Young girl sitting on the floor decluttering items

If you’re cleaning out your home, don’t toss everything just yet. Many people are finding creative ways to turn unwanted items into money. With the right strategy, your clutter can become cash instead of landfill waste. Here are nine current decluttering trends that are actually paying off.

Selling on Facebook Marketplace

Young woman selling clothing secondhand
Image Credit: Jim_Filim via Deposit Photos.

Facebook Marketplace remains one of the easiest ways to sell locally. You can list furniture, clothes, or electronics and get offers within hours. Clear photos and short descriptions help your listings stand out. Many sellers earn hundreds each month from items they no longer need.

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Flipping Thrift Store Finds

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Thrifting has become a profitable side hustle. People shop secondhand stores for undervalued items like vintage decor or collectibles, then resell them online for more. Platforms like eBay and Poshmark make flipping accessible to anyone with an eye for quality.

Hosting a Virtual Yard Sale

Outdoor yard sale with racks of clothing
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Online yard sales are replacing the traditional driveway setup. Use social media or neighborhood groups to post photos and prices. Buyers comment or message directly, and pickup happens on your schedule. It’s safer, faster, and often more profitable than a one-day sale.

Selling Designer Clothes Online

Woman working from home and drinking coffee
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Reselling platforms like ThredUp and Poshmark make it simple to turn clothing into cash. Designer or high-quality pieces sell best, especially if they’re gently worn. Take clear photos and include brand names to attract serious buyers.

Upcycling Furniture

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Instead of donating old furniture, many people are repainting or restoring pieces and selling them for a profit. A quick refresh with new paint or hardware can increase the value dramatically. Tutorials on YouTube can help you learn simple restoration techniques that pay off.

Trading Electronics for Cash

Various old electronic devices sitting in a thrift shop
Image Credit: Stokkete via Deposit Photos.

Old phones, tablets, and gaming systems still hold value. Sites like Decluttr or Best Buy’s trade-in program let you exchange them for cash or store credit. Even older models can bring in extra money if they’re in good condition.

Selling Unused Gift Cards

Wall of assorted gift cards in a store
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If you have gift cards sitting in a drawer, don’t let them go to waste. Websites like Raise and CardCash buy unwanted cards at a small discount, letting you quickly convert them into cash. It’s an easy win for items you’ll never use.

Reselling Kids’ Items

A young girl playing on the floor with her stuffed animals.
Image Credit: TierneyMJ via Shutterstock.

Clothes, toys, and baby gear often have short lifespans but high resale value. Parents are making money back by selling gently used items through Facebook groups or consignment apps like Kidizen. Many find it’s the easiest way to keep clutter under control while earning extra income.

Recycling Scrap Metal or Appliances

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Appliances, tools, or old bikes often contain metal that’s worth recycling. Local scrap yards pay by weight, and even small hauls can add up. Check community recycling centers for rates before you drop anything off to make sure you get a fair price.

Turning Clutter Into Opportunity

Young woman working on laptop holding a bunch of cash
Image Credit: Kues via Deposit Photos.

Decluttering doesn’t always mean throwing things away. With a little creativity and effort, you can give your old items a second life while padding your wallet. These trends prove that one person’s junk really can be another’s income.

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The article 9 Decluttering Trends That Turn Junk Into Real Cash first appeared on Cents + Purpose.