Today I am delighted to share a guest post with you from  Anum Yoon, a personal finance blogger and freelance writer who strangely enough, found her passion for money management through her extensive travels around the world. Since deciding to settle in the US, she has been faced with the task of becoming a responsible consumer with an excellent credit score. You can read her updates on her blog, www.currentoncurrency.com , or check out her latest ramblings on Twitter at @anumyoon.

When you’re de-cluttering your house, possibly the most awkward and time-consuming step is selling the items you don’t need any more. They’re too good for donation, but listing them on eBay will eat up time and your funds in the form of PayPal fees. Selling on Craigslist is another option, but many are put off by the work involved. With our tips, though, we can make the process simple, painless and profitable.

Sell One Thing a Week

When faced with boxes and boxes of things all waiting to be sold, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and stuff them all in the basement to gather dust. The problem is you’re looking at everything as a whole, and it just seems all too much when you think of taking photos, listing and selling those items.

The solution is to just sell one item a week. Yes, the whole process will take longer, but you’re more likely to stick to the project without giving up when it all seems too much.

Be Brave Enough to Let Go

Maybe you have high-value items that you no longer need, but you’re afraid to take the risk and sell the item in case you get scammed. Sure there are a lot of con artists that frequent the site, but it’s important to note that plenty of people use Craigslist to sell their valuables. Craigslist is just a faster and easier alternative for some people. While you might not even need a second thought to selling electronics such as your phone because of the constant stream of shiner, upgraded models – it might be difficult to sell items that you have emotional attachments to. Just remember that what needs to be gone, needs to be gone. Just. Let. It. Go. The Ice Queen couldn’t have said it better herself.

Take Good Pictures

The first thing a buyer will look for is a good picture, as no one wants to buy anything unseen. Use the best camera you have available, and take your item to somewhere with as much natural light as possible.

Photograph your item from as many different angles as possible, taking into account what people will want to see. For example, when selling an item of clothing, it’s worth taking pictures of certain features such as prints or fastenings.

Write Detailed Descriptions

Once a potential buyer has been drawn in by the photos, they’ll want as much information as possible on the item. Include everything you would want to know as a buyer. For example, you can include year of manufacture, materials used, branding and so on. Another good idea is to include details of any wear and tear to the item, which will be likely if the item is second hand.

Price Accordingly

Many sellers price themselves out of the market on Craigslist, not understanding what buyers are looking for. They price used items for new prices, or even above what the item currently sells for in-store.

Research your item on sites like eBay, using the “completed listings” option, where you can see what real customers have been willing to pay. Then price your item accordingly. Remember, Craigslist buyers are looking for a bargain, so make them feel they’re getting one.

Protect Your Private Details

Most buyers will be trustworthy, but as a seller you need to be on your guard for those who are looking to scam sellers. Consider setting up a separate email purely for Craigslist sales and possibly even an online phone line, such as Google Voice. When meeting a buyer, choose to meet in a public, well-lit area rather than your home address. This may seem over the top but the scammers do exist, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Delete and Repost After 48 Hours

After you’ve gone through all these steps and still nobody’s biting, it’s easy to get disheartened. However, remember that Craigslist lists sales items in a chronological manner. If no one’s getting in touch, it could be your listing is buried under a flurry of new items. Delete your original post, and create a new one for your item. It will then go back to the top of the page and hopefully attract new buyers.

Selling on Craigslist can be a daunting process. By using these tips, though, you can both remove clutter from your house for good and make some cash into the bargain. It’s a win-win for you and your home.