Best ways to get rid of "stuff" worth something?

[Trudie]

I'm not a packrat, really, but considering our expectation to FIRE in about 5 years and seriously downsize I'm looking around at the stuff I own and considering the best way to get rid of it.

Does anyone here have experiences with auctions?  Do you recommend them, or no?

For the time being I don't waste time having garage sales (as they've proved not to be very profitable for the time invested).  If I have a decent high-sought-after item (used sporting equipment) I've had good luck selling them through the classifieds at work.  But I have lots of nice household goods (kitchen stuff, gardening tools, furniture) and I'm trying to net some cash and lighten my load.

Clothing, books, and other quickly depreciating items I just donate for the tax write off.

FYIW, I'm not particularly interested in "Craigslist" either.  I live in a rural area and it's not too feasible, plus I've had some strange experiences with weirdos -- for lack of a better word.

[catccc]

Are you on facebook?  I see people posting to local yard sale groups there.  The pros include that most people operate off of their actual fb accounts, so you are less likely to run into weirdos, I think.

For small items that ship easily, I would try ebay.  Looking up an item on ebay is also a good way to gauge whether your stuff is really worth anything.  (A lot of times it is not...)

I can sell things cheaper on a FB yard sale group because paypal and ebay aren't taking a cut.  Sometimes it gets to be a hassle arranging a meeting time with people, but for lower value items, I will just do porch pick up.  Arrange the pick up via private message so people don't know when you aren't home.  Most of my pick ups are right at my house because for a $5-$20 thing, I don't think it is worth driving anywhere.  But since you are the one selling the item, you just call the shots on where you are willing to meet and when.