Craigslist Addict

I like to consider myself a minimalist.  I live with what I need, and get rid of everything else.  The great thing about the city I live in is that if you ever want to get something out of the house, just set it on the curb. 

When I demolished the kitchen, I threw everything into the dumpster that I had rented for the roof shingle replacement project that was going on at the same time - yeah it was crazy here for a few months.  After the major demolition I only left the sink and sink cabinet intact for convenince.  When it came time to remove the sink a few weeks later, I removed the stainless steel sink with countertop still attached and set it out to the curb for weekly pickup.  Within 90 seconds the sink magically. disappeared.  I live in a very quiet cul-de-sac.  I hear every car that passes by.  Yet I never hear this garbage fairy.  Always amazes me...

Speaking of minimizing, I've done my fair share of business on Craigslist to help clear out the clutter and make a few bucks. It's my first place to sell items, and I also occasionally search for items.  I've sold a ton of stuff on Craigslist in the last 18 months and have become quite the connoisseur.

It all began when I decided to buy my house - part of the negotiation for my house was the stainless steel appliances.  I knew I would be dumping a ton of money into renovations so I attempted to negotiate to save myself some buck-a-roos when I knew I would be living on Ramen for a few months (that's a lie, I'm a Kraft Mac & Cheese kind of girl).  Here's how the negotiation went:

Step 1 - Appliances are listed as "included" in the original listing and offer.  I'm excited.
Step 2 - Homeowner freaks out because he/she didn't mean to do this.
Step 3 - Renegotiate to include the appliances.  Homeowners refuses. 
Step 4 - Homeowner offers to "throw in" the appliances in the house he/she is moving into, and mentions "they're in good condition and only a few years old." 
Step 5 - I do the final walk-thru and discover appliances from 1976.

Now, I could've made a big deal about this at the closing, but I'm about to meet this person who has to watch their house go for a fraction of what they paid 3 years prior.  I'm not going to twist the knife.  I'm now the proud owner of 2 appliances that shouldn't have made it out of the 70's.  First thing I do when I move in - those babies are listed on Craigslist...and my obsession began.

Here's what I've sold in the last 18 months -
- Montgomery Ward Refrigerator and MATCHING stove (I'm sure you're upset you couldn't get your hands on these)
- Couch, loveseat and matching ottoman
- Magic Chef Dishwasher
- Plank flooring - 300 sq ft of it
- Dining table
- 8 pc. patio set
- Queen mattress (this went for free) did you know that it's illegal to sell a used mattress! 
- Girls Bike
- Wii Game System
- Garmin GPS
- Kenmore Elite Stainless Steel Refrigerator and matching Gas Stove (Oops...this is what happens when you don't measure correctly.  No loss though, I bought these on Craigslist last year for a great deal)

My favorite part of Craigslist is that there is such a high demand and items in good condition go quick!  Each and every one of these items went the same day I posted it to the first person who contacted me.  I've even received asking price for everything I've sold!  In fact, as I'm posting this, I am writing up a listing for antique China.

Mary

Note: Beware of scammers; Craigslist is full of them!  Scammers will even go as far as texting you to make it more personal!  Only accept phone calls and cash payment.  If you're weirded out remove the listing for a few days.  Also, it's a good idea to always have a friend with you when dealing with people you don't know, especially if you have interested parties coming to your house.  Out of all of my encounters, I've had one awkward situation with a young man who was suchacrazyperson.  Thank goodness I had brought a coworker with me!