Additional Coverage:
- 13 Most Useless Things in Your House That Are Just Wasting Space (financebuzz.com)
Declutter Your Life, Boost Your Wallet: 13 Ways to Turn Unused Items into Cash (or Good Deeds!)
Feeling like your home is slowly being swallowed by a sea of “stuff”? You’re not alone!
Many of us have items gathering dust, used once and then relegated to the back of a cupboard. But what if that clutter could actually put a little extra cash in your pocket, or at the very least, benefit someone else?
It’s time to reclaim your space and potentially boost your bank account. Here are 13 common culprits that might be hogging your valuable real estate – and how to make them disappear!
1. Single-Use Appliances
Remember that panini press or waffle maker you just had to have? The one that’s now a permanent resident of your kitchen counter, never seeing the light of day?
If these appliances are still in good working order, they could fetch a decent price on online marketplaces. A little spring cleaning of these forgotten gadgets could add up to a surprising haul.
Alternatively, consider donating them to places like Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore for a handy tax deduction.
2. Office Supplies
Working from home for a while? You might have accumulated a small mountain of pens, notepads, paper, and other desk-drawer dwellers.
Local schools or after-school programs are often in need of these items for students. Just make sure those pens still actually write – no one needs a dead pen!
3. Exercise Equipment
Your treadmill was going to be your ticket to fitness, right? Now it’s more of a clothes rack or a box storage unit.
High-ticket items like treadmills or stationary bikes, even used, can still command a good price. Someone out there is probably looking to start their own fitness journey without the brand-new price tag.
4. Clothes
Our closets are notorious for becoming black holes of forgotten fashion. Clothes that no longer fit or haven’t seen the light of day in a year are prime candidates for a new home. Many charities offer pickup services, or you can drop them off to give them a second life.
5. Old Towels and Sheets
Those once-fluffy towels and cozy sheets eventually succumb to wear and tear. Instead of trashing them, check with local animal shelters.
They often welcome donations of old linens for their furry residents. You might also find local recycling programs that repurpose overused fabrics.
6. Plastic Cutlery
Takeout containers and party leftovers often leave us with an abundance of plastic forks, knives, and spoons. These can be a godsend for local homeless shelters or outreach programs providing meals to those in need. Clear out your drawer and help your community!
7. Food Storage Containers
Mismatched lids, warped plastic, or simply too many containers can quickly overwhelm your kitchen cabinets. Before tossing them, check with your local recycling center to see if they accept hard plastics. Local schools might also appreciate them for art projects or sorting supplies.
8. Power Cords
A tangled mess of unidentified power cords is a common sight. Before you banish them, try organizing them with zip ties or twist ties.
You might be surprised how much easier they are to store. If they’re truly unwanted, many recycling centers accept electronic waste, keeping them out of landfills.
9. Crafting Supplies
Remember that knitting phase? Or the scrapbooking obsession? If those supplies are now just collecting dust, consider selling them online to aspiring crafters or donating them to local art centers or schools where they can inspire young artists.
10. Bathroom Items
A quick purge of bathroom drawers and under-sink storage can reveal hidden treasures – or just expired items. Unused toiletries like deodorant, lotions, or travel-sized toothpaste can be a blessing for homeless shelters. Always check expiration dates on medications and dispose of them safely through DEA-sponsored programs or in sealed bags in your regular trash.
11. Plastic Bags
Even in areas with bag bans, plastic bags still find their way into our homes. Local homeless outreach programs can often use them to create insulating mats. Many grocery stores also have collection bins for plastic bag recycling.
12. Toys
It’s not just adults who accumulate clutter! Kids often have a treasure trove of forgotten toys.
Childcare centers are frequently in need of gently used toys, or you can sell more valuable items for a little extra cash. For well-loved but no-longer-wanted toys, recycling centers may be an option.
13. Papers
The “paper pile” is a universal struggle. Old worksheets, unneeded mail, or forgotten bills can quickly accumulate.
Take some time to sort through and shred what you don’t need. Not only will it reduce clutter, but it might also prevent you from missing an important payment!
The Bottom Line
Clearing out the clutter isn’t just about tidying up; it’s about smart money moves and giving back. Whether you’re selling items for cash, donating them to a good cause, or finding ways to upcycle, the effort will be worth it – for you, your home, and potentially your community.
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- 13 Most Useless Things in Your House That Are Just Wasting Space (financebuzz.com)