Cashing in on Clutter

If you are anything like me, your home is filled with trinkets and treasures of years gone by. Some call it decorating but let's face it, most of it is clutter. We seem to try to hold on to some of the strangest things. I have an ashtray of my mom's from 30 years ago! I hated that my mom smoked, so why am I keeping it? I also have an assortment of things from when I grew up and from when my kids were little. Most of it I do not even realize I have so how important can they really be? Recently I came across a sealed box in my attic. After inspection I realized that it was still packed from 3 moves ago! I had moved this box to 2 different states and never bothered to unpack it.

When the economy started to turn sour I began looking for ways to make more money. I had to take a pay cut at work so I needed to find easy ways to make fast cash. I have seen enough shows on TV about selling things in your attic, basement, or garage to know that it can be done. I started out selling some things on my local Craigslist. I was amazed at how fast things sold. I sold old cell phone chargers, a set of old Time Life Books, and some old cameras. Then I started making lots of clothes by size and selling them on EBay. I let the kids keep the money they made which encouraged them to go through their stuff. I did make piles to donate though, either to neighbors or co-workers. The things that did not sell were donated to Goodwill Industries and that gave me a tax write-off at the end of the year. It is true what they say, "One man's trash is another man's treasure".

You can make money too by cashing in on your clutter. It might seem like a daunting task to tackle but take it one room at a time or even one closet or bookcase at a time. Break it down into smaller, manageable goals. When you finish an area you will feel great! Sort out outgrown clothes or anything your family refuses to wear by size. You can list them as lots on EBay. You will be amazed at the money you can make especially if you have a few new items or name brand items.

Larger items, where the shipping costs will be too high can be put on Craigslist for local pick-up only. You can sell textbooks, furniture, electronics - you name it! You might have to re-list the item a few times before you have an interested buyer since you are marketing to a smaller audience than on EBay.

I get inspired by watching shows like "Cash in the Attic", "Clean House", and "Hoarders". While my house is in no way close to the horrific conditions on the show, it makes me clean extra hard. Working 2 jobs sometimes leaves me with too much dog hair on the stairs and dust on my moldings. I am also guilty of leaving things in piles on the stairs to be brought up or on the counter to be sorted through when I have time. When my house is clutter free and organized I can come home from work and feel good about walking into a clean house.

Once you get started, you will be hooked. Cashing in on clutter will give you extra money and help you to organize what you have left. There is nothing like coming home to a clutter-free, organized home.