One of the discussion forums I moderate on hotcouponworld is “It’s Got to Go.” It’s all about what to do with all that stuff you have in your house. We talk about ideas & solutions & alternatives to just throwing stuff away. On this blog, I talk a lot about controlling how much money leaves your budget, let’s talk a little more about bringing some money in.

It’s spring cleaning time. Clean out your closets, your basements, your garage, sheds…you name it. If it’s been a while, it can be overwhelming. First, learn to make the most of little blocks of time. Like last night, after the boys baths & stuff, one went right to bed. The other wanted to read, so I read him a few books. He still wasn’t sleepy, but mellow, so I let him watch tv in our bed. While he did that, I cleaned out half my closet. It only took me 30-40 minutes. I moved my winter sweaters up high where I can’t readily access them, which is fine for the coming months. I moved all my fleece and heavy stuff to one side of the closet, all the while re-evaluating each item & deciding if I want to keep it. I’ll finish the other half tonight.

But take your little blocks of time-while you’re waiting for pasta to cook or water to boil, clean out a kitchen cabinet or drawer. Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a big overwhelming, take-days-off-from-work kind of project. Baby steps.

Ok, and now you have a whole bunch of stuff you’ve decided you no longer want. Here are some options to just throwing it away. But if you’re overwhelmed and just need some  immediate space, throw it away or donate it.

Consignment shops-great way to earn some money back on your clothing. We have several options here locally (may I suggest the Growing Tree in Kennett Square), check your phone book or online for shops near you.

Consignment sales-ask around at moms’ groups and churches and preschools to see if there is a consignment sale coming up. You rent a table for about $10-$20, then you take your items there on a Saturday and sell them. Sometimes they do a % split, make sure you’re clear on the terms before you commit. Money usually goes to charity.

Yard sale-self-explanatory

Community yard sale-look around in your local papers and online. Last year I rented a table at the local VFW for $10. And I got more foot-traffic than I would at my home, plus I didn’t have to pay for any advertising, they did it all.

Craigslist-good for bigger items like big outdoor toys, baby equipment, yard equipment. Can be a hassle, but in most cases it’s worth it. I’ve always gotten a fair price for my items.

Ebay-good for smaller, more high value items like collectibles, jewelry, electronics, expensive handbags and other things that can be shipped easily. Sign up for an ebay, paypal and post office account, and you never leave your home to ship it. The post office will even send you free shipping supplies.

Half.com-this site is excellent for books, textbooks and DVDs. If you have an ebay account, you already have a half.com account. Very easy to use, just enter the ISBN number from books and the listing is all done for you.

In the event that you don’t want to be bothered trying to recoup any money and just want to give it away, check local churches, youth groups, schools, animal shelters (they ALWAYS need towels and blankets!), Goodwill, Salvation Army or other charity. Make sure you get a receipt if you are going to put it on your taxes.

Freecycle-I’ve never done it, and from what I read on my hcw board, it seems to be a hassle. But it’s an option I’ll throw out there. You list your items for free online and someone gets to claim them.

Keep in mind if you are donating, that just because a family is down on their luck and living in poverty, does not mean that they want to or should have to wear torn/stained/dirty clothing, eat expired food or play with broken toys. If they item really is at the end of it’s lifespan, toss it.