THE EBTH BLOG

The EBTH Blog - The Official Blog of Everything But The House, the Marketplace For The Uncommon

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Seller Story: Mark Baker, Bainbridge, OH

At the recommendation of his financial planner, reputable EBTH-er Mark Baker tried consigning with EVERYTHING BUT THE HOUSE for the first time in 2015 and hasn’t stopped since. An avid watch and art collector, Mark was looking for the right home for pieces of his collection, and EBTH became his one-stop solution. 

I’m in my seventies so I’m starting to want to get rid of somethings. You accumulate a lot of stuff over the years. I’m a watch collector, and have sold quite a few of them on EBTH.com.

Zodiac 1882 Swiss Made Wristwatch - $295

Almost $17,000 in consignments later, we had to ask Mark ―  what makes you keep coming back to EBTH?

It’s clear what percentage you’re getting. One of my items I brought in had a mistake on the listing. Someone called me back within an hour and I explained to them that the item I had listed wasn’t described properly so they corrected it. That’s something I really like, I was pleased they fixed it so quickly. The people I talked to on the phone are very responsive, it just seems like the company is run really well.

Men's Tag Heuer Professional 200 Meters Wristwatch - $355

With 27 consignments under his belt, Mark Baker plans to continue to make the most of EBTH’s unique auction platform to sell his one-of-a-kind collectibles, watches and art.

I’ve recommended EBTH to quite a few people.

Ebel Discovery Stainless Steel Wristwatch - $526

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Seller Story: Pam Taeckens - Southlake, TX

When Pam Taeckens sold her house, she needed to quickly solve a complicated downsizing problem ― how to consolidate the contents of her 5,500 square foot home to fit a temporary 1,500 square foot rental space. 

Juggling short-term, long-term and familial storage solutions made trying to find her next permanent home even more difficult. 

“I was working full-time, and it was so hard to organize everything. EVERYTHING BUT THE HOUSE made it so much easier. I don’t know how we could’ve done it without them.”

With time working against her, Pam needed a solution that could help her organize and sell her excess belongings quickly. “We underestimated the time that we needed to do it all and tackle the enormity of all the stuff we had.” After learning about EVERYTHING BUT THE HOUSE (EBTH) through sales specialist Angela Weisgarber, it became clear that EBTH offered Pam a one-stop solution to sell her volume and variety of items that wasn’t available through local consignment stores or other online markets. 

“Some of the consignment stores will send trucks, but I had big stuff and little stuff, and it was really helpful that EBTH could handle all of that from start to finish.”

Now with a roof over her head, Pam Taeckens will recommend EBTH to anyone in the middle of moving transitions. Like her own experience selling with EBTH, she’s confident that no matter the situation, “EBTH could be just the ticket” to streamline downsizing moves.

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How Minimizing by 10% Maximizes Your Stuff

The idea of downsizing your possessions may seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be a huge undertaking to make a positive impact. Eliminating just 10% of your stuff can make a noticeable difference in how organized you are. Join us at EVERYTHING BUT THE HOUSE to find out how.

What Do You Really Use?

It happens to the best of us. Live in one place long enough and soon you find all your storage spaces filled to the brim. The stuff buried at the back of your closet or bottom of your pantry takes up space, and that makes it harder to find the things you actually want to use. The same thing goes for decorative items and clothes — the more stuff you have, the more competition for space and attention there will be among your things. It'll be harder to focus on what you really do love and want to use.

When it comes to downsizing, a lot of people feel pressured to get rid of things they want to hang on to. That's where 10% becomes a helpful guidepost. It makes the decision-making process easier by creating some perspective. You may only use that vintage picnic basket once a year, but if you love it and use it, even infrequently, there's no need to force yourself to sell it. But that painting your grandmother bought you that's been packed up in the garage for years can probably go.

For most people, 10% of their possessions can be made up entirely of things they never use or don't like but still hold onto. Items don't have to be part of your regular routine to be worth keeping, but something you really don't get use from, whether sentimental or practical, doesn't need a place in your home.

Clearing the Clutter

With that in mind, downsizing becomes less of a chore and more of an exploration. And remember that 10% isn't a hard-and-fast rule — it's just an indication of how restrained your cull can be, especially if you're hesitant to get started. Go through your home room by room and identify the storage areas that seem cluttered and crowded. When you sort through the items in these storage areas, make a pile of no-brainer items to get rid of first. The easier your choices are up front, the more momentum you’ll have for weeding out 10% in other areas.

Once you reorganize you'll notice that you already have more storage space available, and that's an automatic win. It also means that the items you chose to keep and don't use very often have more prominence. By clearing out some of the clutter, you give those items a chance to shine and see some use.

For example, if you choose to sell a few jewelry pieces that are simply not your taste anymore, you can focus more on the things you like and will use them more often. Some of the pieces you don't wear as often will end up back in rotation. In this way, you end up maximizing your existing possessions and getting back in touch with some of the things you may have forgotten about.

After you've chosen the things you no longer want or need, EBTH can help you send them off to a new, loving home. Our full-service auction process allows you to kick back and enjoy your newly organized lifestyle while we sell that unnecessary 10 percent to buyers around the globe who'll cherish their new items.

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Spring Cleaning Has Come Early: 10 Tips on Getting Organized at Home in 2018

It's not quite springtime, but it's never too early to get a head start on spring cleaning. After all, who wants to spend those gorgeous April and May days inside organizing closets when flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, and birds are chirping? Knock out your spring cleaning early this year to ensure a happy, healthy, and organized home for the rest of year. It may be the best decision you make in 2018!

1. Make sure every item has a home.

Whether it's a drawer, a closet shelf, a labeled bin, or a cabinet, every single item you own should have a place to go when it's not in use. That place should never be piled on your desk, the floor, the kitchen counter, or the dining room table. Get rid of the items you don't have a place for, or get rid of other items to make room for them.

2. Make that home where it makes sense.

It's not enough just to have a home for every item you own. That home needs to make sense. If you do your makeup in your bathroom every morning, it doesn't make sense to store it in a bedroom drawer. Keep your pots and pans in a cabinet close to your stove. If you use the garage door instead of the front door, put your coat rack nearby. Inconvenient homes for your items can lead to major clutter—you want it to be easy to put things back when you're done using them.

3. Get rid of the clothing you don't wear.

It seems simple enough, but you'd be surprised at the number of people who have a closet full of clothing that still has the tags or is so old you can't tell if it's a shirt or pants. If you haven't worn it in a year, you probably won't again. Get rid of the things that don't fit, the ones that are in bad shape, and the ones that just don't go with anything. You'll have more fun shopping in the store when you need clothes than you will hunting for an outfit in a closet brimming with outdated styles.

