Are you looking for a way to increase your income and declutter your home at the same time?
Selling unwanted items around your house can be a practical and rewarding solution. Not only does it help you get rid of things you no longer need, but it also provides an opportunity to make extra cash.
This post will guide you through the process of making money by selling unwanted items around your home. You’ll learn about the benefits of decluttering, how to get started, and the best platforms for selling your items. We’ll also cover tips for successful selling, maximizing your earnings, and ensuring safe transactions. Additionally, we’ll discuss dealing with unsold items. This post concludes with a recap, further reading, and a FAQ section.
Affiliate Disclaimer: I’m an affiliate of Wealthy Affiliate, Jaaxy, Fiverr and Poshmark meaning I may earn a commission if you use their service through my links, at no cost to you.
Table of Contents
- Benefits of Selling Unwanted Items
- Getting Started
- Where to Sell Your Items
- Tips for Successful Selling
- Maximizing Your Earnings
- Safety Tips for Selling
- Dealing with Unsold Items
- Conclusion
- Further Reading
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Benefits of Selling Unwanted Items
Selling your unwanted items offers numerous benefits. Financially, it can significantly boost your income, especially when you need extra money. This can help cover unexpected expenses, pay debt, or fund a special purchase or vacation. Additionally, selling items you no longer use promotes sustainability by giving them a new life to someone who needs them.
How Decluttering Can Improve Your Living Space and Financial Situation:
Decluttering your home frees up physical space and has psychological benefits. A tidy, organized living space can reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Learn More: Mental Health Benefits of Decluttering
Here are some key benefits:
- Reduces Stress and Anxiety
- A cluttered environment can create feelings of stress and anxiety. Decluttering can create a more peaceful and organized space, which helps to reduce these negative emotions.
- Enhances Focus and Productivity
- An organized space can help improve your focus and productivity. When your environment is free of distractions, it’s easier to concentrate on tasks and work more efficiently.
- Improves Mood
- Decluttering can lead to a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Completing the task can boost your mood and overall sense of well-being.
- Promotes Better Sleep
- A tidy and clutter-free bedroom can contribute to better sleep quality. Removing unnecessary items from your sleep environment can create a more calming and restful atmosphere.
- Encourages a Sense of Control
- Taking control of your physical space can translate to a greater sense of control over your life. This empowerment can positively impact your mental health and overall outlook.
- Reduces Depression
- Studies have shown that a cluttered home can be linked to higher levels of depression. By decluttering, you can help alleviate some of these feelings and create a more positive living environment.
Integrating decluttering into your routine can profoundly benefit your mental health, making it a worthwhile activity for your living space and well-being.
Financially, decluttering can lead to better financial habits. By selling items you no longer need, you can practice mindful consumption, ensuring you only keep and buy what truly adds value to your life. This can lead to more thoughtful spending and saving habits, ultimately improving your financial health.
Learn More: Selling a Deceased Family Member’s Items:
[ I lost my mom in December of 2022. My family is 3,000 miles away, and I had to go through the house and try and figure out what to do with it all myself. I’m still in the process, but I wanted to add a section in this post about how to get started; that was the hardest part for me. If you are in a similar situation, I hope this helps, and I’m sorry for your loss]
Dealing with the belongings of a deceased family member can be emotionally challenging. However, selling these items can also be a practical way to honor their memory while decluttering and making some extra money.
Here are some tips to help you get started and navigate this sensitive process:
Getting Started
- Take Your Time: Grieving is a personal process, and it’s important to give yourself time before diving into sorting through your loved one’s belongings.
- Gather Support: Enlist the help of family members or friends. Their support can make the process less overwhelming and provide emotional comfort.
- Organize Items: Start by organizing items into categories such as keep, sell, donate, and discard. This can help you tackle the task more efficiently.
Tips for Selling:
- Document and Research: Take photos and document items with significant value. Research their worth online to set realistic prices.
- Estate Sales: Consider hosting an estate sale. This can effectively sell many items quickly and attract buyers interested in purchasing various household goods.
- Professional Help: If you feel overwhelmed or unsure about the value of certain items, hire a professional appraiser or estate sale company. They can provide expertise and handle the sale process for you.
