Trash to Travel Challenge! Turn Clutter into Cash for Your Next Adventure!

A simple conversation in my dm's about reselling a few weeks ago had my mind racing with a new challenge. I have been reselling items for more than 25 years. I often resell to sustain my thrifting habit, but it also generally covers the majority of my clothing and home decor budget. Let me explain, I usually plan to buy one item when I'm thrifting that I plan on reselling with the intent that the profit I make by reselling that item, will pay for my thrift trip. Any of the other items I buy basically cost me nothing. But what if I could commit to reselling for 30 days and any of the money I make during that time would go towards travel? Travel is something we prioritize in our budget, but I know that not everyone does. And people often wonder how they can travel more. What if the answer to traveling more was sitting in your closets?
A few years ago I did a very successful challenge I called Money Making March. My goal was to help show others how they could put $500 back in their pockets in just one month by reselling items they had. But what if we take this challenge one step further. The goal? To resell items you no longer need and make enough money to travel anywhere in the world. Where will you go? That all depends on how much money you make!

Trash to Travel Challenge! Turn Clutter into Cash for Your Next Adventure!

Here's How the Trash to Travel Challenge Works

The challenge is simple: over the next 30 days, dedicate time to decluttering, reselling, and saving for your next adventure. I'll be doing this from March 1-March 30 {give or take a day or two} and sharing my experience on TikTok and across social media. Whether you make a few hundred dollars for a fun weekend getaway or a few thousand for an international trip, every dollar will get you closer to exploring someplace new! 
I'll use the money I make to then decide where I'm going to travel in the spring {a trip in April or May depending on my schedule and travel prices}. 

Here's how to get started:

Set Your Goal

Before you start selling, decide what your goal is. For me, my goal is to travel. I always say that I like to help show you ways to save money so that you can spend it on what really matters to you. Maybe your goal is paying down a bill so that you can have financial freedom or setting aside extra cash you didn't think you'd have for something you weren't sure you'd be able to afford. I have resold furniture items in my room before and used the profit to buy and redo a new room, that works too!
Intentionally take the time to set the goal so that you know what you are working for and so that you can stay motivated to stay on track.
Part of the fun for me is that I don't have a travel destination in mind. The more money I make selling, the bigger budget I have for travel. Maybe that means I get to take an international trip, or perhaps just a splurge on a spendy hotel nearby. There's a fun little mystery in not knowing.
When I the challenge with Money Making March a few years ago, my goal was to pay for my plane ticket and hotel so that I could visit my daughter for moms day at her college. Your goal doesn't have to be extravagant! 

Find Items to Sell

I resell items all the time and yet, I STILL have more items that I could resell just sitting in my home. Most experts will say that if you haven't used something in the last year, chances are you won't miss it. I love to thrift, so I am also planning on buying and flipping items to sell as well.
Here are some top-selling categories of things that have good resale value:

• Clothing and accessories – Name-brand and designer items do especially well. Check out this post brands that sell well. {These brands for resale don't sell.} 

• Electronics – Old phones, tablets, laptops, gaming consoles, and accessories.

• Furniture – Vintage and modern furniture pieces can fetch a good price.

• Toys and games – Collectibles, LEGO sets, and board games are in high demand.

• Home decor – Artwork, mirrors, and seasonal decor.

• Sporting goods – Bicycles, fitness equipment, and outdoor gear.

• Books and media – Rare books, textbooks, and vinyl records.

Don't Miss This Post: More Money Making Tips: Buying and Reselling for a Profit!

Choose Your Selling Platform

Start Here: 10 Expert Tips for Selling Used Stuff Online
When I started reselling 25+ years ago, there weren't many options. Now there are a lot of platforms for reselling. I am comfortable on the ones that I use {Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Poshmark}, but there are many others out there. Use what works for you! And if you've never used a reselling platform, start on one and get the hang of it. It feels overwhelming at first, but it's not hard!
Each platform has its pros and cons, and some make more sense than others. For example, if I'm selling furniture, I'm choosing a platform that has a more local base because shipping something that weighs 50+ pounds sounds miserable to me!

Some Tips for Reselling

Take Good Quality Photos and Write Good Descriptions

Use natural light when possible, and use the video and photo feature if possible. Have as many angles featured of the item as you can. Make sure you call out any flaws in the item. You want to resell the item, not mislead buyers! Include measurements. People will ask, make sure you include them in the description to make buying easier.

Price Competitively and Be Willing to Negotiate

Check what similar items are selling for and price them accordingly. You want to sell your item when your motivated, not hold on to it for months on end! Be willing to negotiate within reason. If someone makes you an offer, consider it and have your minimum price {after selling fees} in mind. 

Reinvest and Save Your Earnings

Make sure you are keeping track of your earnings. Remember the fees that are involved with selling! Just because an item sold for $55 doesn't mean you get to keep all $55 of that! Be honest with yourself and how much you are making and keep those earnings separate so that you can use them for your goal. 

Stay Consistent

Set a goal to list an item a day. There is also an algorithm on reselling apps! If an item isn't moving, consider lowering the price of that item or putting it into a bundle. Don't forget to refresh listings that might have expired. And always respond quickly to messages. People want to buy right then, if you wait, they may no longer be interested. 

Are You Ready to Join the Challenge?

I will happily do this challenge on my own and I'd be thrilled if you followed along on my social accounts. But I'd also love it if you'd join me! Are you ready to turn your clutter into cash and fund your next adventure? Join me on this Trash to Travel Challenge and lets see just how far your old stuff can take you! Share your progress, success stories, and travel plans using the #trashtotravelchallenge. Let's make this 30-day journey a game-changer for your goals!

More Posts to Read that Will Help YOU on Your Reselling Journey:

How to Make Money Buying and Reselling on FacebookTips for Making Money Selling at Consignment ShopsCan You Really Make Money With a Side Hustle?The Flippers Guide to Making Money Reselling Furniture5 Ways to Make Extra Cash
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