Thrifty Retirement – Turn Clutter Into Cash
August 17, 2009 | Posted by headman Many of you will consider downsizing when you retire. You’re now empty nesters and you no longer need the large home you raised your family in, so you’re thinking about buying a smaller home, a condo, or another option. If the real estate market is right, this can be a money-saving option. If the market hasn’t recovered yet, think about downsizing right where you are.
Downsizing doesn’t have to mean moving. It can mean living in fewer rooms in your current home, or it can mean cleaning out some of the clutter that has accumulated over the years. In fact, cleaning out the clutter can help you live in fewer rooms. Look, really look, around your basement, attic, and closets with a fresh eye. How much sporting equipment is still taking up space when the last time you used it was 10 years ago? A kayak, a canoe, water skis, snow skis and poles? Bowling balls and shoes? You probably loved those sports at one time, but if you no longer use those items, consider them a source of income. You can list sporting goods and exercise equipment on Craigslist or in classified ads and get good money for them. What a deal–clean out your closets and make money too!
It doesn’t have to be just big items that help you downsize. Do you still have some of your professional wardrobe? How often do you wear those clothes now? If they are still stylish, consider sending them to a consignment shop. They must be clean and in good condition, but when the item sells, you get a percentage of the profits. There are also stores that take jewelry on consignment, or if you have jewelry of gold or sterling silver, you can sell that for the precious metal content. Of course, you won’t get nearly as much as selling it intact, but it’s better than gathering dust in your drawers, especially if it’s broken or mismatched.
Speaking of drawers, how many old pairs of eyeglasses do you have? You might be surprised, once you start looking. Although I don’t know of any way to make money from them, you can donate them to Lions Club International or to Sunglass Hut, who both distribute them internationally to people in need. And they’ll be out of your drawers!
Electronics take up increasing amounts of space in our homes, and recycling those items not only cleans out your closets, but also salvages precious metals and prevents heavy metal pollution. You can try selling such items on Craigslist, or some retailers will help find a charity, school, or public agency that needs your old computer, laptop, printer, peripherals, or software. Donations with receipts are good tax deductions. Dell will accept its own product back for recycling, and you can even go to the website to get free shipping. Each week, it seems that another major retailer begins advertising that it will accept electronics for recycle, so keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities to recycle.
What else do you have that you no longer need and would like to get rid of? Do you have large furniture items that are filled with “stuff?” What fills the bureau or dresser in your guest room? Outdated clothing? Craft projects begun but never finished? Toys that grandchildren have outgrown? Office supplies for some business, now long abandoned? Clean them out! Sell the “stuff” or give it to charity. When the drawers or shelves are empty, you might even want to sell the furniture. Downsize your clutter and make some money!
Copyright 2009, Linda Manley
Linda Manley, a retired university research director, writes website articles on topics that interest her, such as retiring in warm places, staying fit and healthy, and saving money while doing both. You can find more of her articles at http://www.GreatRetirementPlaces.com
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Categories: Retirement, Retirement Income, Third Age Activities | 
Tags: Investments, Retirement Funds, Retirement Income, Save Money | 
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