SingleWorkingMama

I have been working slowly and steadily to reduce the amount of “stuff” in my house.

Something I have been avoiding like the plague is the mountains of toys in almost every corner of my house.

I’m on a mission to do this now. It is unfortunate that rummage sale season is over, since there’s no other good way (is there?) to unload these things and earn a little return on the initial investment.

It is also unfortunate that I would prefer sticking hot pokers in my eyes to actually assembling, organizing, and facilitating a rummage sale. I’m almost positive that last year I said “I will never do this again,” in fact. My personality doesn’t allow for a whole lot of dickering over items that are marked .50.

The kinds of things I’m looking to get rid of are arguably “hot sellers” in the rummage world. Toys, toys, toys.

I’m looking for tips and tricks to maximize my big blowout. Or, is there a better way? Please submit in the comments area below!

My plan is to start collecting apple boxes at the grocery store (free, sturdy, and with lids) and filling one or two each weekend. As I do this, I am going to price the items. Theoretically, when the time comes, I can carry up the boxes and only have to set up tables and fend for myself when it comes to the customers.

I’m all about simplifying my life. As any parent knows, the electronic toys of today require many batteries, tools, and an iron determination (as well as at least twenty minutes) when it comes to replacing those batteries.

My kids are now beyond the point that I have to worry about them removing a AA battery and trying to ingest it, so I have started using clear packing tape to hold the batteries in on such fun toys as the Vtech – V.Smile Pocket Learning System.

Hold in batteries, change and more...

Another notable implementation of clear packing tape is to replace a lost piggy bank plug. If you keep a tiny piggy bank from Las Vegas on your dryer like I do, you might find that you have to empty it into your Disney fund frequently. The tape provides easy access to your ching-a-ling.

Finally, if you are late to work and notice a major lint or fuzz invasion on your black pants, a strip of clear packing tape can be a fast alternative to more costly (and often missing) lint rollers.