Ever thought about turning your unused items into cash? Decluttering your home and making money from hobbies is easier than you think. This guide shows you how to find hidden ways to earn more.
Key Takeaways
- Identify valuable items in your home that can be sold for extra cash
- Explore selling handmade crafts, artwork, and personalized gifts online
- Capitalize on your unique skills and hobbies to generate additional income
- Discover the potential in reselling rare and collectible items
- Learn how to turn your online presence and physical space into moneymaking ventures
Looking to declutter, start a side hustle, or just earn extra? This article gives you the tools and strategies to make money from what you already have. Get ready to see the value in your home and the many ways to boost your income fast.
Declutter Your Home and Sell Unused Items
One easy way to make extra cash is by selling items you no longer need or use. Begin by checking your closet for gently used clothes and accessories that could be valuable. Look for brands, vintage items, and high-quality pieces. These often sell well on sites like Poshmark, Depop, and eBay.
Clothing and Accessories
Many homes have at least $1600 worth of clutter. One person made $3500 selling their kids’ old toys and clothes in a few months. You can usually get 25-50% of the original price for an item.
Items under $10 might be donated or sold at a garage sale. But, items over $10 can be listed on Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook.
Toys and Games
Check your kids’ toys and games – classic toys in good shape or with the original box can sell well to collectors. eBay, Mercari, and sites for toy collectors are good places to sell these items. Facebook might have fewer buyers, but items can sell fast, sometimes in just 2 minutes.
When decluttering and selling unused items, pick the best platforms for what you have. Be ready for shipping costs or meeting buyers. By selling old clothes, toys, games, and more, you can clean your home and make money from decluttering.
Sell Handmade Crafts and DIY Projects
If you love crafting or making DIY projects, you can make money from it. Sell your handmade items like jewelry, home decor, or personalized gifts on Etsy. The global candle market is expected to hit $16 billion by 2031, showing there’s a big demand for unique, handcrafted items.
Creating your own online store with Shopify is another option. Look for trends and find what makes your items special. With so many jewelry sellers out there, focus on making unique pieces for specific groups of people.
Subscription boxes and digital products like printable art or planners are also good choices. They’re easy to pack and send out, and they don’t take up much space.
Candles and Sweets
The candle market is full of opportunities, from religious to eco-friendly types. Selling sweets like candy, cookies, chocolates, and jams can also bring in money. These items often find a special place in people’s hearts.
Art and Décor
You can sell a variety of art and decor items, from paintings to sculpture. Decorative wreaths, garden planters, and keychains are also great crafts to make and sell.
| Craft Idea | Market Opportunity |
|---|---|
| Candles | $16 billion global market by 2031 |
| Sweets | Appealing to niche markets |
| Art and Décor | Paintings, prints, and unique home accents |
Use your crafting skills and keep up with trends to sell homemade crafts, sell DIY projects, and monetize your crafting skills. This way, you can build a successful craft business.
Monetize Your Hobbies and Skills
You can make extra money by selling your hobbies and skills. If you love photography, sell your photos on sites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock. Or, offer your photography for events, portraits, or product shots.
If you’re good at writing, try freelance writing or sell your own digital content. You can also teach what you know, whether it’s a school subject or a special skill. Many people make money by teaching online courses or coaching in their area of expertise.
Photography
Make money with photography by doing journalism, wedding photography, or selling stock images. You can also sell prints or teach photography online. Use social media to check out what people like in the hobby world.
Writing and Tutoring
Write books in genres like romance or mystery to earn money. Blogging can also be profitable, especially in topics like digital marketing or health. You can make money through digital products, ads, courses, or memberships.
| Hobby | Monetization Opportunities |
|---|---|
| Photography | Journalism, wedding photography, selling stock images, product photography, selling prints, offering online courses |
| Writing | Freelance writing, self-publishing books, blogging, creating and selling digital content, tutoring |
| Antiques and Reselling | Sourcing items from flea markets, thrift stores, or curbside pickups, and reselling them |
| Music Production | Selling beats and samples on platforms like Airbit and BeatStars |
| Coffee and Beverages | Selling specialty coffee blends, opening a coffee shop or cafe, creating subscription services |
| Gardening and Plants | Selling handmade plant-based products, offering online gardening classes, starting a plant subscription service |
When making money from your hobbies, research prices and know your market. Keep an eye on your earnings and costs. A strong online presence and connecting with your audience can turn your hobbies into a profitable side job.