4. Create an organizing schedule.

If you're planning a major organizational overhaul of your home or you just want to tackle a few rooms or closets, schedule it. Week one can be dedicated to the kitchen, while week two is all about the linen closets. Write it down in a planner so you're more likely to stick to it.

5. Remember that you don't need two of everything.

If you have duplicate items, it might be time to get rid of at least one of them. Have you really ever needed two punch bowls, two TVs for the basement, two makeup mirrors, or two bathroom scales? Keep the one you like the most and sell the other.

6. Take notes.

For many people, the problem lies in not knowing where to start. Take half an hour and walk around your house with a pen and notebook. Label each page in the notebook with the name of a room or area in your home, and make a list of all the problem situations that need some help. Maybe you have too many gadgets on the kitchen counter or plastic food storage containers come tumbling out every time you open a cabinet. Once you have an idea of what you want to accomplish, make a checklist.

7. Do a little at a time.

If tackling the whole house or even a whole room feels overwhelming, don't do it all at once. You can even take just 15 or 20 minutes a day. Set a timer or create a playlist of a certain length, and at the end of each day, take that time to do as much of the work as possible. Before you know it, you'll put a huge dent in the clutter.

8. Make labels.

When it comes to keeping everything in its place, making labels is a game changer. This is especially true if you have multiple people living in your home. Label the pantry shelves or the inside of the kitchen and bathroom cabinets to let everyone know where items should go when they're put away.

9. Place bins in areas where items tend to gather.

There are some items that you use too frequently to put away when they're not in use, but these items still need a home. For example, all of the remotes for your TV, DVD player, cable box, and other technology probably sit around on your coffee table. Add a decorative basket, and keep the gadgets all in one place.

10. Make a habit of straightening up each day.

Once you do have your house in order, don't stop thinking about organization. After all, you want to keep it orderly. At the end of each day, straighten up. Put the dishes in the dishwasher, put your dirty clothes in the hamper, and have your children pick their toys up off the floor. The more you do on a regular basis, the less you have to do when it's time for a deep or spring cleaning.

You're getting organized and getting rid of things you no longer need. The next step? Sell them through EVERYTHING BUT THE HOUSE! We'll photograph and list your items on our innovative online auction platform—and even ship them out when they sell—so you can focus on enjoying your orderly home.

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Boutique of the Week - Gemstones

Rubies are red, sapphires are blue, EBTH loves gemstones - which ones are for you?

When it comes to gems there’s hue for every occasion. Whether you’re on the hunt for enchanting emeralds or head-turning topaz, this boutique of the week promises all things glittering and glamorous. From aquamarine to zircon, take a peek into our picks for the week.

14K Yellow Gold Sapphire and 0.99 CTW Diamond Ring

Channel set gems are one of our weaknesses. Royal blue sapphires are another. Sandwiched between two rows of round brilliant diamonds, this ring is nothing short of an absolute dream.

18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Opal Cocktail Ring

A cluster of rubies sits upon a halo of rainbow-hued opal petals, which leaves us to ask, “How could we not be smitten with this whimsical and charming cocktail ring?”

14K Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Earrings

Yellow gold, emeralds and diamonds? We’re here for this pair. The openwork design is statement-making while still being on the delicate side, which makes these earrings as versatile as they are pretty.

10K White Gold Synthetic Sapphire and Diamond Ring

White gold and synthetic sapphires sparkle between two diamonds, giving us all the deep blue feels.

14K Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Half Hoop Earrings

Here we have the deepest sapphires accented by sparkling diamonds, housed in a high-polish yellow gold setting. Chic, chic, chic. We see these earrings working the boardroom and the cocktail lounge.

Can’t get enough of these gleaming gems? Take a dip into our sparkliest boutique to date for more fabulous finds. 

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Post-Holiday Hack: How to Downsize Holiday Décor

The holiday season is one of the most exciting times of the year. It's easy to get swept up in decorating, whether you're creating the best outdoor lights display on the block, setting up the fanciest Christmas tree in the neighborhood, or displaying the biggest collection of holiday knick knacks in your inner circle. This is especially true if you've spent a lifetime collecting. From those vintage decorations handed down by your grandparents to those ornaments the kids bought you at the school fundraiser, if you're like most people, you've probably amassed quite the collection.

And for what? To keep it in a box for 11 months out of the year, taking up precious storage space in your attic, basement, or garage? Many people find that over-decorating actually makes the holiday season more stressful, not more special. It also takes up valuable time that you could spend with family, friends or serving the community.

Many people want to downsize their holiday décor, but they just don't know where to start. Fortunately, there are some ways to make the process a little easier.

Start soon.

An efficient way to start the process  is to evaluate everything you have once the holidays are winding down. As you pack away decorations, take a look at anything you didn't set up this year — these might be some of the likely candidates you can sell or give to family members. As you're putting items away, take some time to see what resonates with you. Love it? Keep it. Has it lost its charm? Time to bid it farewell. This way, everything will be organized for next year, and it'll all be things you love.

Go natural.

Traditional decorations are wonderful, but if you really want to impress your friends and family and look as if you put tons of effort into your holiday décor, trade in some of those items for a more natural look. Greenery, magnolia leaves, pine cones, red berries, holly leaves, live trees, and more can turn your home into something truly elegant during the holidays. The best part of using these types of items is that they’re environmentally friendly and usually compostable once you're finished with them.

Get rid of duplicates and broken items.

If you're still having a hard time parting with holiday décor, start with the easiest stuff. This includes broken ornaments that you still haven't fixed, the strings of lights that quit working in the 90s, and the charming holiday throw pillows that have faded so badly over the years that you can no longer read what they say. This also includes duplicates, whether you have two of the same exact item or two items that you can only use in one space, such as a Christmas tree topper.

Be careful with sentimental items.

Memories of holidays past are one reason many people are reluctant to give up their holiday décor, and that's understandable. It may be an ornament that reminds you of your baby's first Christmas — 30 years ago — or your grandmother’s china that you inherited. If these items mean something to you, don't be afraid to hold onto them and enjoy their special history for years to come. If you're simply keeping them around because you feel guilty, it may be time to let them go. Ask your children and other family members if they'd like to have these decorations.

Sell it.

If you need a little more motivation to pare down, try selling your more valuable items and collectibles to give them new life in someone else's home. You could earn enough to cover all your holiday gifts or make a donation to your favorite charity to start the new year off right. EVERYTHING BUT THE HOUSE makes the process easy and provides you with an audience of buyers located all over the world, where there's sure to be someone who'll cherish your holiday décor just as much as you. Simply figure out which decorations you're ready to part with, and EBTH handles the rest — from cataloguing and photographing your items to listing them online and shipping them to their new homes when the auctions have ended. After all, what's a better way to hack the post-holiday season than being less stressed?

