How To Make Bank From the Junk in Your Attic

Oh the attic. The place where you put all the junk you don’t want – or just don’t want to deal with. Like that weird clown painting your mother-in-law gave you, or your prom dresses from high school.

Even if you don’t have an attic, odds are you have some amount of junk that really should be dealt with. Rest assured, you’re not alone. The average household has more than $7,000 worth of unused stuff, according to research firm NPD Group. Wouldn’t it be incredible if you could clean out and actually make some cash?

So dust off that clown painting, because we’re going to help you sell it. We talked to Carly Fauth, Head of Marketing at Money Crashers, consumer saving expert Andrea Woroch, and Alyson Seligman, a small business owner and blogger. They gave us the details on the easiest and most efficient ways to make bank by just cleaning out your attic. We’ve compiled their best tips into a slideshow for you.

Clean and Divide

Fauth suggests cleaning everything as thoroughly as possible. Then, divide it all into small groups (i.e. clothes, electronics, kitchen supplies, books, etc.)

Take Pictures

Though some sites require only a few images, you should photograph everything. Try to use different angles (think how helpful photos are when you are online shopping).

Decide Where To List

You’re probably familiar with “the big three” sites for selling – eBay, Amazon, and Craigslist. But there are some others that can be just as good (or better!) depending on what you’re selling. Check out Etsy for vintage clothing and china. Woroch suggests considering Recycleyourfashions.com and Exboyfriendjewelry.com. For more ideas, see our links below.

Describe Each Item Carefully

Describe each item in detail and be honest about any scratches or scuffs.

Be Realistic When Listing

Be modest when deciding on a price for an item. According to Fauth, “your goal should be to make what you can and be done with the task. You can make decent money but you won’t break the bank (unless your items are in incredibly good condition).”

Use Facebook

Seligman recommends using Facebook. With more and more geo-targeted groups popping up, this is a great way to connect with people. “I’ve sold everything from children’s clothes to bookshelves, a rug and more. You post an item with a price and location, and people can purchase it directly from you. For the ultimate convenience, buyers either meet me at my centrally located office or leave money under my home mat and take the item I’ve left for them by the door,” she said.

Take It To The Streets

For those of you less electronically inclined, have a yard sale! They take some work but can be fun. Woroch says spring is the best time to hold an outdoor sale.

Looking to clean out? Here are some lesser known selling sites:

Exboyfriend Jewelry

Rapid Repair

Recycle Your Fashions

Gift Card Granny

thredUP

Cash 4 Books

Swap Me Sports

Exchange My Phone