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Trimming down expenses on project supplies

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photography_laurie
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TRIMMING DOWN EXPENSES ON PROJECT SUPPLIES

Yeah, measuring twice is key. I learned the hard way—ordered way too much flooring because I panicked about running short. Ended up with boxes I can’t return. Has anyone tried selling leftovers online? Wondering if it’s worth the hassle or just more clutter.


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mochap36
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Ended up with boxes I can’t return. Has anyone tried selling leftovers online? Wondering if it’s worth the hassle or just more clutter.

I’ve actually sold extra tiles and wood planks a few times—Facebook Marketplace tends to move stuff faster than Craigslist, at least in my area. It’s not totally hassle-free, but it beats letting them sit in the garage. Just snap a couple photos, mention the brand and quantity, and price it a bit below retail. Sometimes contractors will grab leftovers for patch jobs. It’s not a goldmine, but it does clear space and you might recoup a bit.


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brian_joker
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Title: Trimming Down Expenses on Project Supplies

I hear you on the clutter. I’ve been guilty of letting leftover materials pile up “just in case” and before you know it, the garage looks like a mini supply warehouse. Selling online’s definitely better than tossing stuff, but I’ll admit—sometimes the back-and-forth with buyers gets old fast. Had one guy want to haggle over a half-box of grout like we were at an auction.

That said, I’ve had decent luck with bulk lots. If you’ve got several boxes, bundling them seems to attract more interest from small-time builders or DIYers than selling piecemeal. Sometimes local building supply stores will even take unopened stuff off your hands for a bit less than retail, though it depends on the manager’s mood that day.

Honestly, unless you’re short on time or patience, it’s worth at least trying to sell. Worst case, you’re out a few minutes taking photos and writing up a post... best case, you get cash and your garage floor back.


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I get the appeal of selling off leftovers, but honestly, I’ve found it’s not always worth the hassle. Like you said,

“sometimes the back-and-forth with buyers gets old fast.”
That’s been my experience too—especially when people want to negotiate over a few bucks or flake out last minute. For me, the time spent dealing with messages and no-shows is just as valuable as the cash I might get.

What’s worked better in my case is just planning projects more tightly from the start. I know it’s not always possible, but I’ve started keeping a running list of what I actually use versus what I *think* I’ll need. That’s helped cut down on the “just in case” stockpiling. If I do end up with extra, I’ll sometimes just give it away to neighbors or post it for free—gets it out of my space quick, and someone else benefits.

Maybe I’m just impatient, but sometimes the mental clarity of a clean garage is worth more than squeezing out a few bucks from leftovers.


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cgonzalez20
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Trimming Down Expenses On Project Supplies

That hits home—I've had my fair share of Craigslist tire-kickers who want to haggle over a half-used box of screws. The time sink just never felt worth it. I’ve started breaking down my supply lists by phase, which helps me avoid overbuying. Still, there’s always the odd leftover. Funny enough, last month I left a stack of plywood scraps at the curb and they vanished in an hour... sometimes that's just easier. I get the urge to recoup costs, but having a tidy workspace honestly saves me more stress in the long run.


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