Ready to clear out the holiday clutter and get a jump on spring cleaning? Visit sell.ebth.com to learn how EBTH can help you hack the post-holiday season.

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How We're Keeping Our New Year's Resolutions

Everyone is different when it comes to what we like and how we live, but our New Year’s resolutions are often all too similar. When it comes to a vision for self-improvement in the future, most people want to get their lives together, improve their health, and have more fun. These common resolutions are great goals to have ―  here's how we can all ensure they're successful throughout the year:

Staying Organized

There's something special about the look and feel of an organized home. It's deeply satisfying to be able to look around and see the beauty of your favorite things all neatly arranged. Getting organized is a great goal for the new year because you can easily break the task down into chunks, starting small to complete the project by year's end. A good first step is to declutter your home and get rid of possessions you don't need.

After you clear out unwanted stuff, you can focus on creating systems for organizing the things you do want or need to keep. For example, maybe it's time to get an attractive display shelf for that collection of Depression-era ceramics you've been building up over the years. Getting organized isn't just about getting rid of unwanted things but also about showcasing what you keep.

Exercising

Ask any gym employee and they'll tell you that January brings a huge rush of new members, most of whom come in once or twice before canceling their membership soon after. This doesn't mean you should give up on your fitness goals before you even start. It just means that you should make an assessment of the best way to accomplish those goals. Forcing yourself into a new routine that requires going to an out-of-the-way gym may not be the best way to go about it.

Instead, consider getting some equipment so you can work out at home. You don't need to buy a full range of heavy-duty machines — starting small with a set of hand weights or a yoga mat can help you build momentum. Most experts advise that people think about what kind of exercise they like best, so that's an important part of the process. If a pair of comfortable hiking boots would suit your ideal exercise style best, don't try to force yourself down a different route.

Exercise is all about routine. Once you have the equipment that you need to work out at home, don't just set it up and forget about it. If you currently don't have any exercise routine at all, start small with short periods a few days a week or even just one workout per week. You can gradually add in longer or more frequent workout sessions once you're comfortable with what you're doing and have consistent success.

Going on Adventures

Not all resolutions have to be so serious. If you're feeling confident about your health and general tidiness, why not resolve to get out and explore the world?

World travel isn't necessarily easily within grasp, but it isn't as far away as you think, either. You can fund an exciting travel schedule for 2018 and beyond by downsizing and selling off some of your stuff. That box of Silver Age comic books your college roommate left in your garage all those years ago could end up being a piggy bank to fund your next big adventure. Whether it's vintage furniture, a car you no longer drive, or clothes you've outgrown in one way or another, selling the things collecting dust in your house can help you reach the far-flung destinations you want to visit.

If any of these three resolutions seem familiar to you, EVERYTHING BUT THE HOUSE can help you succeed once and for all this year. With full-service selling assistance and tons of great auctions running every day, EBTH handles everything from sorting to shipping. We'll catalog, photograph, and list your items online, so you have more time to focus on keeping your resolutions and welcoming in a fresh beginning.

Ready to make the most of the new year? Visit sell.EBTH.com today to make your 2018 resolutions a reality! 

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Move It or Sell It?

Moving to a new home is exciting, but the process can also be overwhelming. There are utilities to transfer, personal documents to change, movers to hire, and boxes to pack. Wouldn't it be nice if you could eliminate just one big item off your to-do list?

As it turns out, you can. When you move, you don't have to pack those boxes. Or, at least, you don't have to pack as many as you thought. Many people are opting to sell all or most of their belongings and start fresh in their new place.

The Reasons to Sell Your Stuff When You Move

There are dozens of reasons why selling makes more sense. First of all, you're starting a new chapter in life in a new environment. Don't you want to make it your own? You can't really do that if you're trying to find a way to fit your old furniture and décor in rooms that are bigger or smaller, or if you're moving into a house with a completely different vibe. Some other reasons to sell your items instead of packing them for your move include:

1. There’s no better time to reinvigorate your style and experiment with decorating.

2. You're downsizing, and you just don't have room for everything you had in your previous home. Bulky furniture takes up a lot of space, and it can be difficult and expensive to move.

3. It's cost-effective. Not only do you save on hiring movers, buying enough packing supplies, and renting a truck or van, but the money you make from selling your items can go towards projects in your new home like DIY revamping or new furniture. This is especially helpful if you're moving a long distance because moving costs are higher.

4. It's a chance to get organized and declutter your life. Now's the time to get rid of those things you've collected over the years that you no longer need, like the toys your kids have outgrown. Why take them to a new house when you already know you want to get rid of them?

Which Items Should I Take with Me?

There are a few hard and fast rules on what to pack or sell before a move. If you're having trouble deciding what to keep and what to part with, here are some questions you can ask yourself about each item:

1. Is it an item you use regularly? If it's in good condition and you use it often, you may want to keep it. If it's something that stays hidden away in a closet or cabinet and you rarely — if ever — use it, you can sell it.

2. Is it sentimental? Perhaps your mother passed down her china and you love using it at Christmas, or your father's vintage office desk is something you can't bear to part with. Keep these items, but sell what doesn't resonate with you.

3. Is it otherwise special to you? Maybe you've sought a certain type of figurine over the years and still enjoy adding to that collection.

4. Can it be replaced if necessary? Not everything is replaceable, but if you can find something comparable or even better in the future, you may want to part with that item.

The Best Option for Selling

You may be thinking that selling an item is just as much, if not more, trouble than moving it. But holding an online estate sale can actually save you moving cost and time! A traditional sale can be a lot of work; you'll need to choose what items you want to sell, photograph them, list them online with detailed descriptions, and wait for the right buyers to find you. It can take months of keeping the items around your house before they're ready to go to their new homes for prices you're satisfied with.

Fortunately, there's an easier choice. Online estate sale auction companies like EVERYTHING BUT THE HOUSE will collect, photograph, catalog, sell, and even ship your items for you. You won't have to do a thing aside from deciding what you want to let go of, which leaves you plenty of time to plan for your next home’s new look and feel.

With EBTH, selling items before a move has never been easier - or more profitable! Visit today to request a free consultation to learn more about our process. 

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Buying Gemstones Online

Precious or semiprecious, loose, or set, gemstones in all forms are among the most common luxury items available for sale online. Shopping for gemstones online means you have access to a wider range of options than you'd find in any brick and mortar jewelry store. You're more likely to find exactly what you're looking for, but it helps to understand what you're looking at. With the right approach, it's easy to purchase the gemstones you’ve been hoping for.

