How to Make Spring Cleaning Profitable

Spring cleaning is one of those things that most of us feel is absolutely necessary because after the winter months, we are sick of looking at the state of the inside of our homes and garages. Spring is the perfect time for new furniture, or at least a nice rearrangement, which usually means getting rid of a lot of accumulated stuff. Here are a few ways to find more incentive to get started early.

1. Designate an area for donations and make a list as you put items there. This will be a big help when it comes time to do your 2016 taxes as the list will already be itemized, especially if you plan to donate to multiple charities, which means you will have several receipts. If you don’t have time to stop by consignment shops or hold garage sales, this is by far the fastest, most efficient way to get rid of items you no longer need. By keeping a record, you can help yourself as well as others.
2. Start with consignment shops for clothes that are still in good condition. You aren’t going to get a lot for each item, but every little bit can go toward regular expenses, savings, or your current debt. Make sure to research these shops too, that way you know if they have specialty items for which they may pay more.
3. Start planning a garage sale. You can even help get a neighborhood sale organized to increase the number of potential buyers. The earlier in the year you get started the better your turn out and the more things you will be able to get rid of when the time comes. There are few things more irritating than realizing two days after a garage sale that you had more stuff you could have included.
4. Take your old electronics in to trade or for cash. Many cellphone stores accept cells that are a few years old as part of a down payment for a new phone, other businesses will take your old tablets and computers and give you cash in return. Some places will even accept old electronics to help properly dispose of them.

Make sure you record all of the things you do get rid of under the Inventory tab of PIMYU. Between adding your receipts and updating the inventory, you will also help keep your finances in good condition as you clean up your home.

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