Let’s face it, most of us have got too much stuff that we simply don’t need, and this can be a big problem if items we no longer love start to accumulate in our living spaces.
Clearing out the clutter doesn’t have to just involve dumping it, as you can actually make some cash on the side if you are savvy about it. As such, here are some of the main ways to go about clawing back money as you declutter your home.
Sell via eBay
Auction site eBay is a stalwart of the e-commerce scene, and has long been the preferred platform for selling second-hand goods.
One of the reasons it remains so prominent is that it has a great reputation and caters to customers from around the world, so it gives sellers a huge audience to bid on the items they offer.
It takes just a few minutes to set up an account on eBay and start listing the domestic detritus that is getting under your feet. Just remember to use an eBay fee calculator when pricing your items, as the site does take a little off the top, so it has to be factored into your decision-making.
Host a yard sale
It may seem old-fashioned in the age of digital selling services, but a yard sale is still one excellent option for carrying out a major decluttering operation in one fell swoop.
If you don’t like the idea of having to individually package and ship out your items, simply putting them all on tables outside your home and spending an afternoon accepting offers from neighbors and passersby could be the ideal antidote.
Bear in mind that it pays to advertise your yard sale in advance, and promoting your yard sale online will help ensure that you actually have customers when the big day arrives.
Also remember to check the weather forecast, as nothing will ruin a yard sale quicker than a sudden downpour.
Choose specific selling services
eBay is an all-encompassing online auction marketplace, but this means that it does lack a degree of specialism which doesn’t always lead to sellers finding the right audience for their items or getting the best prices.
This is where it is wise to look into the other platforms that have emerged to rival it in recent years, often by focusing on particular product niches.
Depop is a good example of this, going from a UK-specific app to an international phenomenon thanks to its emphasis on vintage fashion and other trendy items.
Obviously, if you are not decluttering your home of items that will appeal to Millennials and Gen Z buyers, you might have to look elsewhere.
Embrace upcycling
A broader concept that is useful to familiarize yourself with if decluttering is an ambition you hold, upcycling simply means taking old items and improving them enough to grab the attention of modern audiences.
Most frequently it is applied to furniture, especially items which are sorely out of fashion or in need of some maintenance.
Something as simple as a fresh coat of paint, or some new handles, can turn a rundown flat pack item or a garish mid-century piece into a desirable unit fit for modern living.
Be wary of the costs associated with upcycling, for things like tools and materials, as well as the time it will take you to convert your archaic furniture. And as with any part of decluttering with a view to make money, do your research and calculate carefully to avoid making a loss.