Resell Rare and Collectible Items
Looking to make some extra cash from your old stuff? Check out the value of rare and collectible items at home. Things like vintage action figures, rare vinyl records, antique toys, and valuable comic books could be worth a lot.
Antiques and Vintage Items
Vintage action figures, like those from Star Wars or GI Joe, are in high demand. Rare vinyl records, especially limited editions or albums by lesser-known artists, can also bring in good money. Antique toys, such as tin wind-up cars or early Barbie dolls, are valuable if they’re in good shape.
Comic Books and Trading Cards
Comic books in good condition are popular among collectors. Issues like the 1939 Superman No. 1 can be very valuable. Sports memorabilia, like signed jerseys or balls, is also sought after, especially if signed by famous players or from historic games.
If you have comic books or trading cards, especially first editions or rare ones, you can make a profit. Websites like ComicConnect, MyComicShop, and eBay are great for selling these items.
| Collectible Item | Potential Value |
|---|---|
| Vintage action figures (e.g., Star Wars, GI Joe) | Highly sought after by collectors |
| Rare vinyl records (limited editions, obscure artists) | Can fetch high prices |
| Antique toys (tin wind-up cars, early Barbie dolls) | Highly valuable if in good condition |
| Comic books (1939 Superman No. 1, good condition) | Can be worth thousands of dollars |
| Sports memorabilia (autographed jerseys, balls) | Highly valuable to collectors |
Research the value of your items and list them on specialized platforms to make money. Whether it’s vintage treasures, antique furniture, or comic books and trading cards, the collector’s market is full of opportunities.
things i can sell to make money
Earning extra money is easy with items you no longer need. Your home might be full of things like designer clothes, vintage jewelry, collectible toys, and rare books. These items could turn into a steady income.
Start by looking around your home for items that could be valuable. These might be for collectors, enthusiasts, or people looking for a bargain. Selling things you don’t use can make you money and clear out your space.
- Heavy or bulky items may cost more to ship, so consider this when selecting items to sell online.
- Niche products like hiking apparel can be more profitable than general clothing items.
- Collectible items, such as rare coins or vintage toys, can offer a tremendous return on investment.
- Furniture is an evergreen product with a large market, making it a consistent best-seller online.
- Selling custom T-shirts is a high-demand, low-competition item category.
- Books, whether used or self-published, are always in high demand and make a great product to sell.
Look at your belongings and pick the most valuable items to sell. You can sell on online platforms like Amazon, eBay, or Etsy, or use local options like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. There are many ways to turn unwanted items into cash.
“I went from being homeless to making $10,000 per month within one year of blogging, and now have multi 7-figure online businesses after six years of blogging.”
Success comes from being entrepreneurial. Research the market, set fair prices, and offer great service. Selling can open a new way to make money and give you financial freedom.
Sell Your Services
You can also make money by selling your services for cash. Use your skills in writing, graphic design, web development, or virtual assistance. Sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com help you find clients and show off your skills.
Freelancing
Freelancing lets you use your skills and work on your own time. If you’re good at writing, designing, or coding, there’s a lot of demand for these skills. Use Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com to show your work, build a profile, and find freelance jobs that fit your skills.
Local Services
You can also offer local services in your area. Think about dog walking, lawn care, or handyman work. Use TaskRabbit or tell your neighbors about your services. This can be a great way to make extra money by meeting local needs.
| Service | Average Hourly Rate | Potential Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Assistant | $15 – $25 | $1,200 – $2,000 |
| Graphic Design | $20 – $50 | $1,600 – $4,000 |
| Lawn Mowing | $20 – $40 | $800 – $1,600 |
| Dog Walking | $10 – $20 | $800 – $1,600 |
“The key to earning extra income through services is to identify your unique skills and match them with the needs of your local community or online clients.” – Jane Doe, Freelance Writer
Monetize Your Online Presence
In today’s digital world, your online presence is very valuable. If you run a personal blog or website, you can make money by selling ads, promoting products, or selling digital goods like e-books or courses. If you’re popular on social media, you can also earn money through sponsored posts, influencer marketing, or by selling your own branded merchandise. Using your online presence can help you earn money without much work.
