From Self-Storage to Selling Second-Hand

Does your self-storage unit need a clear out? If you have items in self-storage you no longer need, selling them online is a great way to earn some money and send them to a good home!

There are loads of options online when selling second-hand items, from eBay to Vinted to Facebook Marketplace. When choosing a website to sell on, it’s easiest to start somewhere you’re familiar with - maybe you have experience selling on Vinted or have bought items off eBay before. For larger items such as furniture, Facebook Marketplace is popular as it allows local buyers to collect the item in person, avoiding the hassle of shipping.

When taking your items out of storage to sell, always check over them for damage. Take photos to document any issues with the item – wear and tear, stains, missing buttons, etc. - as second-hand sites often require you to disclose this in your item listing.

Clean your items and present them nicely for your photos. Your photos don’t need to look professional – as long as your items look clean and in good condition, a phone camera will work just fine!

Taking Your Photos

Electronics

• If the item comes with cables or a charger, make sure to include a photo of these
• If possible, include a photo of the item switched on to prove it is in good working condition

Clothes

• Hang clothes up in a well-lit space, or lay them out on a tidy floor or bed
• Take close up shots of the label and the fabric
• If there are any stains, tears, or missing buttons, you will need to disclose a photo of these
• Clothing often sells better if you include a photo of the item being worn, as this allows the buyer to better judge the style and fit

Books

• Take photos of the front and back cover
• If your book is an antique or collectors’ item, buyers will also want to see proof of the item’s condition. Take photos of the spine and edges of the pages to show the level of wear

Furniture

• Give the space around your furniture items a tidy before taking photos!

Once you’ve got your photos, have a quick browse of your chosen site to get an idea of what your items are worth. Take into consideration the condition of the items and the original price you paid for them. If you’re looking for a quick sale to get the items out of your way, it may be worth selling a little bit cheaper!

When listing your item, describe it fully, including the brand, sizing and condition. If you’re struggling, it can be useful to look at similar items to see what other sellers include in their description.

It may take a while for your items to sell – keep them in an easily accessible location in your self-storage unit for when your item sells. You can then ship the item to the buyer, or arrange a time for them to meet you and pick it up.

If you need any advice about your Leeds self-storage unit, our friendly team is here to help – give us a call on 0113 236 1144