Turn Clutter into Cash: 5 Decluttering Tips that Pay Off

Clearing out clutter around your home isn’t just about tidying up — it’s the perfect opportunity to boost your budget. From selling unused electronics to donating clothes, turning unwanted items into extra money in your pocket is easier than you might think. 

Why decluttering pays off 

Decluttering is an easy way to free up space in your home and make it feel less congested. While a cleaner and clearer space is good for your mind and body, it can also be beneficial to your financial health. A tidy home can ease stress and sharpen focus, helping you stay organized and in control of your financial and personal goals. 

Selling items you no longer need can give you more money to pay bills, save for a goal, or treat yourself. And if you choose to donate certain items, you may even qualify for tax deductions. 

What to declutter first 

Counter tops 

Does your counter space seem like it’s shrinking by the day? Sometimes counters become a catch-all surface where you throw all your odds and ends that don’t have a home. 

Start by clearing off and throwing away any unnecessary mail, like expired fliers or coupons. Toss anything that isn’t useful and find a home for things like pens, sticky notes, and other little things taking up valuable counter space. 

Junk drawer 

The dreaded junk drawer is a place where all the random things like loose batteries, dried out markers, and random screws pile up. 

Go through your junk drawer and pull out any useless or broken things. Then start organizing the things you do keep with something like a drawer organizer. 

Pantry and kitchen cabinets 

You probably have way more expired things in your kitchen pantry and cabinets than you’d like to admit. 

The first items to toss are any opened bags or boxes of food that have gone stale. Next, take inventory of your canned goods, pasta boxes, and spices. If they’re expired, throw them out. If they’re still good but you know you won’t use them, donate them to a food pantry. 

Kitchen cabinets can also house old plates, cups, cutlery, pots, and pans that you may no longer use. If you haven’t used them in the past year, bring them to a donation center or sell them. 

Bathroom drawers and cabinets 

When was the last time you looked in the very back of your bathroom cabinets and drawers? How many half-used or expired products do you think are hiding in there? 

Nearly empty bottles of shampoo, lotion, and skincare products take up space. If you have any unopened hotel samples or travel-sized items, take them to a local shelter or disaster-relief organization. Once you’ve thrown away anything you won’t use again, invest in a few bins to keep everything organized. 

Closets 

It’s a good idea to go through your closet once a year to see which garments you no longer wear. If you haven’t worn something in the past year, it may be time to donate or sell it. 

Just be sure to inspect the clothing before passing it on to someone else. Check for holes or damage and create a sell, donate, and trash pile. If the clothing is in good condition, put it in the sell or donate pile. If it isn’t, chuck it in the trash pile. 

Bookshelves 

Look through your shelves for books or knickknacks that you can part with. These can be good items to sell for some extra cash, but many donation centers will take them as well. 

Freeing up your bookshelves will also leave room for new books and decorations you find in the future. 

Easy ways to turn clutter into cash 

Whether you prefer online marketplaces, local resale shops, or a good old -fashioned yard sale, there are plenty of simple ways to turn unwanted items into cash. 

1. Sell stuff online 

One of the most popular and effective ways to make money while decluttering is by selling your items online. There are plenty of online selling platforms including: 

• Ebay
• Facebook Marketplace
• Poshmark
• Mercari
• Craigslist 

Before listing, take great pictures and write clear descriptions of the items to boost their chances of selling. Also, be prepared to negotiate and set fair prices based on the item’s condition and market value. 

2. Plan a yard sale 

Hosting a yard sale is a great way to make money while decluttering. A well-organized sale can attract neighborhood buyers looking for secondhand treasures. 

Pick a date and make signs to display around the neighborhood so people are aware that you’re hosting one. Then, on the day of, set up neat tables to display everything. 

3. Donate items for tax savings 

Giving useful items to charitable organizations or local secondhand stores is not only a good reason to declutter, but it could also lower your tax bill because your donations to qualified charitable organizations are tax-deductible. 

If you itemize your deductions, you could reduce your taxable income by the value of your donations. Just be sure to ask for a receipt after donating to ensure you have proof of your donation for tax purposes. 

4. Bring your things to thrift and consignment stores 

Maybe you prefer a hassle-free way to get rid of your items and don’t want to deal with selling online or holding a yard sale. If so, taking them to thrift stores or consignment shops can be a great alternative option. 

Thrift stores typically accept a wide variety of items, including clothing, accessories, and furniture, whereas consignment stores tend to be more selective. They typically focus on higher-quality or brand-name goods. Make sure to call ahead and inquire about what they accept. 

5. Upcycle and sell 

Upcycling is the process of transforming old or unused items into something new and valuable. If you're crafty or enjoy DIY projects, this can be a fun way to turn your clutter into money. 

Common upcycling projects include turning old furniture into trendy pieces, converting worn-out clothing into accessories, or transforming glass jars and containers into decorative items. Once you’ve upcycled the items, you can sell them at craft fairs, online marketplaces like Etsy, or local consignment shops. 

Clearing cutter and spreading kindness 

Getting rid of clutter doesn't just help create a more organized space — it also provides a meaningful way to give back to the community. Donating gently used items to charitable organizations reduces waste, supports those in need, and can even offer tax benefits. There’s no better motivation than that!