Few would argue that we all own too much stuff. Indeed, there's a movement afoot that encourages people to get out of the habit of conspicuous consumerism and get into the habit of mindful consumption. Some people make the decision to dispose of belongings because they have become a burden, and getting rid of clutter gives people the physical and psychological space they need to bring more meaning into their lives. Others are concerned about the negative impact that consumerism has on our planet. Still others are selling items because they're facing distressing economic times, with the housing market in freefall, gas prices hitting all-time highs, and unemployment on the rise.

A Global Marketplace

Whatever reasons you might have for letting go of your belongings, there's never been a larger or more diverse marketplace. Long gone are the days when you had to use classifieds in the local paper to try and find a buyer for your unwanted items. Thanks to pioneers like eBay and craigslist, hundreds of millions of people all over the world are comfortable finding trading partners online, buying and selling goods worth a cumulative value of billions of dollars a year.

Online Classifieds Gaining Momentum

Although the pioneers are still around, an increasing number of people are turning to other sources of online classifieds to sell their unwanted items - whether it's a knick-knack, an appliance, a car, or even a home. Moreover, some of these sites also feature job listings and other services that are in demand.

Sense of Community

What makes these online classifieds unique? First, the best sites allow people to sell their personal items for free, and to sell their homes or cars for less than ten dollars. That's a far cry from the enormous fees that an online marketplace like eBay charges when you list and sell an item.

Second, a site that features online classifieds develops a unique sense of community. Trading partners develop trust in one another - and sometimes even become friends. The community ground rules and tendency for people to look out for one another generally makes online buying and selling safe and rewarding.

Third, regardless of your motivation for wanting to get rid some of your belongings, it pays to sell them online. Not only will you get money for your items, but you'll also contribute to the growing movement to reuse and recycle. After all, why should your stuff sit in a landfill when someone else could give your belongings a second life?

What to Sell

The beautiful thing about online classifieds is that you can sell virtually anything. A great place to start is by going through your closet. The chances are good that you have clothing that either doesn't fit or that you haven't worn in years. Aside from apparel, you can sell everything from electronics and furniture to sports equipment and electronics. A good rule of thumb is that, if you haven't used it in the past year, you probably don't need it.

When you sell the items you no longer want, you can unclutter your life, provide someone else with a great deal, and put money in your pocket. Now, that's a winning proposition!