ON GIVING STUFF AWAY

We made back a sizable sum by consigning and selling furniture and household items, but not everything sold immediately. The off season clothing we intended to consign when it was back in season began to pile up in our closet space. Bulky furniture squatted in our apartment while we waited for responses to our craigslist ads. Items that we loved but didn't need we wanted to give away to friends since it was easier to part with them that way.

Here's the deal:

Getting cash for your things is always going to be the best outcome. Making 50% back by consigning that expensive dress is going to make you feel less guilty for buying it. But while a minimal lifestyle happens to be more economical, the goal is for things to no longer be central to your life.

A bit of advice: when you hit a point where the piles have grown and aren't going anywhere fast, curb alert that pottery barn coffee table on craigslist and haul a few loads of designer clothing to goodwill. Rest easy knowing that somebody, somewhere will think they've hit a goldmine.