Important Terminology for Gemstone Shopping

First, you'll want to understand the words used to describe the item you're looking at. Product descriptions should give you all the basic information you need to understand a loose gemstone or gemstone jewelry piece. It's helpful to understand the exact meaning of some jewelry and gemstone terms so you can easily identify what fits your preferences.

10K Yellow Gold Synthetic Opal and Diamond Earrings

Sterling Silver Pink Glass Cat's Eye Bracelet and Pendant

Cabochon: A cabochon-cut gemstone has a smooth, polished surface, often in the shape of a dome, with a flat back. Cabochons have a mesmerizing look that resembles the ethereal beauty of a dewdrop, showcasing the color of the stone without any manmade variations. This is a popular cut for gemstones that make their own fire, like opals and moonstones.

14K White Gold Diamond Solitaire Ring

14K White Gold 1.68 CT Ruby and Diamond Ring

Faceted: Faceted gems are cut with multiple flat surfaces, typically on all sides of the gem. This introduces multiple reflective surfaces that help bring out the natural glimmer in transparent stones such as diamonds. The facets, also known as faces, create reflective surfaces for light within the stone, which enhances their sparkle and gives the stone a carefully sculpted look. Faceted gems are more widely used in jewelry than cabochons, and most loose gems you find will be faceted. There are different styles of faceting cuts that result in different designs on the face of the stone, and some, like the princess or cushion cut, are particularly coveted for the unique brilliance they bestow.

Loose 1.01 Carat Pear Cut Diamond With GIA Report

Carved Jadeite Pendant

Loose: Ideal for those who want to create their own jewelry designs or replace missing stones in existing jewelry, loose gems are an ideal choice. These gems are sold without any attached jewelry findings. They're typically cut and polished, meaning they're ready to be set into a jewelry piece of your choice.

Vintage 18K White Gold and Sapphire Ring

14K Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Flower Ring

Precious: There's some variation in how the word "precious" is used to describe gemstones, but technically, only diamond, ruby, sapphire, and emerald are true precious gems. These four have been considered the most valuable and beautiful stones throughout history, and are also among the hardest. These stones tend to command higher prices than others, not necessarily because of their intrinsic value but because they're more culturally valued.

14K Yellow Gold Jadeite and Nephrite Cluster Ring

14K Yellow Gold Jadeite, Nephrite and Diamond Ring

Semiprecious: Any gemstone that's not a precious stone can be considered semiprecious. As noted above, this doesn't necessarily mean that the stone is any less rare, though a semiprecious stone typically is less expensive than a precious stone of similar size and clarity. Opal, aquamarine, amethyst, topaz, pearl, garnet, turquoise, and tourmaline are all examples of semiprecious stones. There are some semiprecious stones, like tanzanite, that are much rarer than any of the precious stones.

14K Yellow Gold Diamond Band

14K Two Tone Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring

Set/Setting: The words "set" or "setting" in a gemstone product listing indicate that these stones are already integrated into a piece of jewelry. Prong settings are the most popular; these settings use four or more small metal tabs that cradle the stone and fold over the top to hold the stone in place. Most other types, like the bezel setting, use more metal than the prong setting and create a different look for the jewelry piece that some people prefer, especially for cabochon stones.

Authenticating Stones from a Distance

Authenticity is the make-or-break factor for a gemstone. From glass to plastic and lab-created simulacra, there are many convincing ways to fake the appearance of an authentic gemstone. These fakes aren't as valuable as the real thing, even if they're very convincing. Additionally, there are some semi-precious gemstones, like cubic zirconia or green amethyst, that can stand in for precious gems. The difference may not be immediately apparent, but you don't want to get caught paying emerald prices for a green amethyst.

Before anything else, look for words like "authentic" or "genuine" as you read gemstone descriptions. If you see words like "imitation," "simulated," "lab created," or "assembled," that means you're not looking at a genuine gemstone. If none of these words are used, ask for more information.

Independent organizations such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) offer certifications for precious stones such as diamonds, and you should be able to review these certificates before you buy. If such certification isn't available, treat the gemstone listing with caution. Professional authentication by a certified gemologist is vital to ensuring you get what you expect. Make sure your purchase includes a copy of authentication information and that you keep a record of any authenticity claims made. When you receive the gem, take it to a trusted jeweler for authenticity verification.

Finally, you should be aware of the stone's size, which is measured by weight in carats (c. or ct.). A jewelry piece that includes multiple stones may be worth paying more for and should list total carat total weight (CTW, CWT, or TW), which indicates the collective carat weight of all the stones in the jewelry rather than the weight of each stone. Diamonds may also include a clarity rating that goes from perfect to flawed:

Flawless (FL)

Internally flawless (IF)

Very slightly included (VVS)

Slightly included (SI)

Included (I)

Inclusions are bits of mineral impurities that can cloud or interrupt the clarity of a diamond or other gemstone. Flawless diamonds are the most valuable, while most natural emeralds have inclusions that don't impact their value.

Shopping for gemstones on EBTH opens you up to a world of loose estate sale stones with auctions starting at just $1. Our trusted staff researches, certifies, photographs, and writes about each of the items for sale. You'll enjoy the extra peace of mind from having this added layer of expertise and care for when you shop for gemstones online.

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The Science Behind Why Owning Less Feels Better

Across the country, homeowners are struggling to find ways to organize their ever-growing inventories of lifetime purchases. Retail therapy may make you feel better in the short term, and a payday splurge at the mall is always fun, but an overflowing closet or piles of video games on the shelves could be having a detrimental effect on your long-term mental health. Research suggests there's no time like the present to use a service like EVERYTHING BUT THE HOUSE (EBTH) to free up space in your home.

Having Too Many Possessions Affects Your Mental State

You don't often hear people complain about having too many of the things they want, but do bountiful possessions really create happiness? A 2012 study from UCLA revealed that in 32 middle-class families, all of the mothers experienced stress when dealing with their possessions. 75% of the families had so many possessions that they couldn't park their cars in the garage, increasing their anxiety relating to the threat of theft or damage. The findings of a 2013 survey reported that 84% of recently stressed Americans worry their homes aren't clean or organized enough, with 55%  identifying messy homes as a cause of stress.

Having too many possessions often equates to having too much clutter, and there's evidence that this chaos is a major factor in stress. In 2011, researchers at Princeton University found that disorganization makes it difficult to concentrate while a 2010 study by the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that women with cluttered homes had higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol. In 2016, Indiana University published a study of 998 African Americans, which showed those with clean houses were healthier and more active.

Clearly, there's a strong link between someone's mental state and the physical state of their surroundings.

Clearing Clutter Makes You Stronger

If clutter is causing you undue stress, the first step to a healthier mindset is shedding your unnecessary belongings. The act of removing unwanted items has a range of positive outcomes.

