Of course as a junk removal company ourselves we definitely know how to turn junk into money – just start a business where people pay you to collect and properly dispose all of their junk! ? No, but seriously, we understand that sometimes you want to try all different kinds of options in order to make money yourselves on the items you no longer need before paying a service like us to come and pick it up. That is why we created this post. We wanted to pass along some ideas on how to turn your junk into money. After all, while we of course appreciate all the business we receive we also are an eco-friendly company and so if there are items that can be reused before being ready for the dump then we’re all for it!
Lets turn those piles of junk into cash shall we!?
5 Ways on How to Turn Your Junk into Money
1. Garage/Yard Sale
This is probably a no brainer, but the easiest way is by not having to move your junk very far. Selling your items right from your garage or yard is the perfect way to get your junk off your hands while putting money into your pocket. In order to boost your attendance make sure you post signs near your home stating you’re having a sale and many times your local paper will have a spot in the classifieds you can advertise as well. You can also post your sale on sites like Craigslist.
2. Sell Online
Where to sell online all depends on the type of items you have. It’s usually easiest to start local and that would be by using a site like Craigslist or to find local garage sale groups you can join on Facebook. Those sites you can pretty much post anything and everything for any price. Local sites are also better for bigger items like furniture that you wouldn’t want to mess with shipping. Other sites like Ebay are great if you have clothes that are still in excellent condition as well as smaller electronics or collectibles. If you have lots of antiques and vintage type items to sell then opening up a shop on Etsy is another idea. Amazon is great for selling books.
3. Up-cycle
You’ll need to be somewhat handy or crafty for this but getting to know spray paint and a sander can bring you in some big bucks. That old oak dresser with gold handles may only sell for $30 as-is but give it a fresh, updated darker stain with oil rubbed bronze hardware and you’re now raking in over $100 bucks. Obviously you have to spend a little in order to make a little in this scenario so be sure you choose items that you know will sell once rehabbed. Pinterest is your friend here.
4. Consignment Stores
Look up your local consignment stores and compare prices. The percentage you get back is something that is important to know when choosing a location. You also want to know their policy on having sales and reducing the price of your item. There are typically consignment stores for everything from clothes, furniture, knick knacks and books. There are also some stores, like Half Price Books, that will just buy your stuff outright and give you a percentage right then and there so you don’t have to wait around for it to sell first.
5. Recycle
Yup, there are companies that will pay you to recycle your items. You can find drop boxes for old cell phones in grocery stores now. Other places will give money to recycle old ink cartridges. There are sites online and stores (like Best Buy and Radioshack) that will take any electronics – if it’s something like a computer or phone just be sure to completely erase everything first. Finally, check with your local energy company to see if they will pick up your older less efficient appliances for cash.
If all else fails and you’re still left with a pile of junk then that is when you call someone like us. Fire Dawgs will happily come by and pick up whatever is left. We will still sort in order to recycle and donate the items as well so they won’t necessarily be going straight to the dump. If you have further questions or would like a free estimate please give us a call at 317-291-DAWG or fill out our contact page. If you’re more of a DIY person you may prefer our brother company, Dumpster Dawgs instead. Thanks for reading and happy selling!