Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home and that includes your technology! With Earth Month in full swing now is the ideal moment to declutter your old electronics reduce electronic waste and even make some extra cash. Instead of letting unused devices and tech accessories gather dust turn them into profit while helping the environment. From selling outdated electronics to recycling for cash here are 20 creative ways to declutter your home and earn money while making a positive impact on the planet.
1. Sell Gently Used Clothing Online
If your closet is overflowing, it is time to cash in on unwanted clothes. Platforms like Poshmark, ThredUp and eBay allow you to sell brand-name clothing easily. For high-end items consider The RealReal or Vestiaire Collective for maximum profit.
Pro Tip: Wash, iron and take high-quality photos of your clothing to make them more appealing to buyers.
2. Flip Furniture and Home Décor
If you have unused furniture or décor sell them on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist or OfferUp. Upcycling old furniture with a fresh coat of paint can increase its value and attract buyers looking for unique pieces.
Pro Tip: Mid-century modern, farmhouse and vintage styles tend to sell quickly!
3. Host a Garage Sale
A classic but effective way to declutter and make money. Organize a weekend garage sale, and promote it on neighborhood apps like Nextdoor and local Facebook groups. Price items reasonably and offer bundle deals to attract buyers.
Pro Tip: Set up clear signage and display items neatly to increase sales.
4. Recycle and Cash In
Do not throw away scrap metal, electronics or old appliances—recycle them for money. Many local recycling centers pay for aluminum, copper or old cell phones. Websites like EcoATM buy used smartphones on the spot.
Pro Tip: Check with your local recycling center to see what items they accept and their payout rates.
5. Sell Old Books, DVDs, and Collectibles
If your bookshelves are overflowing cash in on books, DVDs and collectibles. Websites like Decluttr, Amazon Trade-In and eBay are great platforms to resell them.
Pro Tip: First-edition books and rare collectibles can be worth significantly more—research before pricing!
6. Rent Out Seasonal and Specialty Items
Have a lawnmower, camping gear or sports equipment collecting dust? Rent them out using platforms like Fat Llama or Neighbor. People often prefer renting over buying expensive items for one time use.
Pro Tip: Clean and maintain equipment well to increase rental appeal.
7. Cash in on Electronics and Gadgets
Old smartphones, tablets and laptops can still have value. Sell old laptop on the website like webuybackelectronics , BuyBackWorld, or Swappa. Even broken devices can be sold for parts!
Pro Tip: Before selling, reset devices to factory settings and remove personal data.
8. Convert Unused Gift Cards into Cash, Store Credit, or Charity Donations
If you have unused gift cards sitting in a drawer, do not let them go to waste! Many websites allow you to trade them for cash or store credit. Platforms like CardCash, Raise and Gift Card Granny let you sell your unwanted gift cards at a slight discount while still making money. Some retailers, like Target and Walmart also have gift card exchange programs that allow you to swap one brand’s gift card for store credit at their locations. If you are feeling generous, consider donating your gift cards to charities that accept them, such as schools, shelters or non-profits supporting families in need. This way you declutter your space while helping others! Websites like CardCash, Raise and Gift Card Granny allow you to trade gift cards at a discount, while some retailers offer full credit for unused cards. Alternatively, consider donating them to charities that accept gift cards as contributions, supporting causes you care about while decluttering your space.
9. Turn Your Cleaning Skills into a Side Hustle
Spring cleaning is not just for your own home—you can make money helping others tidy up! Offer your cleaning services to busy professionals, elderly neighbors, or Airbnb hosts who need regular deep cleans. Platforms like TaskRabbit, Handy, and Thumbtack allow you to list your services and find clients easily. You can start with basic cleaning and expand into organizing, carpet cleaning, or even eco-friendly cleaning services for an added niche. Offer your services on TaskRabbit or through local ads.
10. Earn Money by Renting Out Extra Storage Space
Do you have a garage, attic, basement, or spare room collecting clutter? Turn it into passive income by renting out the extra storage space. Platforms like Neighbor, Stow It, and Store At My House allow you to connect with people in need of affordable storage solutions. Whether someone needs to store furniture during a move or keep seasonal decorations safe, you can charge a monthly fee for unused space in your home., rent it out through Neighbor.com.
