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Home > Blogs > Here's the Deal: Bargains in Hamilton and Middletown > Archives > 2010 > April > 23 > Entry
Clear out your clutter for cash this weekend
While the rain this weekend might keep you indoors, why not spend some time finding cash in your closets?
Now is the perfect time for some spring cleaning to help lighten the load of unwanted items. With garage sale season just around the corner, you can get items ready for sale or to donate.
When cleaning out the clutter, determine what to get rid of by asking the following question: Have I cooked with it, worn it, displayed it, used it or read it within the last year? If not, it may be time to get rid of it. A good rule to cut down on clutter is to reduce your inventories by at least 10 percent to free up space for new items you will inevitably buy this year.
If you’re going the garage (or yard) sale route, remember that besides earning a little bit of cash you’re also helping the environment by recycling the items into a new home.
Before holding a garage sale, make sure there aren’t any restrictions in your neighborhood or city regarding the sales or use of signs. Be sure to advertise to draw in shoppers. This newspaper allows you to pick up or print off garage sale signs with the purchase of an ad. Post signs with arrows directing shoppers to your home, and drive by them to make sure they are readable from the road.
Remember, this is stuff you are getting rid of, so price items to sell. About one third of what the item costs brand-new is a good starting point, but place bulk items as low as you can to help the merchandise move out the door. As a general rule, stick to round numbers to make payment easier.
Select a charity to donate unsold items to ahead of time so when the sale’s over it doesn’t end up back in the closet. Remember that any items donated to charity can be deducted on your taxes.
Another way to get your clutter to pay is to donate to the Salvation Army. Through May 31, bring in your clean, gently-used donations and receive a $10 gift certificate redeemable at any Van Heusen, IZOD or Bass retail location. You may redeem one certificate per day, presented with the original Salvation Army receipt within 21 days of your donation. Have more stuff? Donate again and get another certificate. Get more info here
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings tips
Comments
By K
April 23, 2010 10:54 PM | Link to this
I would much rather donate to a friend in need or to a church. Besides, when you donate to the local thrift stores they turn around and sell it for three times the price you payed for it, very sad when people need help from others. To much greed in todays living. It’s more rewarding if and when I can help someone, also I will sleep better at night. :)
By Bill
April 26, 2010 8:46 AM | Link to this
But what do the thrift stores do with the money?