- Online Marketplaces: Use platforms like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace to reach a wider audience. To attract buyers, provide detailed descriptions and clear photos.
- Local Consignment Shops: Consider local consignment shops for high-value or specialized items. They can sell the items on your behalf and take a commission on the sale.
Helpful Hints:
- Sentimental Items: Keep a few sentimental items that hold special memories. It’s okay to hold onto things that bring comfort.
- Donate Thoughtfully: Unsold items can be donated to charities or given to friends and family who may appreciate them.
- Emotional Wellbeing: Take breaks and allow yourself to process emotions. It’s normal to feel a range of emotions during this process.
- Stay Organized: Keep detailed records of what you’ve sold and donated. This can help you keep track of your progress and provide a sense of accomplishment.
By approaching this task with care and consideration, you can turn a difficult process into a meaningful opportunity to honor your loved one’s memory while also benefitting from the sale of their items.
Getting Started
Assessing Your Items: Determining What to Keep, Sell, or Donate:
The first step in selling unwanted items is to assess what you have. This process involves sorting your belongings and deciding what to keep, sell, or donate.
Here’s how you can approach it:
- Categorize Your Items: Go through each room in your home and categorize your items into three groups: keep, sell, and donate. Be honest about what you use and need.
- Evaluate Condition: Check the condition of each item. Items in good condition are ideal for selling, while worn-out or broken items might be better donated or discarded.
- Sentimental Value: Consider each item’s sentimental value. If something holds significant emotional value, it might be worth keeping, even if it’s not used frequently.
- Marketability: Consider the marketability of your items. Popular items for selling include electronics, clothing, furniture, and collectibles. Items in high demand can fetch better prices.
Gathering Tools and Supplies: Camera, Packaging Materials, and Pricing Tools:
Once you’ve decided what to sell, the next step is to gather the necessary tools and supplies to make the selling process smooth and efficient:
- Camera: A good quality camera or smartphone with a high-resolution camera is essential for taking clear, attractive photos of your items. Good photos can make a significant difference in attracting buyers.
- Packaging Materials: Gather packaging materials such as boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and shipping labels. Proper packaging ensures your items arrive safely at their destination.
- Pricing Tools: Research similar items online to determine fair pricing. Use platforms like eBay, Craigslist, and Poshmark to see what similar items are selling for. Tools like price-checking websites and apps can also help you set competitive prices.
- Cleaning Supplies: Ensure your items are clean and presentable. Cleaning products like wipes, cloths, and mild cleaners can help make your items look their best.
- Measuring Tape: Accurate measurements can be crucial, especially for items like furniture or clothing. Providing measurements in your listings can help potential buyers make informed decisions.
By carefully assessing your items and gathering the necessary tools and supplies, you can prepare for a successful and efficient selling process.
What Can I Sell Around My House to Make Money?
Baby Items:
- Strollers: Popular brands and models can fetch good prices.
- Pack n Plays: Useful for parents on the go or with limited space.
- Clothes and Toys: Baby clothes should be in good condition, and gently used toys are always in demand.
- High Chairs and Baby Swings: Essential items for new parents.
- Cribs and Baby Gates: Larger items that can bring in more money.
Children’s Clothes and Toys:
- Clothing: Gently used clothes, especially from well-known brands.
- Toys: Popular and educational toys, especially those in good condition.
Furniture:
- Living Room Furniture: Sofas, coffee tables, and entertainment centers.
- Bedroom Furniture: Beds, dressers, and nightstands.
- Office Furniture: Desks, chairs, and storage units.
Kitchen Gadgets and Appliances:
- Small Appliances: Blenders, mixers, coffee makers.
- Cookware: Pots, pans, and bakeware.
- Gadgets: Specialty kitchen tools and gadgets.
Fitness Equipment:
- Exercise Machines: Treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes.
- Free Weights and Dumbbells: Popular for home fitness enthusiasts.
- Yoga and Exercise Mats: Useful for various types of workouts.
Lawn and Garden Equipment:
- Lawnmowers: Both push and riding mowers.
- Garden Tools: Shovels, rakes, and pruners.
- Outdoor Furniture: Patio sets, grills, and garden decorations.
Old Cellphones:
- Smartphones: Especially those from popular brands like Apple and Samsung.
- Accessories: Chargers, cases, and other related items.