You create a calm environment: having too many possessions affects productivity. If you want to get more done in a day, clear your workspace. Staying on top of work deadlines, bills, and family commitments contributes to a positive outlook and helps minimize stress.

You take positive action: Deciding to get rid of something is a positive step forward, especially if you're starting to feel trapped by your surroundings. It's an important step towards taking control of your life, which is empowering both mentally and emotionally.

Freeing up space creates more free time: Less stuff means fewer commitments. You have fewer things to organize, less laundry, less paperwork, less dusting, and less cleaning. In turn, you get more time to relax.

You save money: By owning less, you reduce the amount you spend on maintaining certain items (like electronics, leather goods, or high-end fashions) which makes it easier to save. Furthermore, if you go as far as emptying out your old storage unit, you’ll save on rental fees, which averaged over $87 a month in 2016.

You make money: You may plan to donate a lot of your items to charity, but the rare rookie cards you've been storing in your drawer or the stamp albums from when you were a kid could be worth a lot of money to the right person. Selling your items may help you offset other bills that have been causing you stress or even fund a relaxing vacation.

EBTH Can Help

Reducing stress means reducing clutter, but selling items online may create new concerns. You need to sort and photograph items, write honest descriptions, find the time to create the listings, and then handle payments and postage. It's a lot of extra work to find interested buyers to get a good sale price. These common pitfalls can be easily avoided by contacting EVERYTHING BUT THE HOUSE.

EBTH specializes in estate sales, consignment sale and selling private collections and business inventories. Through our innovative online auction platform your items will reach excited bidders from around the world. EBTH’s trained professionals will photograph your collectibles, antiques, and other valuable items and write descriptions. They also post the items, handle payments and send a check to you at the end of the process. The best part? Our online exposure could earn 3 to 5 times more than a traditional sale, which means more cash to fund your next steps in life.

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Why Owning Less Can Save You Money

Minimalism is a hot trend these days. All you have to do is turn on your TV to shows about tiny houses to understand just how much people want to declutter their lives and get rid of the bulk of their belongings. Living in a tiny house may not be your cup of tea, but if you long to get organized and live a simpler lifestyle, getting rid of some of your belongings could be just what you need to feel motivated and invigorated.

As it turns out, owning less costs less, too. Not only does it give you room to breathe, but downsizing your belongings can put money in your wallet, help you build up your savings, and provide you with the opportunity to follow your dreams, whether you want to travel the world or start your own animal sanctuary. Who knows? It might even lead to an early retirement. Here's how:

You Don't Need as Much Space

The more you own, the more space you need to keep it all. Whether you bought a larger home because of the closet space or you rent self-storage to keep items you don't know what to do with, when you get rid of things, they're not taking up space anymore. And, you don't need to keep paying for that space anymore, either. You can downsize to a smaller home if you want, which usually means a smaller mortgage payment and less money spent on energy bills. You can also kiss that monthly self-storage fee goodbye. Even downsizing to a smaller storage unit can save you several hundred dollars a year if there are some things you still aren't prepared to part with.

Disorganization and Clutter Can Be Costly

The more stuff you own, the more likely you are to lose things due to disorganization. The more you lose things, the more time you spend replacing them. Maybe you forgot about the toolkit buried in the garage so you now own three hammers. Or maybe your kitchen is so cluttered with gadgets and utensils that cooking and cleaning up can be a pain, so you find yourself eating out just to avoid it.

Having too much stuff around is also costly when it comes to your mental health. Owning too many things or being surrounded by clutter can drain your energy and cause depressed or anxious feelings. While extra odds and ends around your home can directly tax your wallet, they can also be emotionally taxing and make it difficult to get things done.

Maintaining Things Is Also Costly

Many things you own require some kind of maintenance. If you own multiple cars, you're paying insurance, taxes and routine maintenance fees on vehicles you might not even drive. Have multiple closets full of clothes? You're likely spending extra money washing, drying, or taking those items to the dry cleaners. When a new version of your favorite gadget hits the market, you might be tempted to spend even more money to upgrade and replace it. Even maintenance expenditures that seem reasonable will build up over time, which is especially uneconomical if you don't use the items as often as you planned.

You Can Make Money Selling Unwanted Items

The best part about downsizing is that you can actually make money selling your unwanted or unnecessary items. From furniture to jewelry, there may be some real value hidden in belongings you don't necessarily love but have been hanging onto. To start enjoying peace of mind and start saving money, let EVERYTHING BUT THE HOUSE handle the work of selling it all for you. While someone else photographs and lists your items on online auctions accessible to a pool of global buyers, you can focus on enjoying your newly decluttered life and an extra windfall from your old items.

Want to learn more? Check out EBTH.com to speak with an EBTH advisor. Whether you’re looking to sell a whole home’s worth of items or just a few things, EBTH combines white-glove customer service with leading-edge technology and a global audience of more than 1 million monthly shoppers to make the most of your items. 

[ebthblog]

Start Fresh in the New Year: Here's What You Didn't Know You Can Let Go Of

A new year is a perfect time for a fresh start, whether you want to lose weight, find a new job, or just get your life in order. It's also the perfect time to get your home organized and decluttered.

Wouldn't it be nice to skip the spring cleaning and go straight to gardening or heading to the beach for that sunny vacation? The first step toward getting organized is downsizing your stuff and getting rid of items you no longer want, need, or use. But, for many people letting go of stuff can be overwhelming, especially when you don't know where to start.

In the Kitchen

There's a gadget for everything in the kitchen, and it's easy to accumulate multiples or the latest and greatest kitchen tech. But unless you run a gourmet restaurant, there's a good chance you don't really use all of them. Whether you received three slow cookers for wedding gifts or you bought that panini maker on sale, used it once, and hid it in the back of a cabinet, letting go of the appliances and accessories you don't use can give you a sense of relief. Places to start might include:

Coffee mugs: Most household have multiple coffee mugs even though each member only uses their preferred one or two.

Utensils: Remember when that spatula got lost, you bought a new one, you bought yet another one, and then you found the old one? Now that you have three spatulas you can let go of the old ones.

Small appliances: The juicer, the food dehydrator, the deep fryer, the waffle maker, the doughnut baking pan — in theory, they seem like good things to have around, but if you use them only once a year, they're simply taking up space.

Food storage containers: Whether it’s your mom’s old pyrex, the 24 piece set you just “had to buy” from an infomercial, or the plastic disposables all missing lids,  get rid of all but a handful that you really need and use. If you don't ever end up with leftovers, most containers can find a new home.

Personal Items

Personal items like shoes and clothing can be hard to part with for many reasons. Maybe they're sentimental, or maybe you're determined that one day they're going to fit. Now, all they're doing is taking up space in your closet. Use these guidelines to help weed out the ones you can part with:

Does it fit? If not, get rid of it. It’s better to own what fits and flatters you right now instead of later.

