$1,000 Clearing Cluttering Challenge!
Photo by Alexander Mils on Unsplash
It can be difficult to let things go, but clutter causes a slew of issues, including increased stress, makes it frustrating to find things, and actually costs you money. In fact, Storage Cafe states that a survey found that a “third of Americans” are relying on self-storage to keep extra items. In addition, it’s common to buy duplicates of an item because it can’t be found, and it’s easier to go buy another.
The other day, as I was sorting through stuff to decide to sell or donate, I thought, “What if I did a clearing clutter challenge and the goal is to make $1,000?”
BRILLIANT!
I get rid of items I don’t need while making money to save in an emergency fund — it’s a win-win! So, I decided to do this challenge, but I also wanted to create it for others to try. Now, there is more than one way to complete this challenge, and it depends on how quickly you want your items out and how urgently you need the money.
If you don’t feel like rushing, you can list the items for sale yourself on sites like eBay, Etsy, Poshmark, and Facebook Marketplace. If you want cash in hand fast and don’t want to look at piles of clutter any longer, then you can try selling your items to buy/sell stores, pawn shops, etc.
You can always start by trying to sell it yourself to maximize your earnings, and after a set time limit passes, such as a month, then head to the shops to see if they will buy it.
The amount you will make drastically depends on what items you sell, but every dollar adds to the $1,000 goal. However, you don’t want to waste too much time or gas either, so you can clear out clutter faster by bundling cheaper items together to make it worthwhile.
I suggest using Google Lens to quickly search for the value of your items. (Some items you will not be able to find, but it does help slash the time it takes to research.)
How to Start the $1,000 Clearing Clutter Challenge
Since getting rid of stuff can be tough, here is the best way to get momentum to start this challenge!
Start with the storage unit, garage, or shed
Personally, I think the best place to start this decluttering challenge is by clearing out items you haven’t looked at or used in a while. For example, if you have a storage unit, you should start there because you are shelling out money to keep stuff you may not even want anymore.
You may be able to sell enough of your items to downsize to a smaller unit, which is less expensive, or not rent one at all when you’re done!
Sheds and garages are other areas that should be addressed first. It’s so much easier to let go of items you don’t have inside your home. Making something simple and easy will help motivate you to move on to other areas.
Clear out the closets
It’s so easy to stuff random items in closets, so that’s why this should be the next spot you start cleaning out for items to sell. Look for items you haven’t used in six months or a year, as well as duplicates of things you can part with. For example, I have two Harley-Davidson jackets, and to be honest, I don’t NEED both of them. So, I picked the one I liked the most to keep and listed the other for sale.
Another question you can ask yourself to make it easier to get rid of items is, “If I were moving, would I pack this to take with me?” That really helps a lot, and one of the tricks by “The Minimalists.” If you’ve been lugging around items you don’t even use for the last umpteen years, perhaps it’s time to let them go and make some money from them.
Now, declutter each room of the house or an area
Decluttering can be overwhelming, so don’t try to do the entire house at once. It will get way worse and can cause decluttering paralysis! So, if you’re like me and get overwhelmed easily, start with one spot, then move on once that is finished. For example, pick a cabinet to find items to sell or donate if they aren’t worth selling.
Clear Clutter and Start Selling ASAP!
The key to this clearing clutter challenge is to start selling your stuff immediately. So, begin by listing the items as you declutter each area. For instance, if you clean out your garage or storage unit, go ahead and list those items for sale or take them to a place that buys the types of items you are trying to sell.
That way, you don’t have stuff just sitting around taking up space that could be cash in your pocket!
You can hit your $1,000 goal faster by setting a time limit, such as reaching 1K in 30 days or something similar. It depends on how much time you have to dedicate to the challenge, but even if you take the slow route, it will turn all the things you no longer need into cold, hard cash that can be used for something better, such as an emergency fund or a much-needed vacation.
If you need to simplify the decluttering process I highly recommend the 5-Box Decluttering Method. Learn all about this method in this post with tips from Diane Quintana, expert organizer and Owner of DNQ Solutions, LLC. You can also opt-in for a free decluttering checklist below.
Now go clear that clutter and make some money!