Old Computers, Tablets, and eBook Readers:
- Laptops and Desktops: Even older models can be refurbished or used for parts.
- Tablets and eReaders: Devices like iPads and Kindles are still in demand.
- Computer Accessories: Keyboards, mice, and external hard drives.
Identifying and selling unwanted items can generate cash while decluttering your home. This approach improves your living space and provides financial benefits.
Where to Sell Your Items
Local Buy-and-Sell Groups:
- Benefits of Selling Locally
- Convenience: Selling locally eliminates the need for shipping, saving time and money.
- Quick Sales: Local buyers can pick up items quickly, leading to faster sales.
- Community Engagement: Engaging with your local community can build trust and foster repeat business.
- How to Find and Join Local Groups:
- Social Media Platforms: Use platforms like Facebook to find local buy-and-sell groups. Search for groups specific to your city or neighborhood.
- Community Boards: Check local community boards online and offline for buy-and-sell opportunities.
- Apps and Websites: Use apps like Nextdoor, which connect neighbors and facilitate local buying and selling.
- Local radio station: We have a segment called “Swap Shop” every morning; people can call in to buy, sell, and trade.
Craigslist:
How to Create Effective Listings:
- Detailed Descriptions: Write clear and detailed descriptions of your items. Include information about the condition, size, brand, and any unique features.
- High-Quality Photos: Use well-lit, high-resolution photos from multiple angles to showcase your items.
- Competitive Pricing: Research similar items on Craigslist to set a competitive price. Consider offering bundle deals for multiple items.
Safety Tips for Meeting Buyers:
- Meet in Public Places: Arrange to meet buyers in well-lit public locations like coffee shops or community centers.
- Bring a Friend: Bring a friend or family member whenever possible for added safety.
- Secure Payment Methods: Opt for cash transactions or use secure payment methods like PayPal. Avoid accepting checks from unknown buyers.
Poshmark:
Best Items to Sell on Poshmark:
- Clothing: New or gently used clothing, especially branded items, sells well on Poshmark.
- Accessories: Handbags, shoes, and jewelry are popular on the platform.
- Home Goods: Small home decor items and accessories also find a market on Poshmark.
How to Create Attractive Listings:
- Styling: Style your items to show them in the best light. For clothing and accessories, use mannequins or flatlays.
- Detailed Descriptions: Include brand, size, condition, and any flaws in your descriptions. Honesty builds trust with buyers.
- Engagement: Engage with the Poshmark community by following other users, sharing listings, and participating in Poshmark parties.
Shipping Tips and Cost Considerations:
- Prepaid Shipping Labels: Poshmark provides prepaid shipping labels, making it easy to send items to buyers.
- Weight Considerations: Ensure your items are within the weight limit for Poshmark shipping. If not, adjust your pricing to account for additional shipping costs.
- Secure Packaging: Use sturdy packaging materials to protect items during transit. Include a thank-you note to enhance the buyer’s experience.
Facebook Marketplace:
Advantages of Using Facebook Marketplace:
- Large Audience: Facebook Marketplace reaches a vast audience, increasing the visibility of your listings.
- Ease of Use: The platform integrates with your existing Facebook account, making listing items and communicating with buyers easy.
- No Fees: Unlike other platforms, Facebook Marketplace does not charge listing or selling fees.
Tips for Reaching a Wider Audience
- Detailed Listings: Include comprehensive details and multiple high-quality photos in your listings.
- Use Keywords: Use relevant keywords in your titles and descriptions to make your items easier to find.
- Share in Groups: To increase visibility, share your Marketplace listings in local buy-and-sell groups and on your personal Facebook page.
By choosing the right platforms and following these tips, you can effectively sell unwanted items, declutter your home, and boost your income.
Tips for Successful Selling
Taking Quality Photos:
Importance of Good Lighting and Clean Backgrounds:
- Lighting: Ensure your photos are well-lit to show the item’s details clearly. Natural light is often the best choice, but if that’s not available, use bright, consistent artificial light.
- Backgrounds: Use clean, uncluttered backgrounds to keep the focus on the item. A plain white or neutral-colored background works best.
How to Showcase Your Items Effectively:
- Multiple Angles: Take photos from various angles to give potential buyers a complete view of the item.
