This week marked both the end and the beginning of two wonderful journeys. For the better chunk of seven years, I created a life in New York City and just a few days ago, I left that all behind for a life in Europe. Although I had plans to pack up my apartment and store all of my belongings, after giving it some thought, I realized I really didn't need all that I owned. Not my furniture, not my clothing (not all of it, anyway). What I did need were the means to travel. So, instead of paying for a U-Hall, I decided to MAKE money... And make money I did. Here's how you can too:
For those of you who have read my previous posts, you know that an adventure trumps a closet full of clothes any day. Yet, when getting ready to leave New York, I realized I had SO MUCH CLOTHING and I didn't even wear most of it. I pulled some garments off their hangers and ended up packing two suitcases of things I didn't want anymore. Luggage in hand, I headed over to CROSSROADS to sell what I owned.
HOW IT WORKS: Crossroads is a store that buys and sells secondhand clothing and accessories. Just as I did, you can walk into the store with whatever you're ready to part with and wait as the Crossroads staff evaluates the quality of your clothing, shoes, and accessories (bags, belts, wallets). If they don't think that what you brought will sell, they hand it back to you (they don't take donations). But if they think it will (and this is the fun part), they price your belongings right then and there and pay you for it. You can either receive 50% of the selling price in store credit or 33% is cash.
For example, I brought over a sweater, they priced it at $28 and I received just under $10 in cash. While $10 might not seem like a lot, just think what two suitcases full of clothing can add up to. Besides, $10 is better than nothing.
Crossroads has locations all across the United States and you can find the nearest store near you here.
Let me tell you, this app was a LIFESAVER. Because I was under the impression that I was going to keep my furniture, I didn't spend time making adverts on Ebay, Craigslist, Facebook, etc. But when I had three weeks left before my move-out date and decided to sell my furniture last minute, I kind of fell into a panic. Was anyone even willing to buy my stuff on such short notice? Was I just going to throw it all away? I had to try to sell it somehow, and after my friend told me about
, I got on it immediately. Within 3 weeks, I sold furniture anywhere from $50-$300 a piece.
HOW IT WORKS: After downloading the app and making an account, you can either browse through the things being sold near you or post your own items for sale and wait for potential buyers to message you. I uploaded pictures of my furniture and was able to sell a few wooden pieces, as well as my couch and Plasma Smart TV. The best part? The buyer is responsible for picking up the product you're selling so all you really have to do is collect the $$$.
SEARCH: Set your filters based on what you're looking to buy
POST: Respond to potential buyers, negotiate prices, discuss payment/ pickup times
SELL: As they say, "one man's trash is another man's treasure." If you're going to throw things out anyways, why not try to make some money instead, amiright? Letgo makes it easy.
So there you have it. A few listings and packed suitcases later, I am finally in Europe. First stop, London. Next? Stay tuned :)