Do you wear it? Even if it does fit, if you haven't worn it in over a year, you probably don't need to keep it around.

Is it comfortable? Maybe you have a pair of boots that you pull out every winter, wear once, and throw back in the closet after they rub blisters on your heels. Say goodbye to them now and you won’t miss them later.

Is it significant? Not everything you hold on to is wearable, but it may still be sentimental. For example, maybe your grandmother passed away and gifted you her entire costume jewelry collection. Don't get rid of anything you'll regret parting with. However, if you can narrow it down to a few special pieces, you'll maintain your emotional connection and feel more organized.

Recreational Items

This is probably the place where you can get rid of the most items without a second thought. These are items you used or played with once and no longer need or enjoy. Some ideas include:

Books and magazines you've already read or that you've been planning to read for months but never got around to.

Camping gear you bought before you realized you aren’t into camping.

The sewing machine or easel you purchased years ago with the intention to become the next van Gogh.

Toys your kids or grandkids have outgrown.

Electronics you've replaced or updated —you can sell used and vintage electronics and make a profit

The treadmill that is piled high with clothes— there’s a clothing rack for that!  You can always head to a park or indoor track if you find the time to go on a run.

Once you've made your cuts, it's time to bid farewell to your unneeded items. Why not earn some extra money in the new year by selling them through an online estate sale? Let the professionals at EVERYTHING BUT THE HOUSE handle all the details, from photographing and listing your items on their unique online auction platform with millions of bidders.  After your items are sold they will ship them to the winners and send you a check at the end of the process. If one of your resolutions this year is to do more by owning less, this is a great way to get started!

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10 Things You Can Sell and Won't Miss

Unwanted clutter is a major part of many people's lives, and it can make daily life more stressful than it should be. Stop wrestling with the piles of unwanted possessions in your life and start focusing on the things you really like and need. All those items you never use and don't want? Sell them and enjoy the freedom and financial gain that comes with having less stuff.

"It's the Thought That Counts" Gifts

Our friends and family may love us, but that doesn't mean they always buy us good gifts. Unwanted gifts are hard to part with, even if they're something you're never going to put to good use. Selling these items doesn't mean you love the gift giver any less, and there could be a collector out there who sees great value where you don't.

Extra Holiday Decor

Seasonal decor is always so appealing in the store, and it's something we encounter every year. If you tend to refresh your seasonal decor collection with annual impulse shopping, you've probably got several boxes of vintage ornaments and figurines stashed away somewhere. Let someone else enjoy your old Easter bunnies, Halloween ghosts, and Christmas ornaments to spread the seasonal spirit and free up extra storage space.

Clothes You Don't Actually Wear

Look in just about any closet and you'll probably find a significant quantity of unworn clothing, some with the tags still on. Take an honest inventory of your closet and consider whether there's anything in there languishing in loneliness, just waiting for someone to finally wear it. If you haven't found a way to incorporate them into your wardrobe, you can sell all your unworn garments without regret.

Kitchen Gadgets

From skilled foodies to budding home cooks, everyone ends up buying a weird kitchen gadget or two — or several — in their lifetimes. For some of us, this gadget either sits in its box unused, getting pushed farther and farther back in our cabinets, or we try to incorporate it into our culinary routine before realizing that a basic tool actually works better. Send your orphaned kitchen gadgets off to a new home where they might actually see some use to free up valuable space in your cabinets.

Overly Ambitious Shoes

High heels aren't for everyone, but many people try to squeeze into a perilous pair every now and again because they looked so irresistible in the store. Any shoes you bought with an over-confident sense of determination can easily go to a new home without causing you any pinched toes or snapped ankles.

Your Mom's Old Couch

It's not uncommon for a young couple or recent college grad to end up with their parents' old living or dining room furniture. When you're ready to upgrade to furniture of your own choosing, you may have decided to hold onto those old parental furnishings out of a sense of sentimentality, but now they're just taking up valuable space in your garage or basement. Sell that unused furniture to a happy new home and be amazed by the extra space you can now enjoy in your home.

Rare and Recent College Textbooks

Lots of people have the best of intentions when they graduate from college. They keep textbooks and books of notes intending to refresh their memories and stay up to date on everything from foreign languages to organic chemistry and obscure ancient history. If you haven't cracked a single one of those books since your last final exam — whether it was a couple years ago or a couple decades — why not see if someone else wants to buy them? Some texts may be out of date and less valuable, but age doesn't mean they're useless. Out-of-print but still vital textbooks can often attract high price tags.

Toys Your Kids Have Outgrown

Parents often hold onto their kids' toys out of a sense of nostalgia or a desire to provide entertainment for grandkids, but these playthings usually just sit in storage taking up space. Sell those toys and reduce your clutter burden. If your kids are now in their 20s or 30s (or older), their vintage toys could actually be worth a decent price to a collector, especially if they're something highly covetable like original Star Wars action figures.

Outdated Media

Don't keep boxes of LPs, CDs, and videotapes you no longer watch. VHS tapes and vinyl records are especially hot items for collectors because a lot of beloved vintage movies and music collections haven't been digitized yet.

Wedding Clothes

In spite of our best intentions, most of us never actually end up getting that bridesmaid's dress or wedding gown altered so we can wear it again. Wedding gowns are especially sentimental, but if you already have lovely photos of the dress being worn, you might actually have all you need to remember your wedding. Having some cash to invest or spend on a dress you'll actually wear again might be better. Don't forget accessories too — if the dress is too sentimental to part with, your veil or sash might be more suitable for sale.

If you aren't sure what you can sell without regret, there are a few simple tricks you can use. Experts suggest everything from assessing whether each individual possession brings you joy to turning hangers around in your closet when you remove a piece of clothing to identify which clothes you never wear. Regardless of whether you need a strategy to identify what stays and what goes, EVERYTHING BUT THE HOUSE can help you with step two of the de-cluttering process. We'll photograph, catalog, pack, list, and process all of the unwanted items in your life, making it easy to get rid of everything you no longer need with a profitable online estate sale auction with EBTH.

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5 Tips for Selling Your Art Online

Selling artwork online may seem like a tricky proposition. In an art gallery, you have the perfect setting to showcase the work. But how do you express the majesty and craft in a painting or sculpture when the potential buyer is viewing it remotely on a computer screen halfway across the country?

The problem only gets worse when considering that art is subjective: One person's humdrum is another person's high art. It's essential to show the work to as many viewers as possible to create a buzz and to find the right buyer.