- Close-Ups: Include close-up shots of unique features, brand labels, and flaws to provide full transparency.
- Contextual Photos: Show the item in context, such as clothing on a mannequin or furniture in a room, to help buyers visualize its use.
Writing Clear and Compelling Descriptions:
What Details to Include
- Basic Information: Include the item’s brand, size, dimensions, material, and condition.
- Usage: Mention how often the item was used and for what purpose, if relevant.
- Special Features: Highlight any unique features or benefits that set the item apart.
How to Highlight Key Features and Conditions:
- Honesty: Be honest about the item’s condition, including wear and tear. Transparency builds trust with buyers.
- Keywords: Use relevant keywords that buyers might use in their search queries to improve the visibility of your listing.
- Format: Use bullet points or short paragraphs to make the description easy to read.
Pricing Your Items:
Researching Market Value
- Comparable Listings: Check similar items on your platform to see how they are priced.
- Condition Consideration: Adjust your price based on the condition of your item compared to others.
Setting Competitive Prices
- Fair Pricing: Set a price that reflects the item’s value while remaining competitive. Too high, and it might not sell; too low, and you might not get what it’s worth.
- Flexibility: Consider allowing room for negotiation or offering bundle deals for multiple items to attract more buyers.
Managing Listings:
Keeping Your Listings Updated
- Availability: Regularly update your listings to reflect availability and any price changes.
- Relevance: Remove listings for items that have been sold to keep your profile professional and trustworthy.
Renewing and Reposting for Visibility
- Renewal: On platforms that organize listings by date, like Craigslist, renew your listings periodically to keep them visible.
- Reposting: If your item hasn’t sold after a while, consider reposting it with updated photos and a refreshed description to attract new interest.
By following these tips, you can enhance the appeal of your listings, attract more potential buyers, and increase your chances of successful sales.
Maximizing Your Earnings
Offering Discounts and Bundles:
Encouraging Buyers to Purchase More:
- Bundle Deals: Combine related items and offer them at a discounted price to incentivize buyers to purchase more.
- Discount Offers: Provide limited-time discounts to create urgency and attract buyers.
Timing Your Sales:
Understanding Seasonal Demand:
- Holiday Seasons: Recognize that certain times of the year, like holidays, have higher demand for specific items, such as gifts, decorations, or seasonal clothing.
- Back-to-School and New Year: Target periods like back-to-school season or the New Year for items related to these events.
Planning for Peak Selling Times:
- Weekend Sales: Schedule listings to go live on weekends when more people browse and shop.
- Special Events: Use special events or local community sales to increase visibility and attract buyers.
Safety Tips for Selling
Meeting Buyers Safely:
Choosing Safe Locations:
- Public Places: Arrange to meet buyers in well-lit, busy public places such as coffee shops, shopping malls, or police station parking lots.
- Daytime Meetings: Schedule meetings during the day when more people are around and visibility is better.
Bringing a Friend or Family Member:
- Additional Safety: Bring someone with you for added safety and support during the transaction.
- Informing Others: If you must go alone, inform a friend or family member about the meeting details, including the location and time.
Handling Payments:
Preferred Payment Methods:
- Cash Transactions: Cash is often the safest and simplest method for local transactions. Ensure you receive the exact amount.
- Digital Payments: Use trusted digital payment methods like PayPal or Venmo for secure transactions.
Avoiding Scams and Fraud:
- Verification: Verify the buyer’s identity before the meeting. Be cautious if the buyer seems too eager or their profile looks suspicious.
- Payment Confirmation: For digital payments, ensure the payment is confirmed and transferred to your account before handing over the item.
- Scam Awareness: Be aware of common scams, such as fake payment confirmations or requests for personal information.
Dealing with Unsold Items
Are There People Who Will Sell My Stuff for Me?
Professional Sellers:
- Consignment Shops: These shops sell your items on your behalf and take a percentage of the sale price. They are great for clothing, accessories, and home decor.
- Online Consignment Services: Websites like ThredUp or The RealReal specialize in selling secondhand clothing and accessories. You send your items to them, and they handle the listing, selling, and shipping processes.
- Estate Sale Companies: If you have many items, an estate sale company can manage and sell them for you, typically taking a commission on sales.