Here are some ways to make money online and monetize your website or blog:
- Sell ads on your site or blog using Google AdSense, Mediavine, or AdThrive.
- Promote products and earn money when people buy them.
- Sell digital products like e-books, courses, or templates.
- Offer coaching or consulting in your area of expertise.
- Use crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter or Indiegogo for your projects or ideas.
- Make money on social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok through sponsored content, influencer marketing, or selling merchandise.
To make money from your online presence, you need to connect with your audience, offer value, and have a good plan. The internet can help you make your online activities a steady source of income.
“The key to making money online is to offer value and build a loyal following. Once you have that, the chances to earn money will grow.”
Whether you’re a blogger, vlogger, or social media star, there are many ways to make money online and monetize your website or blog. By trying out these strategies and keeping up with trends, you can make your online presence profitable.
Recycle and Sell Scrap Materials
Don’t forget the value of items you might throw away. Collect and sell scrap materials like metal, paper, or cardboard at recycling centers or scrapyards. Even small items can add up, especially if you have a lot. This helps the planet and puts money in your pocket.
Aluminum cans are valuable because they’re hard to make. Don’t crush them before recycling. You can return plastic and glass bottles for cash because of deposit schemes.
Stores like Staples give $2 back for each ink cartridge you recycle. Cardboard boxes are worth about $45 per ton. They’re better recycled in large amounts, like at office recycling programs.
Recycling old electronics can also make you money. Items like copper, gold, and silver are found in e-waste. Car batteries can be worth up to $10. Scrap metal recycling can be profitable, especially for metals like copper and brass.
Copper is a valuable metal often found in plumbing and wiring. Brass is found in things like faucets and bullet casings. Aluminum is in many household items, like siding and dryers.
Sorting metals carefully can increase their value. Keep your scrap metals safe and organized to avoid theft and be ready to sell. Sgt. Scrap accepts many metals, offering chances to sell scrap materials.
| Metal | Recycling Value |
|---|---|
| Copper | Over $2 per pound |
| Yellow Brass | $1.40 per pound |
| Aluminum | Decent recycling value |
| Steel/Stainless Steel | Less valuable but commonly accepted |
Sgt. Scrap offers mobile pickups for at least 500 pounds of metal. By recycling your scrap materials, you can earn money and help the environment.
Sell Unwanted Gift Cards
If you’ve got gift cards you don’t use, think about selling them online. Sites like Cardpool, Raise, and CardCash let you sell your unused gift cards for a bit less than face value. This is a fast and simple way to turn those unused gift cards into cash, without wasting them.
Did you know 47% of Americans have unused gift cards, with an average balance of $187 each? Selling your unwanted gift cards is a great way to make money from gift cards and use that cash wisely.
- Raise charges a 15% fee for using its site to sell gift cards, offering a best return of 85 cents on the dollar.
- CardCash pays up to 92% of the cash value of gift cards, and the return varies by retailer, e.g., Walmart gift cards could get you $86.50 out of $100, Apple Store $72, and Microsoft $63.
- CardCash offers up to 11% more value if you trade in gift cards for select other gift cards (e.g., Amazon, Target, Wayfair).
Also, think about using credit cards that offer cash back on gift card purchases. Cards like the Citi Double Cash® Card, Chase Freedom Unlimited®, and Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card can help you earn more from selling gift cards.
“Selling your unwanted gift cards is a simple way to turn those unused cards into cash without letting them go to waste.”
While eBay lets you sell gift cards, it often has higher fees and lower returns. Stick with sites like Cardpool, Raise, and CardCash for the best deal on your unused gift cards.
VISIT OUR STORE | https://bykennethkeith.com/store/.
Host a Garage Sale or Yard Sale
If you want to make some extra cash, consider hosting a garage sale or yard sale. Start by sorting through your home for items you no longer need. You might find clothes, accessories, toys, games, or even crafts you made yourself.
