Gain Both Comfort and Cash When You Declutter – Decluttering Series #11

Why Declutter

If you have moved to a different residence a time or two in your life, you are probably familiar with how easy it is to accumulate stuff. It is common for people to say they will never again have so much stuff, only to find themselves in the same position a few years down the line when they are ready to move again. It can be incredibly frustrating to have to move things you do not use or need any longer and feel closed-in by your clutter.

On the other hand, if you have lived in the same home for many years, you might not have noticed how much clutter you have collected because it happened so gradually. Downsizing some of your items, decluttering, and organizing can lead to a more comfortable and less stressful home. You can also gain quite a bit of cash during this process. Selling the things you no longer use can add up to a pretty penny if you know how to do it strategically.

Study: Today’s families are prisoners of their own clutter

While I wrote in previous decluttering series blog posts about getting rid of things as quickly as possible, a well-planned sale of stuff you do not use can be cleansing and profitable. If you could use a little extra cash, then sell some things. If you are not strapped for cash, then give things away quickly to get them out of the house. Read on to learn some ways to gain both comfort and cash when you declutter your home.

Start With the Storage Areas

Where do you keep most of the things you own, but no longer use: in the basement, attic, garage, shed, storage unit or closet? Storage bins are also treasure troves of long-forgotten items that may hold some value. Gathering everything you can find in these out of sight, out of mind places could be a huge gain when sold at a garage sale. So, when you declutter and set aside the things you no longer use, they might fetch a decent price.

Dump Your Drawers

Drawers often have extra items that do not belong because let’s face it; you do not always know what to do with every little thing you bring into your home. Within those extra items, there are bound to be products you never used, no longer need, or just do not want anymore. When you declutter, set up a tchotchke box for those items. Only put back into the drawers what you want to keep. At another time, sort through them, putting them into categories. I will discuss this in the decluttering series finale.

Clear Plastic (Tchotchke)
Organizer Drawers

Check Out the Kitchen

Dig through your cupboards to see what kinds of finds are hiding. Specifically look at the bottom back of the cabinets. You might discover gadgets or pieces that were not handy or needed, but that a serious baker or collector would love. I found a goldmine in

A goldmine of grandma’s old silver was in mine. I forgot it was there because it had been so long since I went through everything. There was also antique Tupperware^® that was in great shape! I cannot wait for this last go-around. I have the silver to sell and a lot of sharp knives, silverware, and great kitchen items people are sure to love.

Sort Through Your Clothing

Clothes can be worth money if they are in good shape and are a coveted brand name. Even items without designer labels can add up to a bit of cash if you have a lot to sell. Places like consignment shops, online swap sites or even yard sales are suitable for selling clothing. Again, eBay and Craigslist are also options, but selling this way could be more time-consuming. You have to decide what is worth the effort.

Gather Your Gadgets

Old electronic devices can maintain their value. You would be surprised at what you can get from even broken gadgets that others can use for parts. Gather up your unused or broken electronics, and do a little research to find possible pricing. Amazon and eBay have programs that pay cash for electronic devices. You can market them to individual sellers on the sites. A Google search can lead you to other sites that buy these things. Be sure to take the time to compare, so you get the highest payout possible.

Selling your old stuff for cash is not as intimidating as it may seem, and is sometimes worth the effort. You will be thrilled with cash in your pocket and a clutter-free home as well.

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