me if you wish. Thanks.

[dalecrenshaw]

I think the best way to sell anything, especially furniture, is to take a picture of it and put it on this website and on Craigslist, along with a description - color, condition and price. Best to keep the prices reasonable, or no one will bother to make an offer. If you don't know how to put in on talkofthevillages or craigslist, maybe a friend can help you.