The decision to pack up and travel, whether for a short or extended period, is always exciting. Planning a trip, whether it's a tour around Europe or an expedition to the depths of the Amazon forest, usually entails saving up or finding ways to fund the adventure.
One practical option is to sell some of your possessions before you go. And while this may feel like a daunting task, it's a helpful way to declutter, make some extra cash and avoid the worry of storing your stuff while you're away. But which are the best items to sell before you travel?
The Best Items to Sell Before you Travel
Antiques
Are you an amateur collector with a roomful of vintage ceramics, ornamental silverware, antique furniture or exquisite paintings? Then, it's about time to sell your antiques. It may not be easy, especially if you've formed an attachment to these items, but remember that, besides being valuable, they're also fragile and difficult to store safely.
By selling your antiques, you're not only securing funds for your trip, but you're also ensuring that they go to someone who will take care of them! Just be sure to get accurate appraisals before selling, to avoid underselling your valuable pieces.
Outdated Gadgets and Electronics
With technology evolving at a breathtaking pace, chances are the gadgets and electronics you own, such as your laptop, iPad, DSLR, or GoPro - while still in good condition - might become outdated by the time you return from your trip.
Consider selling the items that you won't need during your travels or when you return. Make sure that you use a trustworthy platform that ensures you get a fair price for your items. The money you earn could be a substantial boost to your travel fund.
Cars
This might sound drastic to some, but selling your car before embarking on long-term travel can be a smart choice. Apart from the significant cash infusion selling a car can provide, there are practical considerations - do you really want to pay for insurance, maintenance and parking for a car that's going to be sitting idle for months on end?
If you’re considering leaving it in the care of a friend, imagine the stress if something were to go wrong in your absence. If public transport suffices for your current lifestyle, or you can car-share, ride a bike, or walk, selling your car might be a good option.
Books and Vinyl Records
For the lovers of print and vinyl, it can be hard to part with your collection. However, if you’re traveling long-term, storing them can be a hassle. Consider selling off your books and records to used book stores or music stores, or online via platforms such as eBay or Discogs. While you might not make a fortune, the extra cash could finance a memorable experience on your trip.
Unwanted Clothing
If you have high-quality clothing items that you rarely wear, or that will be out of season when you return, it’s worth considering selling them. Vintage and designer items often sell well on resale platforms like Depop or eBay. The profits from selling these items might just fund your travel attire or other necessities.
The key to smart selling before traveling is to assess what you own and determine how much of it you really use or need. Question the cost and stress of storing each item, and weigh them against the potential funds that could be gained from selling them.
Remember, memories don't live in belongings, but are created through experiences. As you prepare for your travels, parting with some possessions might be the perfect way to fund those experiences and make your trip even more memorable.
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