Did you clean, declutter, and organize your house over the past few months? This recent period spent at home has allowed many of us to take on those pesky projects we tend to avoid! But what are you supposed to do with those boxes that have taken over your garage? It’s time to find a way to sell and recycle them.
A quarantine cleanout doesn’t have to create added stress. Here are a few ideas on how to get rid of closet clutter.
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Find a Thrift Store
If you have a thrift store or other foundation near your house, take a look at their donation policies. These companies operate on donations, so they’re almost always ready to accept your used furniture, clothes and trinkets. As a result, customers can find and purchase your donations as they wish. It’s an easy and convenient way for you to ditch your clutter.
That said, specific locations may have updated their policies to protect their employees from COVID-19. You’ll want to verify that your local donation centers are still available to accept contributions before you pack up your stuff. Make sure to label your items clearly before you donate them. If you have large pieces, it’s best to check that they’ll take them.
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Look for Recycling Centers
You may have old computers, ink cartridges and other objects that can’t be donated or sold. Try not to throw them into a nearby recycling can. Most recycling centers won’t take old electronics, but there’s another way to ensure your items don’t end up inside a landfill. You should be able to find donation bins for e-waste at stores like Staples, Walmart or Best Buy.
You can try a few national programs if you can’t find a local recycling center to take your items. These organizations repair and revitalize old TVs, laptops and phones for people who can’t afford to buy those electronics on their own. You can also see if local schools could use any printers or monitors that still work. It’s always smart to look for ways to declutter sustainably when possible.
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Use an Online Marketplace
Wondering how to get rid of closet clutter and make some extra cash? You’d be surprised at how quickly prospective buyers respond to posts on online communities like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. If you’d prefer having a virtual yard sale, check out those platforms. You can list your items for free or at a certain price point. Interested users will message you to coordinate details like a pickup location.
Choose a public spot to complete your exchange. You can never be too careful when it comes to online transactions. You could also use your social media platforms to advertise your items if you’d like to hand them off to people who you may know a little better. Either way, you’ll help out someone who’s on the hunt for whatever you have on hand while also making your home tidier.
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Sell Through Resale Apps
There are many resale apps you can use to sell used clothes and shoes to anyone. Look into ThredUp, Mercari and Poshmark. They’ll display your posts to people’s feeds so they can negotiate the price or buy right away. They can also ask questions and leave comments. You may want to use a website like The RealReal if you have luxury items like handbags or jewelry. They’ll be able to authenticate the piece and pay you accordingly, leaving everyone satisfied with a successful exchange.
You may want to explore this avenue if you have slightly newer items that you don’t quite want to part with yet. You can hand off your barely used clothes and shoes to someone who can appreciate them as much as you once did. Here’s a quick tip before you start selling — set reasonable prices. You can advertise brand new pieces closer to their original price, but it won’t be easy to find a buyer who’ll spend $20 on an old t-shirt.
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How to Get Rid of Clutter From a Quarantine Cleanout
If you went through a quarantine clean out, it’s time to take the next step. You can use these tips to donate, recycle or sell your old stuff. Afterward, you can enjoy your completely clutter-free home.
Author:
Holly Welles is the editor of The Estate Update and writes home improvement pieces to help readers figure out what to do with their living spaces. You can find more of her advice by following her on Twitter @HollyAWelles.