When you are organizing for a move, one of the most important steps is figuring out what you will take with you and what you will leave behind. The items you leave behind will usually be donated to friends or charities, sold, or thrown away. By selling your items, you can help pay for your move. However, getting the amount that your belongings are worth depends on a few key steps. 

Figure Out How Your Moving Company Will Charge You 

Most moving companies charge by weight for long distance moves or by the hour for local moves. However, if you are simply renting a moving truck, you may be more concerned with volume than weight. In each case, you may want to get under a certain amount of weight or a certain volume in order to get the next cheapest price that your moving company offers. For example, when renting a truck, you might want to sell large items that take up space but when paying for a moving company to move you, you may want to concentrate on selling heavy items. 

Start Planning As Soon As Possible 

You should not leave selling your belongings to the last minute. Starting as early as possible gives you plenty of time to research the value of various items and find appropriate venues to sell them. If you end up having a garage sale a week before you move, you are more likely to take much lower offers on your items because you simply don't want to move them and any profit sounds better than paying to have the items removed from your home. 

Ideally, you should start your selling campaign at least 2 months before your move, before you contact your moving company for quotes. 

Take High-Quality Photos of Your Items 

Once you begin sorting out items to sell, you should take high-quality photos of the items. Clear photos that are well-lit will show off the positive features of items you are selling better than blurry photos, which may affect the amount that a buyer is willing to pay. 

Clear photos can also serve as an inventory for your movers in case any items get lost or damaged, so take the time to photograph all items of value in your home and not just the items you are selling.

Consider Online Auctions and Classifieds

You will likely get a better price for your item if you list it online than if you host a garage sale. In fact, many people frequent garage sales in order to find items to sell online for a considerable profit. Listing your items online gives you a wider audience, which means there is more likely to be someone who will pay what you are asking for each item. However, selling items online can take much more time than a garage sale, especially since you will have to package and ship the items to buyers who do not live near you. 

Visit Local Consignment Shops 

A consignment shop is usually a good place to sell your clothing, jewelry, and accessories. However, you might have to be around to collect the money from the sale in person, so it is important to consign your items well before you intend to move. Some consignment shop owners may be willing to send you an electronic payment or a check when your items sell, though, so it is still a good idea to ask. 

Consider a Garage Sale for Your Leftover Belongings 

If you still have quite a few items as your moving day approaches, consider hosting a moving sale. While this might not get you the best prices for your items, it should help you get rid of things you do not want without having to take them to a local charity or pay for a junk removal service. 

If you plan ahead, selling items can pay for a significant portion of your move. At the same time, it can reduce the cost of your move since you have fewer belongings to pack and transport. For more information, contact a company like Bekins Van Lines Inc.