With spring finally here, a lot of us will be gearing up for a spring-cleaning, which typically results in boxes filled with “clutter” we no longer need or want.

Of course you can have a garage sale and make some fast cash or donate to a local non-profit which can help others in your community (which you can also write-off on your taxes.) Or you can try your hand at selling your clutter online for cash, which isn’t as time-consuming as having a garage sale.

 

*BOOKS, MOVIES, VIDEO GAMES & MORE –

The Amazon Trade-In Program http://www.amazon.com/Trade-In/b?ie=UTF8&node=9187220011, allows customers to receive an Amazon Gift Card in exchange for over a million eligible items including DVD’s, CD’s, video games, electronics, and books. The process is really easy and convenient with free shipping, an immediate offer, and no required registration or listing.

In general, all items must be in at least acceptable condition and the item you wish to trade in must match the exact version in the Trade-In search results or on the product page. And again, it’s really easy to use. Once you’ve entered what you want to trade in and answered a few questions about the condition, etc. of the item, Amazon will instantly let you know how much they will pay for it. Then you just print a postage label and mail it.

*CRAFT SUPPLIES & VINTAGE ITEMS –

I knew that Etsy.com, https://www.etsy.com was an excellent site to sell or buy homemade goods but I didn’t realize you could also sell crafting supplies or vintage items (that are 20 years or older.) If you have a stash of buttons, beads, yarn, needles, sewing tape, and more, you need to check this site out. Joining and setting up a “shop” on Etsy is free. It does cost 20 cents to list an item (for 4 months or until it sells) and once an item is sold, Etsy collects a 3.5% fee on the sale price but what a great way to get some cash for all those leftover craft supplies. You can also sell vintage items including clothing, shoes, accessories, furniture, and decorative items that are at least 20 years old.

*APPLE iPHONES, SAMSUNG GALAXIES, CELL PHONES, TABLETS & MPS PLAYERS –

Recycle and receive cash with this easy green machine called the ecoATM, which is the world’s first automated eWaste recycling station. You can go to the site http://www.ecoatm.com/, click on location, enter your city or zip code and find the nearest machine. Then gather up your no longer used Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, cell phone, tablet or MP3 Player. Once you get to your destination, the simple 3-step process to sell and receive money is easy and quick…

1. Place your device in the ecoATM station.

2. The ecoATM examines the device and searches for the highest price they can find in a network of buyers. If your device is too old to resell or refurbish, they might not make an offer.

3. If you agree to sell for that price, you receive cash on the spot.

(You do have to be 18 years of age, have a valid state ID and provide a thumbprint which is used for a signature, in order to sell. Remember to always deactivate devices and clear any sensitive data.)

*CHINA, CRYSTAL, FLATWARE & COLLECTIBLES –

I’ve bought china replacement pieces on Replacements.com before but didn’t realize they also buy pieces. Whether you have one fork or a 8-piece set of china, you can possibly sell the items you no longer want or use as long as they are in good condition with no chips, cracks, stains or excessive wear. Go to http://www.replacements.com which will give you easy to follow directions on how to discover if they will buy your pieces and for how much. (If your china, crystal, flatware or collectible has minor flaws, they offer reduced prices.)

*CDs & DVDs –

Get cash or credit for all those used CDs and DVDs you no longer want at  iPodMeister, http://ipodmeister.com/. They don’t accept bootleg, burns, or blank CDs. They also won’t take incomplete box sets, water damaged items, anything you’ve put your initials on or that are stamped “promotional,” or are xxx-rated. You can choose to be paid or let credits accumulate to purchase a new iPhone, iPad, Kindle or Galaxy.

AND EVERYTHING ELSE…

Have you heard of online tag sales? Well, Facebook has one called MyTagSale.com (http://www.mytagsale.com/Classified/AboutUs.aspx) where you can sell anything and everything. You can advertise for free, (for a limited time) and it’s so much less time-consuming than a garage sale. Plus, statistics show you will make more money selling online versus lugging all your items out to the yard or garage and selling them.

IF YOU SELL/BUY IN PERSON –

There have been numerous stories in the news of people being robbed, raped, and even killed when buying or selling items on sites like Craigslist or even local ads, where you’re meeting up with strangers. Craigslist states, “The overwhelming majority of Craigslist users are trustworthy and well-intentioned…nevertheless, please take the same common sense precautions online as you would offline.”

If you’re selling or buying items that will involve you meeting someone for the first time, Craigslist has these great safety tips you can use…

• – Insist on a public meeting place like a café.
• – Do not meet in a secluded place, or invite strangers into your home.
• – Be especially careful buying/selling high value items.
• – Consider making high-value exchanges at your local police station.
• – Tell a friend or family member where you’re going.
• – Take your cell phone along if you have one.
• -Consider having a friend accompany you.
• – Trust your instincts.

HOW TO AVOID SCAMS –

Whether you’re selling or buying, online or in person, there are some safety precautions Craigslist suggests you can take to avoid being scammed…

• – Do not extend payments to anyone you have not met in person.
• – Beware offers involving shipping – deal with locals you can meet in person.
• – Never wire funds (e.g. Western Union) – anyone who asks you to is a scammer.
• – Don’t accept cashier/certified checks or money orders – banks cash fakes, then hold you responsible.
• – Transactions are between users only, no third party provides a “guarantee.”
• – Never give out financial info (bank account, social security, pay pal account, etc.)
• – Do not rent or purchase sight-unseen – that amazing “deal” may not exist.
• – Refuse background/credit checks until you have met landlord/employer in person.

These are just a few of the many online ways you can sell that “clutter” you no longer use, want, or have outgrown. You’ll have fewer items to dust or store and cash or credit for items you actually need or want. Or save the cash towards a fun trip or excursion that will probably provide a lot more memories than that one china cup that belonged to a relative you never even met that you’ve held on to for years. Plus, you’ll be helping our planet when you recycle/sell versus tossing that unwanted item in the trash.