Here in New York, we are impatient for spring. We had a few warm, spring-like days last week and it has just made the itch even worse! One of the things I love about spring, besides the beautiful weather, is spring cleaning. When I say spring cleaning, I don’t actually mean I LOVE cleaning because I don’t, but rather the feeling you get afterwards.
Spring cleaning also does not have to include only cleaning in the true sense of the word, but rather some purging too. Here’s some spring cleaning tips that will help you 1) make money, 2) save money or 3) just feel good.
Go Through Your Old Things and Get Rid of the Unused
Every season my husband and I try to clean out our closets. For those of you who don’t do this, spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to do so. Go through your closets and dressers and do the following:
- Create two sections: things that fit and things that don’t
- Get rid of anything that doesn’t fit (unless you’re using it for some fitness motivation and realistically think you will be able to fit in them again)
- Go to the section of things that fit and make sort into things you wear often (keep pile), things you haven’t worn at all this season (purge pile) and if there’s anything that doesn’t fit into those categories, take a little extra time to figure out if you want to keep it or purge it.
- Once you’ve successfully created a purge pile you have two options: donate or sell. If you’re looking to sell your clothing there is a few great options, such as Poshmark, Ebay and thredUp. Otherwise, I suggest donating them to Goodwill, the Salvation Army, your local shelter or any other charitable organization that collects clothing.
Have a Yard Sale
Aside from cleaning out your wardrobe, it’s a good idea to go through closets/cabinets and get rid of other excess. For example, maybe you have décor, toys, furniture, tableware or other accessories that you no longer have a use for. Spring is the perfect time for a yard sale! Advertise locally by putting up posters on street corners and maybe an ad in your local newspaper to bring some traffic. You may not make a ton of money, but something is better than nothing for items that no longer serve a purpose in your home.
Sell Online
Facebook now has a “marketplace” where you can list items to sell with other people in your area. In addition to this, there are several “Town Yard Sale” groups online or other town or county groups where you can sell an item by simply posting it (for free) and be contacted by any interested members of that group. You can arrange for a drop-off or pick up with that person and determine the method of payment you would prefer.
Unsubscribe from Store Emails
Clean up your inbox by unsubscribing from store emails. I tend to sign up for more emails around the holiday time because I like to be informed of deals or be sent coupons to help me save as I’m buying gifts for everyone. However, come spring time, my inbox is still overflowing with emails form stores that I am either no longer interested in OR that I am interested in and, therefore, am tempted to buy things I don’t need. Unsubscribing helps me achieve that “out of sight, out of mind” mindset I need to save myself money!
Payoff Credit Card Debt
Did you accumulate additional credit card debt around the holidays? It’s very common, if so. Include paying off these debts in your spring cleaning. This is a great time to get in better financial shape. Maybe you got money from the holidays (if you’re super lucky and have some generous relatives), so you can use that to pay down debt. Even more likely, though, is that you will be receiving a refund from your tax return and rather than blowing this money on something unnecessary, use it to better yourself financially by paying down debt, whether it’s new debt or lingering debt!
Getting yourself into a better financial position, either by making money or paying down debt, certainly will make you feel good. Starting your day with a positive attitude leads you to be more productive, too! Make sure you take advantage of spring cleaning to start the season off fresh, happy and financially content :).
