Cleaning out the garage, closets, and kitchen all weekend probably isn’t your idea of fun, but as the weather warms up spring cleaning can be shockingly refreshing. And how about this for a breath of fresh air – spring cleaning can save and earn you money.
Spring Cleaning Facts
According to a (year) survey from (source):
- 78% of people get into spring cleaning every single year
- 7% have admitted to never doing spring cleaning
- Closets, bedrooms, and kitchens were some of the most popular rooms to start in, with the home office following closely behind
Getting Started Tips
“It’s hard to get motivated and get started,” said one expert. If spring cleaning has been on your to-do list for a year or two, you would probably agree with that statement.
Here are five tips to help you get motivated, and to help you make a little extra money for the effort:
- Make a “yard sale” pile: It is officially yard sale season. There is no better time than now to pop open your foldable table and start throwing all the stuff you don’t want onto it for your neighborhood’s annual yard sale. Others will find value in your old glasses, video games, and decorations. You may not rake in $1,000, but even an extra $100 is a win. Here are some of the most popular yard sale items: kitchenware and dishes, gently used clothes (the trendier the better), tools, old furniture, games, DVDs and books, exercise equipment, and televisions.
- Donate what’s left: Whatever you don’t sell at your yard sale, load up in the car and head to Goodwill or another local charitable organization to donate. You’ll not only support a good cause, you may also get tax benefits to donating used goods. Spring cleaning does wonders for clearing your mind and your space but can also help someone else out! The tax write-off won’t be a game-changer, but every little bit adds up in the end!
- Sell your textbooks: If you’re a recent college grad, think about selling your used textbooks on Amazon or websites like Book Scouter. It may be tough to just get rid of a book that you recently paid $300 for, but what are the chances you’ll be using that book again? Be sure to analyze if the hassle is worth the money as some textbooks are worth more than others. Remember, like the yard sale, a few extra bucks for spending or saving is better than nothing!
- Set aside items of value: Things like electronics, rare collectibles, jewelry, and nice clothes can go into separate piles aside from your yard sale pile. These higher-value items might be worth selling online instead of at the yard sale. If you have an old Apple Watch, iPhone, or collector’s items that you don’t want, see how much they go for online! Trendy clothes can be sold at local consignment shops.
- Hunt for coins and gift cards: If you added up all the nickels, dimes, and quarters you found around the house during spring cleaning you may be rich! The average person finds $8 in coins and cash during spring cleaning. Check those pockets and cushions! It may not be much but that $8 is good for at least one Chipotle chicken bowl. And don’t forget about gift cards. Check the balances before you toss them, so you don’t lose out on the value.
Thinking about spring cleaning can be overwhelming. Start with just one room and ride that accomplishment through the rest of the house.