There are a million reasons to organize your house. Not only does it just look more presentable when things are in order but it also makes life easier by knowing exactly where everything is. Another good reason to do a clean sweep of your house is for all of the extra cash you can pocket.
This doesn’t mean finding a wadded up five-dollar bill in between couch cushions, it means selling things you don’t use anymore. Or it could also mean donating items and writing it off on your taxes.
Used clothes are so in right now. Not only are people craving the vintage look, but they are also craving affordable clothes as well. Second hand stores are more than happy to pay you for your clothes. The battered T-shirts, socks with holes and stained jeans can probably be tossed out. But old winter jackets that don’t fit you any more, college sweatshirts that you never wear, boots that you could never pull off again, those are all items that are just taking up space in your home and could be sold for a decent price.
If you can’t find a consignment shop in your area that is willing to buy your clothes, you can always drop them off at the Good Will or Salvation Army. By simply donating your clothes, you are able to write that off on your taxes. While the Internal Revenue Service encourages donators to document the items using receipts, it is not officially necessary. As long as you write off your charitable deductions on Schedule A of Form 1040, you are able to collect on your donations. Visit the IRS for guidelines on how to fill out this form.
Clothes aren’t the only items of clutter in your home that are worth something. Many people underestimate the value of old electronics. Online classifieds are hotspots for old phones, televisions, radios, video games, etc. You would be surprised at the weird things people want. So get the unused items out of your house and make someone else happy. You shouldn’t expect to make massive profits, but if someone is willing to buy your old television for $15, that’s a free dinner for you and more space in your home.
Electronics, medical equipment, furniture, décor, appliances, all of these items take up lots of room in homes and should be gotten rid of if they are no longer in use. All of these items are either worth something or can be tax-deductible donations.
People like to say that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. However, in this situation, both come out as winners.
Josh Scheid is the owner of Zippy Shell of Central Florida- who provides portable storage in Orlando and the surrounding area.