Fortunately, selling your art online doesn't have to be an insurmountable task. You don't need to be an art expert to have expertly presented art auctions, especially when you employ the services of EVERYTHING BUT THE HOUSE, which makes your artwork accessible to millions of collectors around the globe. Here are five tips for ensuring your online sales soar.

1. Research the Market

What's hot in the art market right now? If you don't know, take a moment to do some research before you commit to selling. The art industry is as susceptible to fads and fashions as any other, and certain styles will go out of vogue. Take a look at what kinds of art are selling well. Are there certain artists or styles that seem to raise the best prices at auction? If you have something that's in demand, strike while the iron is hot to realize the best sales price possible. If your artwork isn't currently on-trend, there's no need for concern. Fashions are cyclical, and you might just have to play the waiting game; on the plus side, you get to display and enjoy your art for longer while you wait for a change in the market. If you want to sell regardless, it's important to find the best marketplace possible.

2. Choose the Right Marketplace

Realizing the best prices for pieces of art requires a specialized marketplace. You aren't going to get good prices selling pieces at a yard sale, and you need to ensure as many people as possible see the work. A single buyer has a fixed price in mind that he or she is willing to pay, but in an auction situation, having several interested parties helps to drive up the prices as buyers bid against each other. EBTH is a particularly good choice for art sales, as it's an international platform that specializes in estate sales including high-end collectibles, antiques, and decor. The nature of the business attracts the buyers who are likely to have an interest in paintings and sculptures.

3. Use Great Photographs

It may sound obvious, but great photographs sell great artwork. When selling online, the photographs are particularly important because the buyers don't have the option to see the items in "real life." They have to rely on the photographs to make their purchasing decision, and therefore, those photographs must be bright and bold, showing the art to its fullest while also highlighting the condition and provenance. If you aren't handy with a camera, it's worth finding someone who is. By selling through EBTH, you get the benefit of photographs taken by trained professionals, ensuring your auctions are eye-catching and faithfully capture the beauty of your art.

4. Get Your Descriptions Right

Pictures are worth 1,000 words, but actual words are important too. When you're selling to art aficionados, you need to know the lingo. Even if you know your Picassos from your Pollocks, it can be difficult to write meaningful descriptions that accurately portray the significance and style of the art in a way that draws the eye of a connoisseur.

Fortunately, when you sell through EBTH, you don't have to worry about finding the right words to make your auction shine. Trained staff members take all the photographs, and they also write the descriptions, so you get the benefit of a professional auction listing that has the best chance possible of drawing bids from the many art enthusiasts frequenting the auction site. Furthermore, potential buyers know that the descriptions are genuine and trustworthy, and this increases their confidence and encourages bids.

5. Let the Market Decide the Price

Choosing a price for a piece of artwork can be difficult, especially if you don't know much about art. Choose a price too low, and you might end up selling for less than the true market value. Choose a price too high, and you risk turning away buyers. When you sell at auction, you let the market determine the price, and if you set the starting price low, you encourage more people to place a bid. This works particularly well in a large marketplace like EBTH's international auction website; the large number of visitors means there's a good chance of several buyers bidding against each other to drive up the price. Ultimately, your art sells for exactly what the market is prepared to pay.

Selling artwork online is a challenging but ultimately rewarding prospect. An online marketplace puts your work in front of thousands of buyers all around the world, so you have a much larger audience than you would if you sold pieces through a gallery. EVERYTHING BUT THE HOUSE specializes in estate sales and auctions of private collections and has an extensive base of clients interested in paintings, sculptures, jewelry, antiques, and more. By using EBTH's services, the process of selling online is easy and effective. You get the best chance of a good return, with the potential to earn from three to five times as much as in a traditional sale.

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5 Easy Ways to Make Your Home More Organized

When the clutter in your home piles up, your worries pile up with it. Research indicates that poor home organization is a major source of stress, often resulting in depression and fatigue. An overflowing wardrobe makes it difficult to find the clothing you need when you're in a hurry to get to work, and a disorganized filing system could lead to missed payment deadlines for important bills. When you have a hectic schedule of work and family commitments, it's very easy to let organization slide — so it pays to take action early.

Fortunately, there are ways to work toward a clean and tidy home, including selling unwanted items through an online auction service such as EVERYTHING BUT THE HOUSE (EBTH). Here are five effective ways to control your clutter and transform your home into an organized oasis.

1. Take a Methodical Approach

Taking control of a disorganized home may seem like a daunting proposition at first, but a methodical approach makes it possible to tackle the task head on. Start by surveying your living space and note problematic areas. Remember, you can't wave a magic wand and clear every room instantly, so break down each room into manageable problems. Setting unrealistic goals leaves you feeling demotivated, but if you resolve small issues each day and check them off a list, you’ll feed your sense of achievement that will keep you to keep going.

2. Find Storage Solutions

You can never have too much storage. The ability to hide items out of sight keeps your floors, tables, and work surfaces clear and makes your home feel larger. Labeled shoe boxes, plastic containers, and baskets make it easier to arrange cupboards and give you the option to make more efficient use of space by stacking items or keeping things in regimented rows. They also make it easier to clean.

Keep in mind that buying as many crates as possible and filling them with whatever fits isn't a solution to your home organization. Without care, you'll end up with boxes that are as disorganized as your home was, and you still won't be able to find items when you need them. Before buying any storage solutions, reduce the overall amount of clutter and identify the most problematic areas in the home.

3. Have a Spot for Everything

You can't expect your home to remain neat and organized if you haven't defined a specific location for every item. Aim to store items in the rooms where you use them. Consider creating designated spaces for specific activities, such as a drawer containing the items you need for writing checks, a space for laundry, or a desk for the kids to do their homework. It's a good idea to have space in the foyer for storing everything you're likely to need on your way out, such as car keys, bags, and hats.

4. Clear Out the Clutter…

In the modern world, what people want often far exceeds what they need. In fact, surveys show that less than 20 percent of items people own are used, and people have hundreds of dollars' worth of clothes they never wear. It's difficult to organize a space that's full to overflowing. Plus, getting rid of unwanted, unused items is very therapeutic; it reduces the visual noise that makes relaxation difficult.

Organizing a yard sale is a fun way to get rid of old clothes and toys, but if you've decided it's time to clear out the attic or sell some of your valuable collectibles, you'll want a marketplace with a large number of potential buyers to get fair market value for your items. EBTH combines the benefits of online auctions with estate sales, providing a specialized international platform for selling everything from personal collections to vintage furniture to fashion items. Trained professionals photograph and list the items for you and handle all the payments and shipping. After the hard work of sorting your clutter, all you have to do is sit back and wait for your check to arrive.

