4 Great Apps for Selling Extra Household Stuff

You're probably already using Facebook to keep in touch with friends and family. Facebook Marketplace can be handy for selling furniture and other items locally. To start, go to your News Feed and click on the Marketplace icon. Next, click on Create New Listing, then Items for Sale, then Add Photos to upload pictures of your stuff from your smartphone's gallery. Now add a description and price, and click on Publish to post your listing. You have the option of shipping to your seller — Facebook provides clear instructions for that — but you may want to keep it simple and arrange local pickup with the buyer.

3. ThredUp for women's clothing

ThredUp, one of the largest apparel consignment stores, offers nearly 1 million items for women and girls. Simply order a Clean Out Kit — with a large bag, instructions, and a prepaid return label — fill it with the clothes you want to sell, then leave it for your mail carrier, or better, drop it at the nearest U.S. Postal System (USPS) post office or Fedex location. After undergoing inspection, accepted items will be listed for 60 to 90 days, with a professional photograph and a product description, and shipped when sold. You'll receive 3 percent to 15 percent of the proceeds for items priced at $5 to $19.99, up to 80 percent for those listed at $200 or more, after a 14-day return window.

4. MaxSold for collectibles

If that storage space is filled with valuable antiques, books, fine art or vintage sports paraphernalia, the auction route may be best. MaxSold can handle the entire process for you (for $700 plus 30 percent), a process that takes 11 days and requires little contact with buyers. Or you can do it yourself by first executing a contract online that give you access to the app, then photographing your items and creating your listings, which are uploaded to the website. If you do it yourself, MaxSold still handles advertising, buyer communication and payment collection, in exchange for $300 or 30 percent, whichever is greater. You arrange pickup with the buyer. The company says DIY auctions, which take two weeks, are ideal for 30 items or more.

Seller beware

Whichever app you chose, be sure to protect your personal information. Communicate only within the app, and don't give out your email address, phone number, or address. If you choose to meet with a buyer, do so at a coffee shop, police station or other public place. And be sure to wear a mask and practice social distancing.