Turn Clutter Into Cash

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According to a recent survey, the average U.S. household contains 52 unused or unnecessary items, worth an average of $3,100. So, why don’t you sell the space hogs and free up some cash? No matter how much you spent on an item, if it’s unused, it’s of no value to you. Why not recoup a fraction of the price tag and let the regret and guilt go?

Do your homework on E-bay and see what your item is worth there. Click on the advanced search link and check the “completed items” box to see what your item has been selling for in the last 30 days. This is the best measure of what your item is currently worth. Those numbers do change depending on many factors, like the time of year, number of like items available during that time, etc.

At buymytronics.com, you can check the value of your I-pod, cell phone, laptop, game console, digital camera, PDA or camcorder. This site buys from you, the shipping is free, and their prices are fair—better than some of their competitors.

College textbooks? Try webuytextbooks.com.

Craigslist.org is always a great way to go. This site gains thousands of users every day. My sister sold her living room furniture and toddlers’ bedroom furniture within 24 hours on craigslist. I’ve had similar success with furniture.

Cleaned out your closet lately? There is money in used clothing in very good condition. I can consign clothes for you at Rags consignment store in Boulder. It must be current women’s fashion, in season (spring and summer right now), and in excellent condition—no signs of heavy wear or stains. They do not accept discount brands from Target, Kohl’s, Penney’s, Old Navy and such. If you have stuff that’s a little more “vintage”, Rockin’ Robin in Niwot will consign by appointment and Robin is a blast to work with.

And if you have Stuff that needs to go to the right user and you just want it gone, like a computer monitor, an old vacuum cleaner or a sofa, try freecycle.   It’s a wonderful site for exchanging all manner of stuff for free.

These are just a few resources. If you know of others, please write me and I’ll share your ideas.

De-cluttering can also serve a humanitarian purpose— there is no time in our lives when we have needed to come together like the present. I target some donations to shelters that are providing immediate assistance to those who have lost everything. My general donates still go to the Salvation Army, which does incredible work with the homeless and addicted. Donating helps your bottom line at tax time, of course, as well.