Freelance Sellers
- Virtual Assistants: Some virtual assistants offer services to manage online listings and sales on platforms like eBay, Poshmark, and Facebook Marketplace.
- Local Resellers: You can hire individuals or businesses specializing in buying and reselling items. They may buy your items upfront or sell them on consignment.
Options for Unsold Items:
Donating to Charity:
- Local Charities: Identify local charities or thrift stores that accept donations. This can be a great way to give back to your community.
- Tax Deductions: Keep receipts from donations, as these can often be used for tax deductions.
- Charity Drives: Look for community charity drives or events where you can donate many items at once.
Recycling or Repurposing:
- Recycling Centers: Check local recycling centers for items that can be recycled. Electronics, metals, and certain plastics are often accepted.
- Creative Repurposing: Think creatively about how you can repurpose unsold items. Old clothes, for example, can be turned into cleaning rags or craft materials.
- Upcycling: Consider upcycling projects where old items are transformed into new, useful products. This can be a fun and eco-friendly way to deal with items that didn’t sell.
By considering these options, you can ensure that your unsold items are still put to good use, whether through donation, recycling, or creative repurposing. This approach helps reduce waste and supports community and environmental efforts.
Additional resources for sellers:
Online Marketplaces:
- Poshmark: A social commerce platform where you can buy and sell fashion items and accessories.
- Poshmark
- Affiliate Disclaimer: I’m an affiliate of Poshmark, meaning I may earn a commission if you use their services through my links.
- Poshmark
- eBay: A global marketplace allowing you to auction or sell items at a fixed price.
- OfferUp: A mobile-focused marketplace for local buyers and sellers.
- Decluttr: Specializes in buying used tech, including phones, tablets, and game consoles.
Donation and Recycling:
- Goodwill: Accepts a wide range of items for donation, helping you declutter while supporting community programs.
- Salvation Army: Offers free pick-up services for donations, making it easy to donate larger items.
- Best Buy Recycling: Best Buy offers recycling services for electronics and appliances.
- Best Buy
- Trade-In Program
- Haul Away & Recycling
- Best Buy
Price Evaluation Tools:
- Terapeak: An eBay tool that helps you research the market and determine the best pricing for your items.
- Google Shopping: Use Google Shopping to compare prices and see how similar items are being sold.
Photography Tips:
- Canva: A free tool to create high-quality images for your listings.
- Snapseed: A powerful photo editing app by Google that enhances your item photos.
Shipping and Packaging:
- ShipStation: Helps manage and automate your shipping process.
- Uline: Provides a wide range of shipping supplies, including boxes, tape, and bubble wrap.
Consider your goals and budget when searching for tools and resources.
Conclusion
Selling unwanted items around your home can be a practical and rewarding way to declutter your space and earn extra income.
Recap:
- Getting Started: Assess your items, gather necessary tools, and decide what to keep, sell, or donate.
- Where to Sell Your Items: For the best results, use local buy-and-sell groups, Craigslist, Poshmark, and Facebook Marketplace.
- Tips for Successful Selling: Take quality photos, write clear descriptions, price your items competitively, and manage your listings effectively.
- Maximizing Your Earnings: Offer discounts and bundles, and time your sales to coincide with peak demand periods.
- Safety Tips for Selling: Meet buyers in safe locations, bring a friend or family member, and handle payments securely.
- Dealing with Unsold Items: Consider donating, recycling, or repurposing unsold items.
- Selling Deceased Family Member’s Items: Approach this sensitive task carefully, seek help, and organize items thoughtfully.
Remember, the key to successful selling is preparation and presentation. By staying organized, setting realistic prices, and following the tips outlined in this guide, you can make the process smooth and profitable.
Share Your Journey and Tips:
We would love to hear about your experiences and any tips you have to share! Have you successfully sold unwanted items around your home? What challenges have you faced, and what successes have you celebrated? Your insights can inspire and help others in the community. Share your stories, tips, and advice in the comments below.
Further Reading
- Explore relevant sections in the Affiliate Marketing Category or search by Topic!
Affiliate marketing can seamlessly integrate into your activities of selling unwanted items around your home to create additional income streams:
- Blog Posts About Decluttering and Selling: Write blog posts about your decluttering journey, tips for selling items, and how to get the best prices. Include affiliate links to platforms like eBay, Poshmark, or Amazon for selling supplies.
