We all can use extra money but sometimes the budget just doesn’t allow for any.  Well, now you can pare down your home and make money at the same time.  Paring down is quite popular these days and for good reason.  People are realizing that things are not as important and people and spending time with the ones you love.  Those who live more minimalistic find great joy in less clutter and the new found time they have on their hands.  Time for fun things, not cleaning!

Paring down makes house cleaning a lot easier and basically keeps you from becoming a pack rat.  While it’s great to get organized you might as well make some extra money while doing it.  A great rule of thumb is the two-year guideline.  If you haven’t used or worn an item for two or more years then get rid of it.  I know, I know, you may be thinking you’ll need that down the road.  If that happens, and most times it won’t, you can buy it again.

There are many places to sell your unused and unwanted items.  Most of them are online.

• Let Go – This phone app lets you post photos of your items on their site and people in your are can contact you about it.  Once an agreement is made on the price a meeting place and time is set up for the exchang
• Craigslist – This is a well-known online site where you can list items completely free.  You put photos of your items and the price you want in your ad and sit back and wait for replies.  Again, as with Let Go, you set up a time and place to meet for the exchange.
• eBay – I’m sure you are familiar with eBay.  Used items sell very well in this venue but remember, if what you are selling is large or heavy you will have a large shipping fee.  Local pickup is available in some cases.  If your items weigh less than 7 pounds then I would advise shipping and make the buyer pay for the shipping.
• Consignment stores – There are lots of consignment stores for clothing and only a few for other items, however, it’s a great way to sell items.  You simply tell the store owner what you want for the item.  They mark it up for their cut and send you the requested amount once the item sells.
• Flea Markets – If you have lots of items to sell you might be interested in setting up a booth at a flea market.  All the potential customers come to you and there is no delivering as they take possession on the spot.  This is also true of just having a good old-fashioned garage sale.
• Amazon – Believe it or not, there are some items you can sell on Amazon that is used.  Books are one item you can sell used and there are other categories as well, such as board games, DVD’s, and CDs.  Just look around the site and see what used items are listed.
• Facebook – Many swap and sell groups are on facebook and it’s easy to search for one in your local area.  They are free to list your items and you meet up with the buyer to complete the transaction.

If you have been saving or storing items for years you can probably make an extra $200 per month selling as you organized.  Getting paid for cleaning and organizing sure makes it more fun!  Maybe that vacation you’ve been wanting will now be affordable!

Please share in the comment area any more places you know of to get rid of unwanted items.  🙂