People sure do like their stuff. Whether it’s the latest tech gadgets or knick-knacks that have been passed down through generations, the things we own hold a special place in our hearts and homes. So, when our possessions pile up, as is their tendency, what’s the logical thing to do? That’s right—rent a self-storage unit. What? That’s not the answer you were expecting?
According to a report by Sparefoot, one out of every 11 Americans pays for storage space to keep their overflowing belongings. That’s right, not only are people finding additional ways to store their things, they’re paying good money to do it—$38 billion a year, to be exact. Spending money to stow away various items you don’t need and will probably never use—seems silly doesn’t it? We agree. In fact, we think springtime is the perfect season to do the exact opposite.
Clean house. Cash in.
Over the past few years, de-cluttering has seen a spike in popularity, thanks in large part to proponents like Joshua Becker and Marie Kondo. While experts like Kondo preach the soul-cleansing benefits of getting rid of anything that doesn’t “spark joy,” we recommend doing it for an entirely different reason. Cash. Cold, hard cash.
Don’t get us wrong, we big fan of the physical and emotional perks that come from cleaning house, but we also believe that making a little extra money would make you feel pretty good too. If you’re inspired but unsure where to start, we’ve compiled a helpful list of everyday items that carry solid resale value and the best ways to sell them.
Electronics
Maybe you just upgraded to a new laptop, and you’re wondering what to do with your old (but not that old) one. Perhaps you switched mobile phone carriers and didn’t bother trading in your previous phone. Or maybe you’re staring at a CD/DVD/video game collection that has gotten way out of hand. Before you throw your hands up and your electronics out, see if you can sell them online through services like:
• Decluttr
• Gazelle
• Swappa
Clothing
Do you have a closet full of outfits you never wear? Have you changed your style but held onto all your old accessories? Did you purchase a new pair of shoes only to realize you already had an identical pair in your collection? Whether you’re creating a capsule wardrobe or just freeing up some space in your dresser drawers, you’d be surprised how many people would be willing to buy your gently used items. Millions of people have made some extra money by selling clothes and accessories via apps like the following:
• Poshmark
• Tradesy
• Vinted
Miscellaneous
Let’s face it; some things just don’t fit in neat and tidy categories. But that doesn’t mean they’re worthless. There’s an old saying that suggests “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.” That doesn’t mean your stuff is trash, it just means that things you no longer use may be incredibly valuable to someone else. So, before you throw out that vintage nine iron, that dusty old vinyl collection, or your great aunt’s set of decorative collector plates, try listing them for sale on the following sites:
• OfferUp
• Craigslist
• Facebook Marketplace
Once you’ve completed your spring cleaning, minimized your possessions, and made a little money in the process, you might be wondering what to do with your newfound cash. Whatever you do, resist the urge to go right out and buy more stuff! That will just start the problem all over again. Instead, why not contact your credit union and ask them how to make your money work for you? Our team of financial specialists can help you assess your current financial situation and determine how to take smart steps towards a brighter financial future.
