Cash for Clutter!

Now is the perfect time of year to start decluttering. I love this time of year when it is too cold to go out, you've put the holiday stuff away, and you can start Spring Cleaning early. Start with just a closet, you'll be amazed how much better the space feels and yourself. Before you toss everything out though, consider selling a few items and earn some Christmas cash for next year!

• Small kitchen appliances-expecially bread, pasta, and expresso machines. Sometimes people just sell these items at yard sales, but they could go for almost 20 times as much on eBay. Just make sure you're upfront about the condition of the item.
• Video Games- gazelle.com will pay up to $30 per game as well as shipping costs. They also buy used electronics and old movies.
• "Tacky" Sweaters-believe it or not these beautiful hand-knitted, appliqued, brightly colored holiday sweaters are back in high demand. Resale online or at consignment shops.
• 1950's furniture-dining tables, dressers, desks, bed frames, and vanities all in good condition will sell easily, some the same day at consignment stores, or you might get more out of them on eBay or Etsy.
• Vintage Electronics-if they are still working, collectors will pay top dollar for these. Tape decks, LP Turntables, amplifiers, and high-end speaker systems, pre-1980's stereo and hi-fi equipment.
• Lunchpails-rare-mint condition can go for $20-$50 for pre 1990 metal or plastic boxes, earlier could go for thousands! Try yardsellr.com, a no-fee site like ksl.com/classifieds
• Gold-around $1800 an oz. right now is great time to cash in some old gold chains or mateless earrings sitting in your jewelry box. You can check out your local jewelry store to see if they purchase gold or go to mygoldparty.com to learn about hosting a gold-selling party.

I organized an office for a friend/neighbor about a year ago, and wish I took my camera. It only took us 3 hours-$40 my fee-and she sold all kinds of old medical recorder equipment online for well over a thousand dollars! It helped her pay off some debt, and she had a beautiful, full-functioning office to work from home in, and a space for her children to do homework next to her. If you don't want to mess with taking pics and selling online, you could also consider starting a Yard Sale pile maybe to donate the proceeds to another person in need. Just make sure you label in totes or boxes for Yard Sale and designate a different box for stuffed animals, clothes, etc., so when time comes to set-up in the driveway you're already organized.
So, now is the perfect time to declutter, and make your spaces, (even if it's just a closet), a little more blissful!