How to make money on forgotten items

Your closets are full. Your garage is full. Your attic is full. And if you have a storage locker, it’s probably full, too. And you might be sitting on hundreds, if not thousands of dollars of stuff.

It might seem like a lot of work to go through all of your stuff, filter out unwanted items, and take the time to get everything out of the house. But it’s worth it. Soon you’ll have more space, and if you play your cards right, you’ll have a healthier bank account, too. It may sound like a no-brainer, but you can make money off the things you already have at home.

Here are some of the quickest ways to cash in on your extra stuff (and get your valuable space back at the same time):

List or auction it online

Websites like eBay, Craigslist and Kijiji have hosted millions of online sales or auction listings over the years. If you know your item is in high demand (collectibles, rare books, etc.), putting it up for auction can bring in a bigger buck. For listings where you’re looking for a quick sale, see what similar items are selling for in your area and list yours for a competitive price. Facebook Marketplace is another high traffic platform to consider. 

Pawn or consign it

A pawn shop will resell valuable items (like fine jewelry, musical instruments, cameras, and electronics) for you. You can sell it to them directly, usually for a price much lower than the item’s actual value. If you think that wedding ring or watch is really valuable, consider getting it appraised before approaching a shop.

In-style clothing in good shape can go to a consignment shop, especially if it’s from well-known designers or brands. Consignment can be cumbersome since you don’t get paid unless someone buys your items, but it’s still a worthwhile last resort if you have seldom-used pieces taking up space in your closet.

Host a garage sale

While hosting a garage sale takes the most time and organization out of all the options on this list, it’s still a surefire way for homeowners to get a few bucks back on your stuff. Lay out some blankets on the front lawn, rent or borrow a few folding tables for the driveway, and don’t forget to put up some signs around the neighbourhood and add your event to local online yard sale listings. Anything you don’t sell can either be donated or stowed away in storage in the meantime.

Think about all of your unused clothes, electronics, or sporting gear at home. How much money could you be sitting on?