This is the time of year where a lot of people start thinking about ways to de-clutter, organize, paint, and other ways to breathe new life into their homes.  If you’re like me, you probably have way too much “stuff.”  I never know where this stuff comes from but it always accumulates so quickly, doesn’t it?

As you’re spring cleaning this year, I want to challenge you to set aside the items that are still usable but just not useful to you right now.  Start keeping a box for donations in your garage or closet and  every time you run across an item that you no longer need just toss it in.

Now, once you have a good collection started think about ways that you could either give these items away (local Goodwill, Salvation Army, homeless shelter, etc.) or places you could resell these items.  I’m going to share a few places where you can sell your used items online to make a few bucks.  This won’t make you rich but you’ll have less stuff invading your home and a little extra money in your pocket.  Alright, let’s dig into this list!

– Amazon

Amazon is probably my favorite place to sell used books, CDs, DVDs, games, etc.  As Amazon’s logo shows, they sell everything from A to Z.  Once you have a sellers account set up, the simplest way I know to add a new item to sell is to search for that item on Amazon and click on the button that says, “Sell one of these” somewhere on the right-hand side of the page.  Doing it that way saves you from entering bar codes and I think it saves time.  Amazon is my favorite online place to resell items because there is no listing fee whatsoever and your item will remain for sale for 6 months or until it sells.  You only pay a small fee to Amazon if your item sells.  It’s an easy set up and hassle free.  I love it!

– Ebay

Ebay is also an obvious choice for selling used items online.  With ebay you have more options to make your item stand out from the crowd…for a cost of course.  Ebay allows you to add a large description with your items as well as upload your own pictures, change the background color of your page, as well as many other ways to make your items really stand out.  I’ve sold a few items on ebay through the years but I’ve mostly used it for buying rare items for personalized Christmas gifts.

-MusicMagpie

This is a company I’ve only recently heard of but from what I’ve been told musicMagpie is a great place to sell old DVDs.  If you have any experience or advice selling here please leave it below in the comments!

– Recycle

There are 101 places online that will pay you to recycle old electronics.  You can either do a simple google search for a place where you can mail it off to or you could check with your local computer store.  Most of the computer companies in my area offer recycling bins when you first enter the store.  There is no pay for these donations but at least your electronics won’t end up in a landfill.

– Local Facebook Groups

I’m a member of a few local Facebook groups where people list a picture of the items they have for sale and the cost of them.  People will comment on that thread if they are interested and then they will make private messages on where to meet to do the exchange.  Always, always, always meet in a public place for an exchange with someone you don’t know and I recommend bringing someone with you just in case.

– Craigslist

I recommend the same advice for meeting someone on Craigslist as I do with the Facebook groups.  You can never be too cautious!  Through the years I’ve sold and bought a lot on Craigslist.  It’s been a tremendous blessing and I’ve only had one semi-negative experience in all of my many dealings.  Be honest, be friendly, and set a fair price.

– Consign

Many consignment places will accept your items and pay you only if they’re sold.  The local place that I go to gives me a call when it’s time to  pick up my items and if I don’t want to bother with them they will donate them to Goodwill for me.  I don’t get the tax write off this way but it saves me time from running an extra errand so I like this option!  Some consignments will checkout your items and make you an offer for all of your items when you drop them off.  This is my favorite way to consign because it’s over and done with right away and I have money in my pocket….which I usually spend at the consignment store but that’s another story!

– Yard Sale

If you live in a neighborhood where a lot of people pass by it might be a good idea for  you to have a good old fashion yard sale.  Get out your sharpie and stickers and get to pricing!  Don’t forget to leave room in your price for some negotiation.  While I’ll never understand it, the truth is, most people love to haggle.  Also, make sure you advertise well and have spare change on hand for people who pay with bigger bills.

– Used Bookstores

We have a used bookstore in our area that I absolutely love!  They sell used books for very cheap but you can also sell your used books, dvds, cds, and video games to them.  It’s worth checking to see if you have a used bookstore in your neighborhood.

– Video Game Stores

Many video game stores will buy back used video games for either cash or store credit.  We don’t have a huge amount of video games to get rid of but we have a friend who does and they love to resell their old games back to the store.

There you have it!  That’s my list of places to sell your unwanted belongings.  Someone’s trash is another person’s treasure!  If you have any other places you recommend and would like to see added to this list please leave a comment below to let me know.

Happy Spring Cleaning, everyone!