I’m trying very hard to get us out of debt without claiming bankruptcy

The Question:

We are a family of in significant debt (38K). For the past two months, I have been going through my house trying to sell items on eBay and FB. In addition, I collect/sell random free items I find.  The problem is, even though they are decent quality items, nothing is selling. I have sold about four things and made $12.  Granted, that’s $12 more than I had, but my house is starting to look like a hoarder’s house.

We have a two bedroom condo for four people, and it is becoming very cluttered. Both my son and I struggle with ADHD, depression and anxiety and it’s causing a lot of stress. I’m tempted to just pack everything up and give it away because I’m so stressed out, but I feel very guilty. I’m trying very hard to get us out of debt without claiming bankruptcy.

The clutter has gotten to the point where I can’t even think clearly daily to get simple tasks done. If I added the total price of everything, it would be under $300.  Because it’s a condo, I’m not allowed to have a garage sale.  I’m thinking $300 isn’t worth my mental health, but maybe I’m giving up too easy?

If we had a basement, I would just put everything down there and not worry about it, but we don’t. We have no storage and no extra space. Thoughts?

What did people say?

⇒ Stephanie: Honestly, I would donate if you can and make sure you get a forum or reciept and claim on taxes if you can. You do what's best for your mental health and just remember you don't have to do it all at once. I take one load to the good will every month or so and that alone makes me feel SO much better.

⇒ Aliyah: Toss it. You'll feel better.

⇒ Kayla: Recently I got rid of 1/4 of my household belonging. Things I found thrift shopping, picked up on the buy nothing, things I purchased with the intent to use. And they sat. We are in 1100sq foot, and my three bedrooms were too full. And I just started small to being with. Like I filled a box a week. And made little progress, then it wasn’t progressing fast enough so I purged my house, closet by closet, bin by bin. And now I’ve just purchased a home in a different state and I plan to purge again because I don’t want to move it. I donated all my things because the small amount of money along with having to deal with the “is this still available” nonsense wasn’t worth it to me. I just took it as a loss and a learning opportunity. Mental health is way better than anything I can purchase anyway, and I’m the type to become super overstimulated quickly. So this was my way of winning.

⇒ April: $300 isn't worth the amount of stress I am reading in your post. You can box it up and breathe again.

Declaring bankruptcy isn't the worst thing in the world, a restructuring of your debt could be a godsend.

Good luck.

⇒ Heidi: It will feel so good to have it gone. Just pack it up and donate.

⇒ Bhavani: Mental health is priceless; if the clutter is wearing you down, get rid of it- even if you have to give it away - so that you can find your peace of mind to find your way back to financial stability. You’re not going to get out of debt by selling these item.

⇒ Judy: Look into Consumer Credit Counseling Services. They will restructure all of your payments, get interest rates reduced or done away with, and within four years you will be debt free, making only one payment per month. It's a 25 buck fee initially and then 5 bucks a month for postage (I used them twice). If you can avoid bankruptcy, it's wise to do so. As far as raising money off of your possessions, try listing individual items on Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure to meet in a neutral location to keep your home environment safe. Those that post "porch pickup" are playing a dangerous game.

⇒ Flora: Just get rid of the clutter. Once you feel better and can think clearer, you can then figure out what to do with your finances. I started minimalism journey because I was at the lowest of my life, and I am still decluttering as a way to check in with my mental health (make rooms for people and things that I truly love). Your house is a manifestation of your mind. Some people like to declutter one room at a time, some like to just pack everything and donate, whatever works for you. The potential $300 is not worthy of worsening your or your family's mental health. Sending you hugs.

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