5. …And Keep It Out

Once you've minimized the mess and decluttered your collections, take steps to prevent the accumulation of new items. Try not to be too nostalgic about the pictures the kids paint on rainy weekends. If you have a birthday coming up and there's nothing you really want, ask people to make a charitable donation in your name rather than purchasing a gift. If you love to read, consider buying an e-reader to keep your shelves clear of books, and subscribe to an online streaming service rather than buying DVDs.

Removing unwanted items from your home is an important part of clearing the clutter and creating a calming environment. Selling through EBTH is a quick and effective way to maximize your space and earn more for collectibles, furniture, jewelry, artwork, and more!

[ebthblog]

5 Pieces of Furniture That Waste Your Space

Walking into most homes in America, you'll see many of the same pieces of furniture in each one — sofas with end tables and a coffee table; a living room with a hulking, elaborate entertainment center and so on. But is it all really necessary?

The short answer is no. It's easy to let these and other items waste space without being used to their full potential. Unnecessary furniture adds visual bulk without fulfilling a purpose. You may think it's necessary because that's the furniture you're used to, but if you live in a smaller home you could be missing out on the opportunity to open up your space. Instead of tripping over unnecessary furniture, you could sell extraneous pieces online through companies like EVERYTHING BUT THE HOUSE. If you're looking to downsize or lighten up your home, consider living without these five items:

1. Sofa End Tables

Often, a living room set doesn't include just seating. There's the coffee table, a sofa table, and end tables, too. This invites the question: does your living room need them all? Probably not, especially if you're short on space. This is especially true for nightstands in bedrooms, too. In most cases, a coffee table alone can suffice, and in the bedroom or living room, installing floating shelving helps clear up floor space and lighten a room.

Sofa end tables may be great for holding lamps, but they are also magnets for clutter. How often does your sofa end tables end up with everyday detritus piled on them? Cut the opportunity for clutter and try replacing those tables and lamps with a floor lamp, or wall sconces to create a living space that isn't so confined.

2. Desks

If you have a home office or a room for doing crafts or artwork, a desk is certainly welcome in those spaces. But if you have a desk cluttering up your living room or bedroom, it may be time to rethink the space. If you still use a desktop computer, you need a permanent place for it, but if you've downsized to a portable laptop, you no longer need a bulky desk. There are plenty of places in your home where you can type and work that make a desk a waste of your space.

3. Entertainment Centers

Once upon a time, it seemed the grander the home, the grander the entertainment center. But with the invention of flat screen TVs and cloud-based programs, imposing entertainment centers have become obsolete in most homes. With instant streaming the new entertainment norm, you no longer need a separate slot for your DVR, DVD player, VCR, and all those other gadgets required to watch your favorite shows and movies. Instead, mount your television to the wall, and install shelving for the floating books and knicknacks your entertainment center previously held. Without the bulk of stacked cabinetry to work around, you can play with room arrangement and maximize your living space.

4. Dressers

For many people, this may be the most shocking item on the list. After all, most of us grew up with dressers in our bedrooms. You may not have realized it at the time, but that dresser was probably taking up valuable space. So, what about storing clothing and accessories? Hang shelves to make use of vertical space, or try organizing your bedroom closet so that it holds both hanging and folding items. You can even store seasonal items in plastic bins to maximize space and keep your wardrobe easy to navigate.

5. Bar Stools

These certainly aren't the largest items on the list, but they can get in the way quickly. The primary reason to keep bar stools in your kitchen or dining area is if you don't have a table where you can sit down to eat and stools are your only option.

Think about how many times you might trip over them or tell your kids to stop playing on them. How often are they moved out of the way for entertaining? And how comfortable are they really? Just because you have a bar, it doesn't mean you need to add stools and sit at it. Consider it a serving space instead!

Are you ready to bid farewell to cumbersome old furniture and lighten your space? Consider selling some of your items with EVERYTHING BUT THE HOUSE. We'll handle everything from photographing and listing your items in our online estate sale auctions to shipping them to their new homes. It's a win-win situation for you and your home!

[ebthblog]

Why White Elephant Parties Need a Makeover

Families, friends and coworkers face an annual gifting challenge during the winter holidays. Gifts are a big part of the holiday season, but gift-giving in a group setting can be hard to navigate. Some people see white elephant exchanges as the ideal solution to this issue, but not everyone is so thrilled by the idea. A white elephant exchange isn't a terrible idea, but it could use a little work to transform into a truly enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Different Definitions Creates Conflicting Gifts

One major issue with white elephant gift exchanges is that people have different ideas of what they're all about. For many people, a white elephant party means giving the silliest and most useless gift they can find, while others see it as an opportunity to re-gift something they don't want. This usually means that gift quality varies wildly during white elephant exchanges, and that can make things awkward when guests are able to "steal" gifts from each other.

While the "stealing" element of white elephant exchanges does add some drama and raises the stakes it can lead to conflict. Some people feel really happy with the gift they get, and can become genuinely disappointed when someone steals it from them. Gift-giving is supposed to be fun, but when a gift exchange creates disappointment, it can really put a damper on the event. Imagine unwrapping a $50 grocery gift card only to have someone steal it from you, leaving you with a mug shaped like a toilet. Even the most mature and unshakeable folks will see that as a bum deal.

Unwanted Gifts Create Clutter

Aside from the sting of missing out on something good, leaving a white elephant party with an unwanted gift means that you'll likely donate or sell it to avoid having it clutter up your home. Most people don't want to just throw something away after it's been gifted to them, even if it's something they definitely don't want and will never use. The best gifts are useful and personal, and with a white elephant exchange, there's just no guarantee that you'll end up with something that fits either criterion. The gifts themselves are a symbol for the white elephant concept ―  they're fun in the moment, but ultimately not very fulfilling.

Making White Elephant Better

Due to the potentially competitive nature of a white elephant party, it's usually best to keep the guest list limited to groups of people who like each other and can move on easily from any perceived slights. If your coworkers get along well and won't hold a grudge over a "stolen" gift, this could be a fun way to do a gift exchange. But think carefully about whether the exchange could cause tension. When in doubt, you can opt for a Secret Santa exchange instead.

You can also improve the event by setting a few clear, easy rules — no "gag" gifts that'll just sit around and collect dust once the party's over. Ask people to choose something used and useful, like a unique kitchen gadget in good working order or a beautiful vintage ornament. It can be helpful to institute a price limit of $25. When the white elephant focuses on used gifts, this budget should be easy to stick to. The "stealing" part of the exchange is one of the main things that make the white elephant gifting unique, and if everyone sticks to the rules and gets something nice, competition may not be so stiff.

Estate sales are great places to find inexpensive and unexpected items that can become the must-have gifts at your white elephant party. Browse the unique estate sale auction listings at EVERYTHING BUT THE HOUSE to discover the perfect item to delight your friends, family members, or coworkers at your holiday gift exchange this year!