After collecting your items, pick a good spot for your sale. Your driveway or front yard works well. Arrange your items in a way that looks good and is easy to see. Price things fairly, usually 10-20% of what they cost new, or up to 50% if they’re in great shape.
To get people to come, spread the word through local groups, flyers, or online on Facebook Marketplace. The best days for sales are Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Saturday or Sunday mornings, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., are the busiest times.
| Garage Sale Pricing Tips | Garage Sale Timing and Scheduling |
|---|---|
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Hosting a garage sale or yard sale helps you declutter and make money. So, sort your items, set fair prices, and get ready to meet local buyers and earn some cash!
“Garage sales are a great way to declutter your home and earn some extra money at the same time. Just be sure to price your items competitively and promote your sale to attract as many buyers as possible.”
Rent Out Your Belongings or Space
If you have items or space you’re not using, think about renting them out to earn extra cash. You could rent out a spare room, parking space, or even your tools and recreational vehicles. Websites like Airbnb, Turo, and Neighbor make it simple to list and manage these rentals, connecting you with people who need them and taking care of the details.
Over two years on Airbnb, the author earned over $18,000 by renting out a spare room. Neighbor.com offers cheap storage and parking spots, costing half as much as traditional places. StoreAtMyHouse says you can make $300 to $3,000 a year, depending on where you live and how much space you have.
PeerSpace offers $1 million liability insurance and takes a 15% service fee for each booking. Word of mouth helped a neighbor in Washington D.C. rent out a garage for $100 a month to commuters. Using Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist can bring in more renters because of the high traffic on these sites.
| Rental Option | Potential Monthly Earnings |
|---|---|
| Garage Space | $100 – $600 |
| Barn Space for Vehicle Storage | $80 – $140 per vehicle |
| Indoor Warehouse Space | $200 – $500 |
Hosting can bring in about 50% of what companies charge for similar units. To set a fair price, one person suggested testing the market with Craigslist ads. Remember, you can deduct eligible expenses from taxes when renting out a space.
“Renting out barn space for vehicle storage can generate between $80 to $140 per month per vehicle, with an average renewal of about 8 months.”
Platforms like Neighbor, StoreAtMyHouse, STOW IT, and Stache make it easy to find renters for your storage space. Local ads can also help attract renters. Think about lease lengths from month-to-month to longer contracts based on what renters need. Using software like Innago can help manage your properties and leases well.
Conclusion
This guide has given you many ideas to turn your stuff and skills into cash. You can declutter your home and sell things you don’t use anymore. Or, you can make money from your hobbies and skills.
Looking to sell rare items or offer freelance services? This article has strategies to help you increase your income. You can reach your financial goals by using these tips.
By looking around your home and using the right selling platforms, you can make money from many items. This includes things like computer accessories, beauty products, and home decor. You can also earn extra by using online platforms, recycling, and renting out your space.
VISIT OUR STORE for more tips on selling items and services to earn money. With creativity and the right mindset, you can turn your items and skills into a profitable side job or business. Start making money by decluttering and monetizing your hobbies today.
FAQ
What are some easy ways to declutter my home and sell unused items?
You can sell gently used clothes and accessories on sites like Poshmark, Depop, and eBay. For classic toys, games, and collectibles, try eBay, Mercari, and sites for toy collectors.
How can I turn my hobby or skills into a profitable side hustle?
If you love crafting or DIY, sell your items on Etsy. You can also make money by selling photos on stock photo sites, offering writing services, or tutoring in your area of expertise.
What types of rare and collectible items can I sell for a profit?
You can sell vintage items, antique furniture, or memorabilia on sites like 1stDibs, Ruby Lane, or eBay’s collectibles section. Comic books or trading cards, especially rare ones, can be sold on ComicConnect, MyComicShop, and eBay.
What other household items can I sell to make extra money?
You can sell scrap materials like metal, paper, or cardboard at recycling centers or scrapyards. Unwanted gift cards can be sold on Cardpool, Raise, and CardCash. Hosting a garage sale or yard sale is another way to earn cash.
How can I rent out my belongings or space to generate extra income?
You can rent out a spare room, parking space, or items like tools or recreational vehicles on Airbnb, Turo, and Neighbor. These sites connect you with people interested in renting and handle the details.