It’s true that April showers bring May flowers, but both also usher in spring cleaning. Getting your home fresh and tidy isn’t all about cobwebs and dusting blinds. While we want things spic and span, we need to include clearing the clutter. After all, how can we say farewell to fur, dust and grime if we can’t get to it? As long as you’re decluttering why not cash in on the fruits of your labor? Let’s think about some ways to clear your way to cleanliness and cash!

Getting Started

Clearing out can be a tedious and emotional endeavor. As you get started, try the concept that is becoming a perfect motivator! Briefly think about the item and whether it brings you joy or not. If it does, keep it if it doesn’t let it go. Next, make your task easier by starting with three boxes. One for trash, one to sell and another to give away. Knowing you will get something in return as well as helping others will make the process easier and much less heart tugging!

Related: 9 Tips For Tidying Up In The New Year & How It Can Save You Big

Where to Begin

Yard sales are a great place to start. You can do it yourself or pull together a neighborhood sale for a better draw of customers. Pitch in and place an ad in the local newspaper, being sure to let the deal hunters know it’s a multi family or community sale with treasures galore! If you have items in good shape but not on top of the popular list, let shoppers know there will be free items. Everyone loves free!

Best Sellers

To help you get the best bang and buck for your efforts, here is a list of items that are the best selling items in the second-hand markets:

• Hunting gear
• Camping items
• Books
• Baby items
• Antiques
• Solid wood furniture
• Like new, lightly used children’s clothes
• Glassware, especially vintage
• Tools
• Fishing poles
• Sports equipment
• Costume jewelry
• Art

Present Well!

It’s worth the time and little effort to clean up your items. Often sellers say they will leave that up to the buyer. Why? Who wants to buy something that’s stained, dirty with a spider nestling inside? Throw clothes in the washer, run glassware through the dishwasher, use a yard blower to clear off dusty furniture that’s been stored in the basement etc. These are quick and easy ways to make your yard sale inventory shine while getting top dollar and a happy buyer.

Stay Focused

Have your mind made up that whatever doesn’t sell will not come back in the house. Be prepared to immediately pack up all leftovers and take them to Goodwill, Salvation Army or other convenient collection locations. Your home will stay clear and your items will move on to become someone else’s treasure! Another incentive is, as closing time approaches, to add a sign alerting that everything buyers can fit into a grocery bag is $1. This way, you tempt the impulse buyers, move out more stuff and recycle plastic! It’s a win-win-win! You’ll also have less to haul off! 

Other Selling Options

If yard sales aren’t your thing, there are other ongoing opportunities! Open an Etsy shop! There you can sell vintage or handmade items that are in like-new condition. It’s easy and very inexpensive to do. I’ve had an Etsy shop for years. Right now it’s basically empty and inactive but keeping it open is only 20¢ per month. Can’t beat that for virtual store rental! Other options are eBay where you can sell anything, Poshmark which is a virtual closet, and OfferUp, which is similar and competitive to eBay. With these options, you can have an ongoing sale indoors, at your leisure, and continue to add items while bringing in more profits!

At the end of the day, letting go will leave you feeling energized, refreshed, happier, and best of all, you’ll have a bigger bank account!

Related: 7 FREE Essential Spring Cleaning Tools