Have you decluttered as part of your spring cleaning? For those who haven’t done so, you may wonder what is the best way to get started. Below are 5miles’ top five tips on how to clean out all of the junk you’ve accumulated and make some quick cash in the process.
1. Start with storage spaces
Before you start reorganizing the items you’ve decided to save, you need somewhere to put it. Start by cleaning out your closets, basements, attics, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, the garage.
If you find that you haven’t used the things in your storage spaces since last year’s April showers, sell it on 5miles. You’ll create plenty of space to store more household items.
And, don’t forget to put away all your warm winter clothes to make room for fun summer fashion!
2. Take it one room at a time
Spring cleaning your whole house seems like a daunting task. You can make it easier to manage by taking on one room at a time. Don’t move on to another room until you have completely finished with the one you’re working on!
Formulate a plan, recruit some help (your kids, your significant other, or your friends), and take it one step at a time.
3. Use the Three Bucket method
This method makes it simple and efficient to organize your clutter. In every room, evaluate each item and pick one of three buckets:
Store it – If you think it’s useful and necessary to keep in your home.
Sell it – Make some money off your old items.
Trash it – If it’s worn out or broken, just toss it.
Separate all the items in each room or space into the three categories, and move forward accordingly. Easy!
4. Ruthlessly purge
For some of us, it can be hard to get rid of old items. However, it’s worth clearing out old junk for the joy of a clear, uncluttered home.
When deciding what to do with an item, ask yourself: Does it improve your life? Does it really hold sentimental value? Would it be hard to replace? If the answer to those questions is no, it’s time for that item to go.
When you decide you want to get rid of an item and it’s in good condition, you can make money from it by listing it for sale on apps like 5miles. Not only are you clearing up space in your home, you’re also helping someone else find a great deal on something they’ve been looking for.
5. Sell as you go
Selling your goods is as simple as posting on 5miles, snapping a few pictures, writing a quick description, and uploading. Keep your phone with you so you can easily post items as you move along in your cleaning efforts.
The faster you list, the faster you’ll sell, and the faster your house will be empty – just make sure to move the rest of your clutter out of the photo!
This article, by 5miles’ own Steven Chabot, originally appeared in WE magazine for women.