- Social Media Promotion: Share your selling experiences and tips on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Include affiliate links to products you use for organizing and packaging your items.
- YouTube Tutorials: Create video tutorials on YouTube about preparing items for sale, where to sell different types of items and tips for successful transactions. Include affiliate links to recommended selling platforms and supplies in your video descriptions.
- Online Courses: Offer online courses or webinars on successfully selling unwanted items, managing listings, and maximizing earnings. Include affiliate links to platforms and products mentioned in your lessons.
- Email Newsletters: Build an email list of your followers and send newsletters with selling tips, success stories, and recommendations. Include affiliate links to relevant products and resources.
- Dedicated Selling Website: Create a website dedicated to selling and decluttering tips. Add a resources page where you recommend tools and platforms for selling items, including affiliate links.
- Workshops and Webinars: Host workshops and webinars on effective selling strategies, organizing your home, and maximizing your sales. Share affiliate links to the tools and platforms you recommend during these sessions.
- Product Reviews: Write detailed reviews of selling platforms, packaging supplies, and organizational tools on your blog or website. Include affiliate links to the products you review.
- E-books and Guides: Publish e-books or guides on decluttering your home and selling unwanted items. Incorporate affiliate links to the tools and resources mentioned in your content.
Integrating affiliate marketing into your selling activities can help you create additional income streams while providing valuable resources to your audience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What are the best items to sell for quick cash?
A1: The best items to sell for quick cash include household items such as furniture, kitchen gadgets, fitness equipment, and lawn and garden tools. Baby items like strollers and toys, children’s clothes and toys, old cellphones, and old computers or tablets also tend to sell well.
Q2: How do I determine the right price for my items?
A2: To determine the right price for your items, research similar items on the platforms you plan to sell on. Look at both current listings and recently sold items to get an idea of their market value. When setting your prices, consider the condition, brand, and age of your items.
Q3: Where should I sell my unwanted items?
A3: There are several platforms you can use to sell your unwanted items, including:
- Local Buy-and-Sell Groups: Great for quick, local sales.
- Craigslist: Ideal for a wide range of items, especially larger ones.
- Poshmark: Best for clothing, shoes, and accessories.
- Facebook Marketplace: Useful for both local and wider sales.
- eBay and OfferUp: Good for reaching a broader audience and selling niche items.
Q4: What tools do I need to start selling my items?
A4: To get started, you’ll need a few basic tools and supplies:
- A camera or smartphone with a good camera to take quality photos.
- Packaging materials like boxes, bubble wrap, and tape.
- A computer or smartphone to create and manage listings.
- Pricing tools or apps to help you research and set competitive prices.
Q5: How can I ensure my safety when meeting buyers?
A5: To ensure your safety when meeting buyers:
- Choose public places for meetups, such as coffee shops or shopping centers.
- Bring a friend or family member with you.
- Avoid sharing personal information like your home address.
- Cash can be used as a payment method for local sales to avoid scams.
Q6: What should I do with items that don’t sell?
A6: For items that don’t sell, consider the following options:
- Donate to Charity: Organizations like Goodwill and the Salvation Army accept various items.
- Recycle: Recycle electronics and other materials at designated recycling centers.
- Repurpose: Get creative and find new uses for items around your home.
Q7: Can I hire someone to sell my items for me?
A7: Yes, consignment shops and online services will sell items on your behalf for a commission. This can be a convenient option if you have valuable items or many items to sell but don’t have the time to manage the sales yourself.
Q8: Are you looking for a legitimate place to learn affiliate marketing?
A8: Consider checking out Wealthy Affilaite ~ 100% FREE 7-Day Test Drive of the platform~ No Credit Card Required ~ You can Earn commissions as you Learn Affiliate Marketing, even as a Free Starter.
- (Affiliate Disclaimer: I am an affiliate of Wealthy Affiliate and base my recommendation on my positive experience as a member since 2013).
Thank You for Reading!
Have any thoughts or questions? I’d love to hear from you.
Drop a comment or reach out directly:
Website: Marketing with Kerri
Email: kerri.o@marketingwithkerri.com
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Until Next Time,
Kerri