When was the last time you did a big clean out of your place? If it’s been a while, now may be the time – especially if you had an influx of holiday gifts and now have no place to put them. 

Of course, once you’ve cleaned out your closets, what are you going to do with the stuff you no longer need? Sure, you could donate it, but maybe you’d be interested in turning it into some cash.

Once you’ve decided what’s worth selling, where should you go to turn your used items into cash? Luckily, you have lots of options.

• Pawn Shops: If you have items that are of value and you need money quickly, a pawn shop may be your best option. Electronics, jewelry, and other collectibles are items that pawn shops often take to sell. But, you should know that while they’ll take your items immediately, you’ll be offered a significantly reduced price for the quick sale. The good thing is, you could buy the items back within the stated time period if you’re able.

• Consignment Shops: Check to see if you have any local consignments shops around that can take some of your used items off your hands. Consignment shops often specialize in specific items – such as clothes or books or CDs – so be sure to look for one that sells your particular things. 
  • Be aware that you will not usually receive any money until your items actually sell and that the shop will take a certain percentage of the sale price. Be sure to find out the details and ask questions before leaving your items. 

• Craigslist: Craigslist is still one of the most popular online selling sites. It’s a free site that allows you to post items for sale in your local area. You can post pictures, prices, and contact information. While the sale may not be immediate, you are in control of the prices, and no one is taking a percentage of the sale price from you.

• eBay: If you’re willing to ship your items, eBay may work for you. You can post pictures and all relevant information, plus set a sale deadline for your things. Keep in mind that eBay does take a percentage of your sale price.

• Social Media: Nowadays, social media can help with lots of things besides staying in touch with family and friends. You can use it to buy and sell things! You might post to your personal social media pages to see if any of your friends and family have any interest in the items you’re selling. Or, you could post to local online garage sale groups or Facebook Marketplace. Both work well to attract local buyers of your stuff. 

• Host a “Closet Exchange”: Do you have friends who have recently done a closet cleanout, too? Then it may be time to host a “Closet Exchange” or “Swap and Shop.” While these are often done without the exchange of money, you could all come to a mutual decision to sell items at reasonable prices – like a mini garage sale. The key will be having lots of people with different things that would be of interest to the group.

Don’t let clutter take over your house. Clean out your closets and sell those things to make a few bucks. You’ll be happy to have a little more space and a few more dollars in your wallet.