Everyone has stuff they’d like to get rid of, but it can be a little overwhelming. Here are some three easy ways to clear junk out of your home!
Have a Garage Sale
You can turn your old junk into cold hard cash with a garage sale. People have been having garage sales since the garage was invented, and it can be a fun way to make some extra money. Garage sales take a bit of preparation and hard work, but it’s a good option for clearing out the stuff you don’t need anymore.
You’ll want to check your local laws concerning garage sales. In Austin, Texas, you’re not allowed to have a sale “at the same property more than four days per calendar year or at a property participating in a residential tour.” If you exceed the four days, it’s considered a home business! And you’re only allowed to post garage sale signs on your property “for no more than three consecutive days.”
You’ll need to do some work ahead of time to reach the most garage sale enthusiasts. Even if you’re selling original Snap-on Tools and Gucci purses for a dollar each, it won’t matter if no one knows about it! Advertise in the local paper and on their website, which will cost you a small amount. You’ll want to post in free places online as well, like Craigslist, Facebook, and Nextdoor.
Here are a few quick tips. It’s tough to run a garage sale all by yourself, so enlist the help of family or friends. You’ll also want to put prices on everything ahead of time to avoid answering endless questions. Have plenty of change on hand, and make sure someone is always watching the money. And if you have children, you can encourage them to set up a lemonade stand or sell sodas.
There are a few downsides to garage sales. Some homes, like apartments and other communities, aren’t conducive to a sale. Getting ready can take many hours, including pricing and setting up. There are upfront costs like advertising or renting clothing racks. The sale itself also requires time and people, and will eat up at least one weekend. And when you close up shop, you’ll still need to deal with the junk left over. But if all of that is worth it, you can move a lot of stuff and make some extra dough!
Donate or Give Junk Away
If there’s something in your home that you’re not using, you can always give it away. This can keep your stuff out of the landfill and help someone out at the same time. If it’s better to give than to receive, it has to be better to give than to clutter, right?
Giving away items isn’t a good way to get rid of lots of junk fast. But if you only have one or two things you want out of your home, it might be the perfect fit. You might know someone who has expressed an interest in exactly what you’re getting rid of, or you have a friend in mind who would love it. You can post on Facebook or in the free section of Craigslist, but make sure it’s understood if they need to haul it off themselves!
There are probably thrift stores or reuse stores in your area that accept your stuff. In Austin, there’s Austin Creative Reuse, which is always looking for specific items. And if the thrift store is a nonprofit, they will even provide you with a donation receipt for your taxes. Just call ahead, because thrift stores aren’t able to accept everything. Most will not be able to take mattresses, and many will refuse to take old televisions. If the item is broken, they won’t have any use for it. And keep in mind that a large percentage of items given to thrift stores won’t sell, and will still end up in the landfill.
Haul Junk Away and Recycle It
By far the easiest and fastest way to get rid of junk is to have professionals to haul it away. You don’t have to worry about transportation, and you’ll give your muscles a rest. Professionals won’t be picky. They’ll haul it all and give you back your space!
Duke’s Junk Recycling hauls junk in Austin, Texas. We take all household items, including mattresses removal and furniture disposal. Our team will haul everything away so you don’t have to deal with it. Best of all, we recycle 80% of the junk that comes in to keep it out of landfill! Additionally, if you’re looking for a utility trailer rental, we’ve got that too!
Give us a call at (512) 520-7495, and we’ll get you a free estimate for our pick-up service. We’ll take great care of you and get that stuff out of your way. If you want to do a drop-off during business hours, just give a call when you’re on your way!
Whatever you choose to do with your junk, the important thing is that you are making progress. It all comes down to making a plan and carrying it out. You’ll be glad you did!