If you’ve got old stuff lying around the house gathering dust, why not put it to good use and make some cash?
Old electronics. bulky furniture and even broken appliances can be sold or exchanged these days, it’s just a matter of when and how.
So, save that 90s flip-phone from the trash heap-you’ll be doing a service to the environment and even earn a bit of money along the way. Here’s how:
Give Your Things a New Life
Do you have a friend or family member who you think will love your hand-me-downs? If you’re not keen on keeping them, then brighten someone else’s day.
No takers? Make a charitable donation! Non-profits, churches and schools are always in need of used or second-hand items to help those in need. Find a local organization that you feel good about, and feel even better when you make your contribution.
You won’t earn cash, but you’ll probably win a smile or two.
Trade-in Your Old Devices
Clean out your garage, empty the attic and get rid of the excess that’s clogging up your closets by selling in the second-hand market. Your old iPod, mobile phone and Gameboy handheld just might be someone else’s treasure.
Many retail shops offer trade-in deals on mobile phones and other tech, including games, consoles and toys. For example:
- Trade in electronics, including tablets, phones, and consoles of any era/condition to get cash or trade credits at GameStop.
- Take your current iPhone to an Apple retail store for instant credit on your next device or, even better, get a refurbished iPhone at a fraction of the cost.
- Recycling platforms in the UK (like Mobile Phone Xchange, Mazuma and Envirofone) will pay cash for your old mp3 player, digital camera or phone.
- CeX, a popular exchange shop that handles second-hand goods, will take newer/working smartphones.
- Take advantage of manufacturer programs that allow you to send in your devices for instant credit or a gift card (e.g., Apple’s GiveBack program and similar schemes offered through Motorola and Samsung).
- Finally, there’s Plunc, who will swap high-end gadgets for cash, reselling them after the refurbishing process through Freestyll.
Sell Direct
Host an auction on eBay, or list your price and sell to the first interested party. If you’re not sure of your item’s value, search the eBay listings under “completed” to see how much the recent buying prices were.
Amazon Marketplace is also a good place to post your second-hand stuff. Listings reach millions of potential buyers interested in all sorts of merchandise, including old books, music, DVDs, your first-gen Kindle and other old gadgets.
And, of course, there’s always Craigslist and Gumtree listings.
Make Space for Something New
As you can see, there are a plethora of options available when it comes to getting rid of your old stuff. And, even if you can’t sell, it feels great to reduce clutter without damaging the environment. Plus, you might just make someone’s day, in the process, when they stumble across a cherished item that is no longer available in stores.
