If you’re looking to make a little extra cash, and clean up your home in the process, this is the post for you.
Here are 10 things you can declutter from your home, and give a new life to in a new home while making a few dollars.
Books. Books take up precious room on a shelf and if they aren’t favorites, not something you would read again, or something you haven’t read yet even though you were sure you would once upon a time (but now you know you won’t), sell them! Now books don’t have a great resale value, so remember that for next time, but they are a good place to start decluttering.
Wall Decor. If you don’t love it, list it.
Dishes and Kitchen Appliances. Would it shock you if I told you we don’t own a microwave or a toaster? Well, it’s true. We’ve been microwave free for over a decade, and haven’t had a toaster for a while now.
Instant Pot Duo Size Comparison 3 vs. 6 vs. 8 quartThis works for us, but you need to figure out what works for you. What can you do without? I realized I never used my apple cutter, as I prefer using a knife. Yep, the same knife I use for everything else, so why keep an apple cutter? It went to the sale bin. I like getting new to me thrifted dishes occasionally, so that means occasionally I need to purge the older ones to make room for new ones. This past year I learned I really didn’t need even half of what I had, and I was actually happier to have more room between the dishes that were left on the shelves once I cleared some out. The majority of our drinking glasses are mason jars, so they can be used for storing food as well. Multipurpose is key. I have also sold off the majority of our pans. I really just use the same 3 pans over and over, so no need to keep extras on hand. My Instant Pots on the other hand, I have three of those and use them often, so no need to declutter those yet.
Hobby Stuff. This is general, but I bet you totally know what I mean. Are you a golfer with more golf stuff than you really need? Pick a price and let some of it go. How about a crafter with enough ribbon to cover 10,000 Christmas trees? Sell some. Men, in particular, tend to realize around age 40-60 that they own way more tools than they need, mostly duplicates to indestructible tools that won’t ever need to be replaced anyway. That stuff can be sold. Power tools, hand tools, just list ‘em. I once thought I’d be designing a bunch of baseball hats because I found them on a clearance shelf. I should’ve left them there because I still have them and need to get them moved out of here!
Clothing. Clothing is tricky, even if you have designer labels. It’s just tough to sell, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t still give it a try! Most of us are due to purge our closets anyway. Try to sell the great stuff, donate what doesn’t sell, and pitch the pilled/holey stuff (actually some places take these misfits to be recycled).
Furniture. Now I know you’re thinking you don’t have any extra furniture, but I bet you actually do. Nightstands in a spare bedroom? Extra side chairs, folding chairs you never use, a basement couch, side tables, bookshelves, etc. It’s there, you just need to go looking. If you aren’t using it often and find yourself cleaning around it becomes a chore, it’s time to let it go.
Outdoor Furniture. In my area, you have to cash in on this just as spring is hitting, or before the first cold day of fall comes. If you have outdoor furniture to sell, I bet there is a buyer out there.
Board Games. We LOVE board games in this house, but even still, we don’t have the space to keep them all (we’ve acquired a lot of great games over the years). Every year or two we go through our stash and let the kids pick some to sell to make room for new ones. The old games get a new life, and we get more shelf space for newer games.
Jewelry. I used to collect A LOT of thrifted jewelry. I recently went super minimal with my jewelry and it feels SO good. It’s just a new stage that I’m embracing. Maybe your thing is baseball hats, or other accessories. Identify it, evaluate it, and list it!
Old Devices. Do you have old phones lying around? Many parents like using these as tablets for their children. They don’t need to even connect a service plan to it, as long as they have wifi. They’re also great for downloading audiobooks to listen to on the go.
Tip: If you’re selling online try to take pictures of your items near a window or in excellent lighting with a clean background. I recognize this can’t always be achieved, but do your best. Keep your descriptions short and accurate.
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