11. Make and Sell Handmade or Upcycled Creations
Are you crafty? Put your skills to work by creating and selling handmade or upcycled items. Websites like Etsy, Handmade at Amazon, and Facebook Marketplace are great places to sell custom jewelry, home décor, refurbished furniture, and repurposed clothing. Sustainable and eco-friendly products are especially popular, so consider using recycled materials in your designs for an added selling point.. Sell your work on Etsy.
12. Donate Unwanted Items and Save on Taxes
If you have items that aren’t worth selling but are still in good condition, donating them to a charity can provide financial benefits. Many non-profits like Goodwill, The Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity ReStores accept clothing, furniture, and electronics. Keep a detailed record of your donations and ask for a receipt to claim deductions on your taxes. This way, you free up space in your home while giving back to the community and saving money during tax season.
13. Sell or Trade-In Used Sports Equipment for Cash
Old sports gear like baseball bats, golf clubs, and bikes can be resold for extra cash. Websites like SidelineSwap, Play It Again Sports, and Facebook Marketplace make it easy to find buyers for used equipment. Some local sporting goods stores also offer trade-in programs where you can exchange old gear for store credit toward new items.
14. Make Money from Vintage and Modern Toys
Toys from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s can be worth serious money, especially limited-edition items, action figures, and board games. List them on platforms like eBay, Mercari, and Facebook Marketplace. LEGO sets, Barbie dolls, and Pokémon cards are especially valuable in collector circles, so research their worth before selling. List them on eBay or Facebook Marketplace.
15. Get Store Credit or Cash for Old Electronics
Don’t throw away your outdated smartphones, tablets, or gaming consoles—many major retailers offer trade-in programs that give you store credit or cash in exchange. Apple, Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart all have trade-in programs where you can exchange old electronics for gift cards or discounts on new products. This is a great way to upgrade while cutting costs!
16. Turn Old Musical Instruments into Extra Cash
Musical instruments hold their value well, making them a great item to resell. Whether you have a guitar, keyboard, drum set, or violin collecting dust, websites like Reverb, eBay, and Guitar Center’s Trade-In Program are excellent places to sell them. Vintage and high-quality instruments often sell for a premium, especially if they are in good condition.
17. Sell or Trade Old Video Games for Quick Cash
If you have old gaming consoles or video games, you can trade them in for cash or credit at places like GameStop, eBay, and Decluttr. Limited edition games and retro consoles like the NES, PlayStation 2, and Game Boy are in high demand, so check their value before selling!
18. Cash in on Valuable Coins and Stamps
If you’ve inherited or collected coins and stamps over the years, they may be worth a lot more than you think. Rare and vintage items are sought after by collectors on sites like eBay, Heritage Auctions, and local numismatic dealers. Before selling, get them appraised to determine their true value. Try local dealers or eBay.
19. Get Paid for Helping People Move or Declutter
If you own a truck or van, you can make money by offering moving, hauling, or junk removal services. Websites like TaskRabbit, Craigslist, and Thumbtack can help you connect with people who need assistance transporting furniture, disposing of unwanted items, or moving into a new home.
20. Resell Baby Gear to Parents in Need
Baby items such as strollers, cribs, car seats, and high chairs can be expensive when bought new, so many parents look for secondhand options. Sell gently used baby gear on Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and Once Upon a Child to earn back some of what you spent. on Facebook Marketplace.
Final Thoughts
Spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up—it’s an opportunity to turn clutter into cash and make a positive environmental impact. Whether you’re selling, donating, or repurposing, there are countless ways to give new life to unwanted items while putting money back in your pocket. By taking a smart, strategic approach to decluttering, you’ll create a cleaner, more organized space and potentially help others in the process.
So, why let valuable items collect dust? Start today, and turn your spring cleaning efforts into a rewarding and profitable experience!
Which of these money-making decluttering strategies will you try first? Share your thoughts in the comments!
