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No Time For A Garage Sale? Try These Alternatives For Getting Rid Of Your Old Stuff

A cluttered house makes it hard to focus, and it can inhibit your ability to relax and experience comfort while spending time indoors. So, it's no wonder that you're ready to get rid of some of the things you no longer need. But if you're like most busy homeowners in today's world, you probably don't have a lot of extra time to spend a day hosting a garage sale. Not to worry, you can use one or more of these easy options instead:

Head to the Pawn Shop

A great way to get rid of stuff that isn't useful to you and longer, but that's still in good condition, is to sell it to a local pawn shop. Pawn shops have a reputation for being a place you go to only when you're in a tight situation, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Pawn shops are actually perfectly happy buying items outright as long as they will be able to make a profit from it, just like any business.

These types of shops usually buy more than just jewelry which means that you may be able to score some compensation for lots of your unwanted stuff. Read more and consider making a little extra money by bringing the following stuff to your local pawn shop:

  • DVDs.
  • Tools.
  • Music instruments.
  • Paintings.

Some pawn shops are even willing to purchase small pieces of furniture if said pieces are still in good shape.

Make Some Useful Trades

Instead of throwing or giving perfectly good items away, consider trading the things you no longer want for things you would like to have. Perhaps you can trade that old desk that is full of clutter and taking up space in your living room for a couple new patio chairs. Or maybe someone you know needs those old pots and pans you're dying to get rid of, and in exchange they're willing to give you a painting you've been admiring. You might be surprised at the opportunities that arise once you start asking around about trades.

You Can Always Reuse

If you can't bear to part with something that's meaningful to you, even if it isn't in the best shape any longer, why not find a way to reuse it? You'll find that with a little imagination just about anything can be reused in one way or another. Here are a few ideas:

  • Turn old clothing and metal hangers into new lampshades.
  • Make planters out of broken shelves or bookcases.
  • Create patchwork curtains by sewing old blankets and sheets together.
  • Use old jars and bowls as table centerpieces to hold fruit and flowers.

Think outside the box to reinvent some of the stuff that's broken or just lying around without a purpose—it keeps stuff out of the landfill and gives you an opportunity to discover your creative side.

Think about Donating

By donating some of your useable but unwanted stuff to a charity, you'll not only de-clutter your house but you will have the opportunity to make a difference in your community. Not to mention, donating to certain charities offers you the opportunity to get a tax break. Some places you can donate to and be eligible to receive a tax credit include:

  • Churches.
  • Non-profit organizations that are driven by charity.
  • Educational non-profit organizations.
  • Non-profit medical communities. 
  • Civil defense non-profits.

These organizations will typically accept everything from clothing and household items, to old bookshelves and artwork. Even if the items can't be used within the organization, they can turn your donations into cash by selling them at fundraisers and community events.

You'll find that getting rid of the stuff you no longer need, and surrounding yourself with useful belongings, is a rewarding experience that uplifts your mood and reenergizes your motivation.


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