You’ve probably heard the phrase “spring cleaning,” but have you ever thought about giving your home a thorough tidying up regardless of the season?
Cleaning isn’t just about maintaining hygiene. It’s an opportunity to clear out space, earn a little extra cash, and even support charitable causes with items you no longer need.
Throughout the year, there are those surprise expenses. Be it the December gift-giving frenzy that results in January budget blues, that unexpected vehicle maintenance bill, or an unplanned (yet joyful) journey to attend a buddy’s nuptials.
Such unpredictable expenses emerge, and garnering some additional funds by offloading unused items can be a practical solution.
Here are a few steps to consider during your clearing-out spree:
- Monetize Old Apparel.
Children outgrow clothing swiftly.
If you possess branded attire from labels like Gymboree, Gap, or Janie and Jack, try listing them on platforms like eBay. Particularly, late February to March is a prime window to offload spring and summer outfits for kids.
For other clothing, think consignment stores, or listing on Craigslist or Facebook. For professional wear that you’ve outgrown or simply stopped wearing, these channels can be beneficial too.
- Trade or Cash in Obsolete Electronics.
It’s common for homes to have a corner where outdated electronics lie dormant. Numerous platforms allow you to trade these in for a tidy sum.
Websites like Decluttr, Gazelle, SellShark.com, Buyback Boss, or BuyBack World are worth exploring. For more contemporary Apple products, eBay can fetch you a handsome amount.
- Monetize Miscellaneous Items.
Every household has an array of random items gathering dust.
That once “must-have” exercise bike now moonlights as a makeshift clothing rack, and old baby gates might be lying forgotten. List such items on Craigslist or local Facebook sale groups.
A proactive approach is to set a two-week deadline to sell these items, which pushes you to price them attractively.
- Liquidate Unused Gift Cards.
Found some gift cards during your cleaning spree? If you believe you won’t use them, they can be cashed in on platforms like eBay or through specialized services like Gift Card Granny. - Tackle Those Dormant Subscriptions.
Now’s a good moment to scrutinize recurring monthly expenses.
Check for dormant accounts or subscriptions that are siphoning funds without delivering value. It might be a forgotten gym membership or an extravagant cable subscription when your TV time is minimal.
Lastly, for items that might not sell but you’re keen to remove, think about donating them. Websites like thegivingeffect.com link donors to charities in need of gently used items or even food. So, as you declutter, also scan your pantry for items you might not consume in the upcoming weeks.
Take this opportunity to clear out, earn some money, or support a noble cause. You’ll relish the twin joy of a tidier home and a slightly heavier wallet.
