I’ll be back on the “10! Show” this morning to talk about a topic that’s near and dear to my heart–and happens to be the theme of my new book: getting cash for your clutter. It’s pegged to the notion of spring cleaning, and here are the four tips I’ll be discussing on camera:
1. Art in the Attic
Many local auction houses have free appraisal days so if you think you have a masterpiece, you can bring it in and find out what it’s worth. William Bunch Auctions in Chadds Ford, PA is having a free appraisal day on April 5th (you need to make an appointment) and Gratz Gallery in Doylestown, PA is having its free appraisal day on April 10th. At Rago Arts in Lambertville, NJ, you can walk-in for a free appraisal every Monday between 1 and 4 pm. Or you can make an appointment for free to have your item appraised, which is what we did with Alderfer in Hatfield, PA a few years ago when we had paintings and posters we wanted to sell.
2. Clear Out Winter Duds
Now’s a great time to review your family’s wardrobe and determine what got worn this winter and what you never touched. Or what you’re not interested in wearing this spring because, frankly, you never got around to wearing it in Spring 2009. Here’s an idea: sell those unwanted items at a consignment or resale shop. Some places in the Philadelphia area to go for cash upfront include Buffalo Exchange in Center City, and the upcoming Just Between Friends consignment show April 15-18 at the Great Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks–you have until April 12th to sign up to be a consignor. Or, you can do a traditional consignment at Greene Street Consignment (they ask for at least a dozen pieces to consider) in Lambertville, Center City or Bryn Mawr. It usually takes 60 to 90 days to get your money for anything Greene Street sells on your behalf.
3. Recoup the Cost of Home Renovation
We’re currently renovating our house, and during demolition, I took the perfectly good things that we no longer wanted and put them up for sale on Craigslist. This included our fireplace mantel and an old vanity from the bathroom. The trick for using Craigslist is to write a clear, concise headline, include measurements of the item you’re selling and always include photos.
4. Get Cash for Old Video Games
If your kids have outgrown their video games or you’ve upgraded your gaming system, there are stores that will buy back your old video games for cash or a credit towards new ones. The stores in our area include GameStop and Game Trader, or you can try Amazon.com’s Game Trade-In program. Also, if you have been holding on to video games from the 1980s and 1990s, you could be sitting on a goldmine: a vintage video game recently sold for $40,000 on eBay so you may want to try your hand selling there first if you search around and think you have something valuable.
(I’ll be sure to post video of this segment as soon as it’s available online.)
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