Our spring consignment sale is around the corner, and that means it is time to sort through your stuff. Pull the boxes out of the attic, the garage, from under the bed, and anywhere else that you’ve stashed those baby clothes. For some, this is relatively easy. For the rest of us, this may be the most challenging aspect. We pull out those precious baby clothes, the clothes that adorned our rough and tumble children when they were small and fragile. We smell them, they smell like the attic. We hold them close. It brings back all the memories, and all the feels. Steel yourself mama, it must be done. You’ll feel better reclaiming your home, your space, and lightening the load. You’ll feel even better once you get your consignment check. With that goal in mind, lets look at how to effectively sort your stash prior to the sale.

1. Designate command central. One small area of your home is going to be taken over by consignment sale boxes, hangers, tags, etc. Find a place that you can set everything up, and it isn’t going to drive you crazy.  Remember, this is short term, and will all be worth it in the end.
2. Drag out all of the boxes/bags/storage totes. Sure, you can do this one at a time, but it takes longer. When you pull it all out at once, it streamlines the process.
3. Assemble your tools. At a minimum you will need card stock, a printer, a phone or computer (depending on how you input your items), safety pins, and wire hangers. You may also find permanent markers, packing tape, ziplock bags, and a rolling rack helpful.
4. Sort. Initially you want to separate boys clothing from girls clothing, and toys/books/stuff to the side. As you sort the clothing into two piles (boys and girls), make sure to look over them really well.  You wouldn’t want to purchase heavily worn clothing, or clothing with stains. Put those items to the side.  You may also consider a box for items that you just can’t part with.
5. Sort again. This may seem redundant, but I promise it’s not. You’ve sorted your boys from your girls, and now it’s time to sort by size. This will save you a significant amount of time when it comes to entering your clothing for the sale. Put all NB Boys together, 0-3M Boys, and so on. During this step you can also start hanging your items. Use safety pins for items that are too small or won’t stay on the hanger.
6. Enter your items, and tag. Then you’re done!

                Though it seems like a lot to do, following these steps really streamlines the process, and makes it go by quickly. It’s a basic concept, but one so many people don’t think to do. The first time I tagged my items for a consignment sale I messed up big time! It took me twice as long because I was trying to enter each item individually prior to hanging, sorting, and tagging. Save yourself the hassle, and sort first. 

That little baby bundle of
joy that you first brought home from the hospital has been growing like a weed and is now such a big kid.   

While your baby became a toddler than a preschooler and off to the big leagues of
elementary school you probably kept on buying new clothes and putting the old
ones away.  Now it’s time to
reclaim the spare bedroom and finally let go of all those adorable clothes, but
what should you do?   Kids
clothing is in high demand and while you can donate or gasp throw out those
precious clothes, selling them will put money back in your pocket, is earth
friendly recycling, and will bring the same joy to another family that it first
brought to you.  If you’re not
familiar with consigning this article will help you understand how to turn your
old clothes into cash.


1.      
Find a local place to sell your gently used children’s clothes, shoes, toys, books, and
infant gear.  In most cities local
churches, preschools and organizations hold bi-annual consignment sales to
benefit their group and many cities have storefront locations that concentrate
on kid’s consignment.  The two best sources for finding a reputable consignment sale is word
of mouth and a Google search that displays
reviews.

 2. Once you have found a location you would like to sell at you will need to review their seller sign-up process and get started as a seller for their sale. 
The seller sign-up process typically consists of an upfront fee ranging from $5-$10 and giving the location your personal information.
 
3.      
After
you’ve signed up as a seller you will need to look through your used clothing
for any stains, holes, tears, and overly worn spots. These items are not good
for re-sale.  Once you’ve determined what you are going to sell you will need to get
the items prepped.

 4. Prepping the items for sale is the key to receiving the most money.  People want to feel like they are buying a new item even when they know it is used.  To create an image of newness you must first clean all clothes, shoes, toys, books, and infant gear as best as you can.  Sometimes items
such as shoes will just not become perfect again and it’s okay to have small
scuffs and typical wear on these items. 
All cleaned clothes should then be ironed and hung properly on a wire hanger and all shoes, toys, books, and baby items should be prepped according the specific seller guidelines for the sale.

 5. After your items are prepped it is time to tag.  You will receive a seller number and will use this number on your tag
template. Some sales use My
Consignment Manager that allows you to input your items on the computer then
print tags while others use a tag template that you input your information into
before printing. Both systems require you to place your seller number, your items size, description, and price on the tag.

 6. While you are tagging items you will be pricing them.  Sometimes it’s hard to give an item we love or paid a lot for a low price, but you have to be realistic.  Most items sell for 70% off of retail.   Most consignment sales have a final day or half day that they sell remaining items half off. 
This should be taken into consideration for your pricing strategy.  It is also a good rule of thumb to price your items at even numbers.  Trying to squeeze an extra .25 or .50 cents out of a sales price usually
backfires.  Sticking to dollar increments will yield better results.

7. Once all your items are cleaned, prepped, hung, and priced it is time to sort them into their respective sizes by gender and take them off to the sale.  
 
8.Your items will then be placed out for sale by the locations staff and all you will
need to do is sit back and wait for your big fat check to arrive. Most consignment sales allow you to pick up your check with your unsold items or will mail you a check if you do not show during the pick-up time frame.

     It may seem tedious at first getting your
clothes, shoes, toys, books, and other baby equipment ready for consignment
sales and out the door, but once you go through your first sale you will feel
like a pro.  Once the consignment
location does all the selling and money transaction for you and all you have to
do is pick up your first check you will see the potential and excitement that
kid’s consignment sales generate.