As we approach spring, we’re getting closer to the customary ritual of spring cleaning! This season can evoke mixed feelings – some people might not look forward to it while others absolutely love the process. But one thing is certain – spring is the perfect time to evaluate what we truly need, use, and cherish, and clear out the rest. The good news is that this clear-out could help you save, and potentially earn some extra money.
RETHINK OR REVAMP
The spring cleaning journey begins with an inventory of your possession. Decide what you truly appreciate and use, and keep these items aside. It’s the other items that need to be repurposed or relocated. A clutter-free space can enhance productivity and happiness – who wouldn’t want that?
Consider starting by evaluating the larger objects in your home, like your artwork, bed frames, couches, desks, entertainment centers, lamps, and tables. Assess whether these items could be used elsewhere in your home or if they need a makeover. Refurbishing or repurposing them is an economical choice as these are typically the most expensive to replace.
This is a fantastic opportunity to tap into your creativity, rejig your space, and change the ambiance of your home. The simple act of rearranging furniture or giving something a makeover to suit your style can make your space feel new and upgraded, all for little or no cost.
SELL
The next step involves selling items that have outlived their usefulness or have been outgrown by your children. This is particularly frequent in households with kids of varying ages. These items can include backpacks, board games, clothes, lunchboxes, purses, shoes, smaller electronics, sports equipment, and toys.
But, always check if any items could serve as hand-me-downs before you decide to sell. That’s always my priority as it saves more in the long run. Once I’ve exhausted potential hand-me-downs, I proceed to sell the rest on platforms like children’s consignment stores, Facebook Marketplace, kids consignment sales, and Poshmark.
DONATE
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, certain items might not sell or aren’t accepted by consignment stores due to their style or sizes. In these cases, donating becomes a viable solution.
Donations may not yield as much in tax deductions as they used to, given the new higher standard deduction. But, it’s always fulfilling to know you’re alleviating someone else’s burden by giving away items they might not afford. It’s a win-win, regardless of the potential tax write-off benefit.
Depending on what you’re donating, different organizations will accept different items. For example, Disabled American Veterans Charity accepts larger and smaller appliances, clothes, and furniture, while others like the Goodwill, Habitat ReStore, Interact, Cause for Paws, and various Rescue Missions have different categories of acceptable donations. It’s also beneficial to search for local non-profits in your area.
Embracing a thorough spring cleaning can save you money and give you a chance to earn some extra cash on the side!
SPRING CLEANING IS A WIN-WIN!
In summary, spring cleaning offers a chance to declutter and save money while possibly earning some on the side. Start by reusing, repurposing, or refurbishing your bigger items. Then move to smaller items that you might be able to sell. Once you’ve sorted through those items, work out what you can donate.
At the end of it all, you’re likely to find yourself in a cleaner, tidier space and potentially with a thicker wallet.
Have you found any effective ways to save or earn money from your spring cleaning efforts?
