Cleaning out clutter can be a huge chore. Not only do you have to organise what to keep, sell, donate and dispose of, you want to keep an eye on what you’re dealing with. There are many occasions where valuable items end up going to the rubbish tip. To stop this from happening, read this guide to help you recognise when you’ve found an item which might have some value.
Be Systematic
The best way to monitor all the items you’re dealing with is to take a methodical approach. Divide the cluttered area into sections and tackle each one separately. This might be divided by rooms throughout the home, but larger rooms may need to be divided into even smaller sections.
When you’re dealing with the items, sort them into categories. It should be fairly easy to spot at a glance whether things will be kept, sold, donated or discarded. Before anything from the sell, donate or discard pile gets dealt with, have a good look through the items and double-check if they hold any value.
Signs An Item May Be Valuable
There are a few telltale signs that an item may have some value. Older possessions may be more likely to be considered antiques. If you find something which looks old and has evidence of craftsmanship, such as a signature or sign it’s handmade, you may have a valuable item.
Some things are more obviously likely to have value than others. Jewellery, for example, is often made of valuable materials, so it’s worth having it valued by a professional. Artwork can also be worth a fair amount, especially if it has a maker’s mark or signature on which belongs to a recognised craftsman.
Don’t Overlook Sentimental Value
It’s all well and good finding something which can fetch a good selling price. However, it’s important not to overlook sentimental value. Just because something is made of simple materials or isn’t worth much in monetary terms, that doesn’t mean that it isn’t worth something to someone. If you’re disposing of items such as pictures, letters and heirlooms, make sure that you check with family and friends whether they hold significance to them first.
Choose Clearance4Less To Help Clear Out Clutter
If you’ve sorted through some clutter and found that there’s lots to get rid of, you may find our house clearance service useful. It’s cheaper than a skip and means your items will be picked up and disposed of responsibly. Contact us today to discuss your needs and obtain a free, personalised quote for the job.
