Spring Cleaning 2013: Top 5 Ways to Clean Out & Cash In

Every year I welcome the annual spring thaw with a desire to shake out the rugs (Bye-bye dog hair); clean out the closets (THAT’S where the bowling ball went); and, pump up my savings account (Huh…what?)

Yes, you read that right: my efforts to chase away the winter dust bunnies often results in found money.

From old DVDs and electronics to knickknacks and framed posters, if the decluttering force is with you, you can find a way to reduce and recycle. Here are just five ideas to get you started.

1. Broken Tech 2.0: We all have drawers and cabinets filled with unused and outdated electronic devices. Now there are two great sites to help you clean out and get some cash to buy the latest must-have tech device. BuyMyTronics.com and Gazelle.com will both pay you for your old cellphones, iPods, digital cameras, tablets and much more. Both sites are simple to use and shipping to them is free.
2. Publishers Hate Me, Chapter One: I haven’t bought a new book since Pee-Wee Herman had a playhouse. I use Paperbackswap.com to keep me reading without spending buckets of cash. The site is free to use, easy to maneuver and a great way to trade your old paperbacks and hardcover books with other frugal book lovers. Just “post” your book in your “library” and PB Swap members can order your book. Mail out the book (postage is on you) and, once it’s received, you get a credit for a free book. It’s that simple. (While you’re at the site, also check out their sister sites for trading in your old CDs and DVDs.)
3. Publishers Hate Me, Chapter Two: If your piles of old textbooks make you eligible for the “Hoarder of the Month” Award keep reading. You can sell your books by the box at Cash4Books.net. In their own words, “Get a Quote. Ship Books. Get Cash.” And better yet, shipping to them is free. Gotta love free shipping.
4. Decorating Someone Else’s Home: Traditionally most consignment shops focused on selling your slightly worn, out-of-season clothes for money. Now consignment shops are handling home furnishings as well. The shopkeeper will evaluate your old dinnerware, chairs, framed mirrors, collectibles, etc. and when/if they sell, you get about 40% of the sale price. Say farewell to Aunt Millie’s bamboo TV trays.
5. Give Your Old Phone a New Life: Whether it’s used, new or broken, you can get cash on the spot at an EcoATM, a new kiosk service where you can decrease ewaste and sell your old devices at the same time. Go to ecoatm.com to find the ATM nearest you. For those of us in the Greater Boston area, there’s a EcoATM in Chestnut Hill, Cambridge and Burlington.

Now venture forth my little spring clean-up peeps and see where you can find some hidden cash today!