One woman's trash is another woman's treasure. If you have the time and the patience, sell your big-ticket items and put the proceeds toward new fabric and furniture!

Appraisals

If you suspect that you have valuable furniture, paintings, china, silver, or crystal, ask a local auction house if it does free appraisals. If not, hire a professional (www.appraisers.org) or call a reputable dealer to assess your possessions.  
Online Auctions: Ways to Get the Most for Your Items
 
www.eBay.com or other online auction services let you turn your home into a virtual thrift shop. But you have to spend a lot of time writing descriptions, uploading pictures, arranging payment, and shipping items. Also check out www.auctiondawg.com or www.half.com; www.missionfish.com donates a percentage of your sale to a nonprofit of your choice.  
Classifieds: Ways to Get the Most for Your Items
 
Advertise in your local newspapers or trading "rags." To reduce the time spent responding to calls, scheduling appointments, and bargaining, consider selling your goods as a lot.  
Consignment: Ways to Get the Most for Your Items
 
Advertise in your local newspapers or trading "rags." To reduce the time spent responding to calls, scheduling appointments, and bargaining, consider selling your goods as a lot.  
Tag Sales: Ways to Get the Most for Your Items
 
Hold a tag sale for the fun of hanging out with the kids and neighbors—but not for convenience or easy cash.