Retirement is an ideal time for downsizing in order to cut costs and simplify life. For others, it simply involves getting rid of stuff that is no longer needed.
Listed below are 11 common items retirees tend to sell when they retire.
A big family home
The first thing you need to figure out when planning for retirement is where you want to live. You can use the funds to buy a smaller place or rent one and save the rest.
Downsizing your home can not only save you money but also simplify your life.
Exercise equipment
When you downsize your home, you might not have enough room for exercise equipment. But even if you stay in your current home, you might consider selling your treadmill or stationary bike.
It’s likely you will have have more time and may want to join the gym with friends or engage in more free outdoor activities.
Extra furniture
It’s a good idea to sell furniture pieces you no longer need before moving to a smaller home. You can sell furniture through Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, or to a consignment shop or used furniture store.
Old electronics
If you upgraded your computer but kept your old one, it’s probably gathering dust.
Best Buy, the electronics store, has trade-in program. Turn in old stuff and you can get a Best Buy gift card for its value, or you can sell it online or through a garage sale.
As with TVs, old cell phones, and tablets, some people buy them for their parts.
Old entertainment media
VCR Tapes, CDs, and DVDs have largely been replaced by streaming services in many households. If that’s the case in your home, these items may just be taking up valuable storage space.
You can sell CDs, DVDs, video games, and Blu-ray discs to collectors on eBay.
Books
You don’t need to hold on to books that take up a lot of space and will never be read again. Unless a book is sentimental or you think you’ll read it again, there’s no reason to keep it.
You can sell books through Amazon’s Trade-In program or at a used bookstore.
Extra kitchen appliances
When was the last time you used your juicer or pressure cooker? If you have small kitchen appliances that you haven’t used for a year or more, consider selling them when downsizing.
China and glassware
You may want to consider selling fine china or specialized glassware sets that you don’t use anymore as you approach retirement. The Replacements Ltd. website buys crystal glassware in good condition, so it’s a good option for anyone looking to sell.
Jewelry and watches
When you no longer wear jewelry or watches, there is no point in holding onto them. You can sell your jewelry online or to a local jeweler or pawnbroker if it has sentimental value.
For the best price, get your jewelry or watch a thorough cleaning, fixed, then have it appraised.
Power tools
When you rent a place or move to a retirement community, you will no longer need to make your own repairs, so you don’t need to keep many of your power tools. Sell these on Craigslist or Facebook.
Sports equipment
Staying active in retirement is important, but you may not be using all the sporting equipment you own. If your golf clubs are spending more time in your garage than on the course, it might be time to sell them online, too.
