In the next part of our no spend challenge we are learning how to take our unwanted items and turn them into cash. Here are a few ways that I have turned clutter into cash.
Clutter to me is defined as something I have bought but end up getting rid of for less than what I paid. That is why I have this topic in my no spend challenge. Ways to make money and save it are important. Clutter means we have too much of something.
Items to Sell
Books, dvd’s, clothes, purses, jewelry, old furniture, electronics, baby gear, collectibles, and finally home decor. Decide on your top ten items you can live without. During this no spend challenge write down the clutter you are getting rid of, and journal the items. As they sell, write the date. Then, anytime you go shopping take this clutter journal with you.
Journaling helps us to remember what we spent money on, then turned around and sold it for less, or free. Making wise choices and not buying it in the first place, or re-buying it because we decluttered is how we save during the no spend challenge.
Save your Earnings from Selling Used Items from the No Spend Challenge
The whole point of the no spend challenge is to not spend money on frivolous items, but to make wiser purchasing choices. Clothing is not something I would spend a lot of money on anyway, and that is why I shop consignment. Like cars, clothing depreciates. Unlike real estate that is an investment, sadly shoes, purses (unless vintage) and other accessories are not.
Whatever you sell, mark it down in the clutter journal and add the price next to it. Again, this is a good reference for future purchases. I don’t know how many times I have bought a sweater, when I decluttered a sweater.
Decide Where and How to Sell Used Items
Choosing the best platform to sell used items is tricky. If selling online make safe and wise choices. It is never a good idea to sell at your home. Always meet in a public place. When we declutter at the end of summer, I have a yard sale. All proceeds go to the kids’ for their next year of school clothes.
Ebay and Facebook marketplace have been a few of the online places that we have sold items. Therefore I can say that those two platforms work well. Clothing is dependent upon the time of year and the condition.
Most importantly take good pictures of everything and add a detailed description. People online cannot see the article or item in person and they are reading the details to see if this is a good fit. To avoid returns make sure to be very descriptive.
Consignment Shops and Amazon Trade In
Books and clothing can be sold to consignment shops if they are in good condition. Personally, I have never used Amazon trade in. From the information I have learned they allow you to trade in electronics for gift cards. If you have tried it , please leave your review for this avenue in the comments. I would love to know how well it works.
There are many places if you think about it and try hard enough to sell your clutter. The best lesson to learn is how hard it is to get back the money you spent on an item, and how long it took you to buy it. Sometimes shopping sales is a good idea, but only when you need it. If you buy a shirt because you prefer the style and don’t get rid of a shirt, eventually you have too many shirts.
Try this: go through your closet and set a dollar amount on each item of clothing. Then, see if you can sell it for that amount. If you can, then your purchase was valid. If not, it is a great way to see why we do a no spend challenge yearly. Sales do not always equal savings, but they always equal profit for the company.
For more tips on how to save money and start a frugal home sign up for my newsletter! Find me on Instagram @momsarefrugal and be sure to leave a comment.
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