What did I do with all this stuff?

Dear PropellerHeads: Dude, Santa HOOKED ME UP for Christmas, but I now have all this old crap taking up space where my new stuff should be. Any suggestions?

A: First suggestion - stop saying dude.

As for how to make room for all of your new stuff, it's always a good time for a bonfire, right? Actually, since your old stuff probably involves some electronics, pastel polyester clothing (it's not just me right?), and other items that may actually be of value, you should have a yard sale.

I know what you're thinking, and yes, it is a little too chilly to get foot traffic this time of year. While the traditional walk-up and haggle yard sale is always an option I'm thinking you ought to opt for a cyber-yard sale. There are lots of ways to get started, so I'll outline a few ways to get you rolling. First you need to get things separated into 3 categories: Items you can sell and mail, Items you need to sell locally, and Items for Goodwill.

Items you can sell and mail tend to be smaller items (or light ones) that there is a demand for somewhere, but that won't necessarily attract a ton of buyers in your area. They could also be items that may sell in your area, but are potentially of interest to a lot of people and you want to maximize your selling price. Cell phones, collectibles, small electronics, etc. are best sold on eBay (www.ebay.com), which is still the gold standard for online auctions. Registration is easy and there are apps that allow you to snap pics and upload listings from your cell phone in no time.

You can set a floor for what you'll accept, but most items get more attention with a starting bid of $0.99. Make sure you include multiple pictures, give a good description with proper spelling/punctuation/etc., and then watch the money roll in. Consider posting the ad so that it will be up for a few days and then end the auction around lunch time for your local time zone.

Good luck on your quest...you'll need it to get rid of that fuchsia leisure suit. What's that? That's one of the new items you're making room for? Play on, playa.

When the PropellerHeads at Data Directions aren't busy with their IT projects, they love to answer questions on business or consumer technology. Email them to questions@askthepropellerheads.com or contact us at Data Directions Inc., 8510 Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23116. Visit our website at www.askthepropellerheads.com.