Do you have old stuff laying around your house that you no longer use?
If you’re like most people, you probably do. And, whether it’s clothes you don’t fit into anymore, old electronics, or that punch bowl from Aunt Edna, you may be tempted to just toss them in the trash.
But wait! You could also sell them to earn some extra cash. Here are a few ways to clear your storage space AND earn some money:
1) Hold an old-school garage/yard sale
The garage or yard sale may seem a bit old-fashioned in today’s high-tech world. But it’s still one of the best ways to get rid of a lot of items and earn some pocket change.
The best thing about garage sales is that you won’t have to spend time listing individual items on a website or app. All you need to do is advertise your sale in your local newspaper or online. You may be able to get more foot traffic at the event by posting signs at busy street intersections.
Some neighborhoods even have special weekends dedicated to community yard sales. These usually happen once or twice a year. If your area is like mine, they take place in the fall and spring. These events create excitement and free publicity.
Another good thing is that garage sales keep the amount of time you invest to a minimum. You don’t have to keep track of listing dates, go back and forth on text or in emails with potential buyers, or worry about shipping.
2) Sell stuff online
Everyone knows about eBay, Amazon, and Kijiji. These three well-established sites are still good places to sell items. But they require some work in setting up your listings. Still, if what you’re selling is too valuable for a garage or yard sale, hawking it online is a better bet.
There’s also a bit of a learning curve to selling things online. For best results, search for listings of items that are similar to yours. Your search results will give you an idea of how much your item is worth.
Don’t limit yourself just to those three sites, either. Newer sites, such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Poshmark, Varagesale, Letgo, and Etsy, are also great places to post your items for sale.
3) Trade for credit
If you have old electronics you want to get rid of, you may be able to trade them in for store credit. Microsoft, Best Buy, and Staples will take your old televisions, laptops, or mp3 players. Not only does this let you dispose of your old electronics safely and easily, you may also earn store credit if your item qualifies.
If you’re planning on buying a new electronic device, trading in the old one may help reduce the cost of your new purchase, while freeing up space in your attic, basement, closet or garage.
Have you ever tried selling old things? Did you have a garage sale, sell them online, trade them for credit, or something else? We’d love to hear about your experience and what you think is the most effective way to turn your old stuff into cash.
