If you are wondering whether decluttering before a move or a sale is worth it, here is proof: I sold $6,000 worth of things from my own home in about 90 days, using nothing but eBay and Facebook Marketplace. Here is exactly how, and what I learned along the way.
Why was this the hardest declutter of my life?
Most of what I sold was not mine, it was my mom’s. When she passed away, I moved nearly her entire house into mine. My mom was Sandra Hulbert, an internationally known antique reproduction doll artist, and every box I opened felt like it mattered, because it did. At one point I had thirty, forty, fifty of her dolls, plus everything that comes with them, parts, accessories, wigs, outfits. My kids took the pieces that meant the most to them, I kept what I could not part with, and set some aside for my grandchildren. For a long time I could not touch the rest.
What finally helped was giving every item three honest choices: keep it, sell it, or let it bless someone else. Keeping everything was not honoring her, it was burying me. Letting go slowly, one drawer and one shelf at a time, gave me my home back. And to my surprise, it built a little pile of money while it did.
Where should I sell my decluttered items?
eBay for collectibles, antiques, and anything small enough to ship. This is where most of my $6,000 came from. If an item has a brand name, a maker’s mark, or a collector audience, it is worth listing. Take clear photos in natural light, be honest about condition, and let the collectors find you. Niche markets move slower, some pieces sell in a day and some wait months, so price fairly, describe honestly, and be patient. If you are a doll collector, or you just love beautiful antiques, you can visit our eBay store to see what is currently listed.
Facebook Marketplace for furniture and anything too big to ship. Local pickup, cash in hand, no fees, no boxes.
Everything else, donate it. Around Christmas I let go of six sets of china. I kept the one I loved, passed pieces to family, and a neighbor took home a full set of her own for the holidays. A lighter home, a fuller heart, and someone in my community got something she truly needed.
Do I have to do this alone?
No, and please do not. Going through my mom’s things was tangled up with grief, and it is exactly where I kept stopping. My husband Steve stepped in and did most of the eBay listings, and never sold or listed a single thing without asking me first. He quietly carried the heavy part so I could do the healing part. If your declutter is tangled up with grief too, let someone help you. Thank you, Steve.
Does decluttering actually help if I am buying or selling a home?
Yes, in two ways. You knew this was coming, because I am a Phoenix realtor. If you are saving toward a home, $6,000 is a real seed for a down payment fund, and most people believe they need 20% down when they do not. There are loan programs that start far lower, and first time buyer programs that help with the down payment itself.
If you are selling, decluttering is the single best free thing you can do before we list. A clear home photographs better, shows better, and sells better. That is my designer’s eye and my realtor brain agreeing for once.
Where do I start?
One drawer. Today. There is no perfect time, only when you are ready, and if you have read this far, you might be more ready than you think. I put together a free 30-Day Declutter Challenge that walks you through it the gentle way, one small step a day.
And a little secret: I am turning everything this season taught me about money, saving, and working toward a home of your own into something special. It is coming soon, and my email friends will see it first.
Quick answers
Should I declutter before selling my house? Yes. A decluttered home photographs and shows better, and it is free to do.
Where is the best place to sell decluttered items? eBay for collectibles and small items, Facebook Marketplace for furniture, donate the rest.
How much down payment do I need to buy a home? Most people believe they need 20%, but loan programs and first time buyer programs often start far lower.
Whether you are turning clutter into a home fund, getting your house ready to sell, or just want your rooms to breathe again, I would love to help. Buying or selling in Phoenix is my day job. Not in Phoenix? I work with trusted agents all over the country and will happily connect you with a great one.
Lisa Herland, REALTOR®, Brokers Hub Realty, Phoenix, Arizona
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