The Easiest Way to Sell Unwanted Items and Make Extra Cash Before You Move

CNET

10-05-2025

Moving into a new home offers a great opportunity for a fresh start. Just don't bring the clutter from your old place with you.
If you have items you no longer use or need, consider selling them before you move. It's best to go through your belongings ahead of time rather than after the move. There are several ways to sell your unwanted things, depending on the specific item. Many websites specialize in buying used electronics, while others are great for selling gently used clothing and household goods.
In this guide, we'll walk you through how to sell your unwanted items and make some extra cash in the process. For more moving tips, here are six tips for moving on a budget. And learn when and how to change your home address when you move.
Sell locally with Facebook Marketplace
To avoid shipping hassles and fees, Facebook Marketplace is a great option for selling items in your local area, especially bulky or heavy things like furniture.
For instance, if you want to sell a used couch, your listing can easily reach nearby buyers who are searching for just that. You can also boost visibility by sharing the listing with your Facebook friends and family.
Prefer to sell to someone farther away? Facebook Marketplace also offers shipping options if you're open to making a trip to the post office or UPS.
One of the easiest ways to sell furniture and bulkier items is with Facebook Marketplace.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Sell or trade electronics online
Do you have several old phones and tablets taking up drawer space? It's time to sell them. Several places will buy your used electronics and you may make more than you think (yes, even that 10-year-old Android phone you've been holding on to).
Sell:
If you're interested in moving up to a newer device, you can also trade in your old one. It still rids your house of clutter while getting you an upgraded phone or tablet.
Trade:
Check out our full list of the best places to sell your used electronics.
Sell gently used items online
If you have gently used clothes, shoes, handbags, jewelry, video games or nice dinnerware that you no longer need, consider selling them online. You can use one of the apps below. Note these companies will take a commission for everything you sell.
Poshmark: This online marketplace takes a 20% commission of what you make unless the item you're selling is under $15. In that case, it takes a flat fee of $2.95.
Mercari: As of March 2024, Mercari has removed all its seller fees, so you'll get more of your earnings than in the past. You'll just need to pay a $2 ACH fee when you transfer the money to your bank account.
Depop: When you complete a sale on Depop, the site takes a 10% commission.
eBay: The selling fees at eBay depend on the category of the item you're selling and its price. Most categories incur a 13.25% fee on the first $7,500 of the price and 2.35% on anything more than that. Items like watches and handbags start at a higher 15% rate, and musical instruments start at 8%.
Selling online is best for gently used clothes and smaller items.
eBay
Consider hosting a yard sale
Have a hodgepodge of things you'd like to get rid of? Plan a yard sale on the weekend. It's a good way to get rid of multiple items at once without worrying about fees or spending money on shipping supplies. Pick a sunny weekend to showcase your belongings and make sure to advertise online and with signs around your neighborhood. Also, be willing to negotiate on the price of some items and offer BOGO deals to get rid of more items. For instance, buy three shirts, get one free.
Donate to charity or neighbors
For anything you're unable to sell but also don't want to bring with you, donate it. While large centers such as Goodwill are good options for your unwanted things, you can also try reaching out to homeless shelters and schools to see if they accept clothes or books. Or you can use Facebook to give away your items, but be sure to mark them as "free." You can either post the free items to your homepage or list them for $0 on Facebook Marketplace.
The Buy Nothing Project is a "worldwide gift economy network" that allows people to give stuff away for free. Focused on community groups, the free Buy Nothing app lets you donate your items to people in your neighborhood or across the world. Need more moving tips? Here are the pros and cons of plastic moving boxes versus cardboard. And check out how to lift heavy boxes and furniture.