Spring Cleaning: Declutter Your Home (and Maybe Make a Buck or Two)

Hey Handy Homeowners!

This week, we’re tackling spring cleaning and decluttering to get your home fresh and organized for the season ahead.

From selling, storing, donating, or upcycling your unwanted items to tackling end-of-winter maintenance tasks, we’ve got everything you need to shake off the winter blues and prep for spring.

Plus, we’re sharing pro tips for leaks and cleaning your ceiling fans—because a little maintenance now saves big headaches later.

And don’t miss our FREE Spring Cleaning Checklist to help you stay on track and make decluttering a breeze!

Let’s dive in and get things done! 💪🏡

Maintenance Minute

Where Small Fixes Make a Big Difference!
This Weeks 5 Minute Focus

• Inspect Water Heater for leaks

• Organize Your Kitchen & Pantry

• Check and Clean Your Outdoor Grill

• Inspect and Clean Ceiling Fans

Pro tip: Turn off the fan and use a pillowcase or a Swiffer to wipe blades—this traps dust instead of spreading it. While you're up there, tighten loose screws and switch the blades to counterclockwise for better airflow in spring! 💨🔧

Spring Cleaning

Ah, spring! The season of fresh air, blooming flowers, and—let’s be honest—realizing just how much stuff you’ve accumulated over the winter. If your home is starting to feel like a cross between a storage unit and a flea market, it’s time for some good old-fashioned spring cleaning.

But decluttering doesn’t have to mean tossing everything in the trash. There are smarter (and more profitable) ways to clear out the clutter. Let’s break it down into four simple options: sell, store, donate, and upcycle.

Make it easier with this free Spring Cleaning Checklist 👇🏼

Option 1: Sell It – Turn Clutter Into Cash

One person’s junk is another person’s treasure—or at least, that’s what you’re hoping when you list that old treadmill online. Here’s where you can cash in:

• Facebook Marketplace & Craigslist: Great for furniture, tools, and appliances.

• eBay & Poshmark: Perfect for collectibles, clothing, and smaller high-value items.

• Yard/Garage Sale: If you have a lot to unload and enjoy bargaining with neighbors, a Saturday morning yard sale can be worth it.

• Trade-In Programs: Many retailers (Best Buy, Amazon, Apple) will take back electronics and give you store credit.

Handy Tip: When listing items online, clean them up, take well-lit photos, and be honest about condition. A little effort can mean a lot more money in your pocket.

Option 2: Store It – But Only If You Really Need To

Sometimes, you don’t want to get rid of something—you just need it out of the way. That’s where smart storage solutions come in:

• Under-Bed Storage: A great hiding spot for seasonal clothes or keepsakes.

• Garage Shelving: If your garage is an avalanche waiting to happen, add some sturdy shelves or overhead racks.

• Vacuum-Seal Bags: Bulky bedding, winter coats, and kids’ clothes shrink down nicely.

• Storage Units: If you’re paying for storage, make sure it’s for truly valuable or sentimental items—otherwise, you’re just paying rent for stuff you don’t need.

Handy Tip: If you haven’t used it in a year and it’s not an heirloom, it’s probably time to let it go. Unless it’s tools.

Option 3: Donate It – Help Someone Else (and Get a Tax Deduction!)

If selling sounds like a hassle, donating is a feel-good alternative. Many charities accept gently used clothes, furniture, and household goods. Some will even pick them up for free.

• Goodwill & Salvation Army: Great for clothes, furniture, and general household items.

• Local Shelters & Churches: Many accept bedding, clothes, and small appliances for those in need.

• Libraries: Donate books you’ve read and enjoyed so someone else can too.

• Habitat for Humanity ReStores: Take building materials, furniture, and appliances to help support affordable housing.

Handy Tip: Always ask what’s actually needed—some places don’t take large furniture, old TVs, or certain baby items due to safety regulations.

Option 4: Upcycle It – Get Creative!

Before you toss something, ask yourself: Could this be something else? Upcycling turns old items into something useful (and sometimes even stylish).

• Old Dresser → TV Stand or Bar Cart

• Ladder → Bookshelf or Blanket Rack

• Mason Jars → Storage for Screws, Spices, or Bathroom Essentials

• Old Doors → Headboards or Table Tops

Handy Tip: If you’re not the crafty type, check Pinterest for inspiration—you might surprise yourself with what you can do.

Final Thoughts: Less Clutter, More Space (and Maybe Some Extra Cash!)

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Just take it one room at a time and decide whether to sell, store, donate, or upcycle. By the time you’re done, your home will feel bigger, fresher, and—if you play your cards right—you might have a little extra cash in your pocket.

Happy decluttering, Handy Homeowners!

Make it easier with this free Spring Cleaning Checklist 👇🏼

Q&A- How do I know what price to sell things for?

Pricing your items correctly is key to selling them quickly while still getting a fair price. Here’s how to figure out what to charge:

1. Check Market Prices

• Search Online Marketplaces – Look up similar items on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, or OfferUp to see what others are charging.

• Check Sold Listings – On eBay, filter for “Sold Items” to see what people actually paid, not just what sellers are asking.

2. Consider the Condition

• Brand New (Unopened): 70-90% of the retail price

• Like New (Barely Used): 50-70% of the retail price

• Gently Used (Minor Wear & Tear): 30-50% of the retail price

• Heavily Used (Obvious Wear but Functional): 10-30% of the retail price

3. Factor in Demand

• High-demand items (iPhones, gaming consoles, power tools, furniture sets) sell fast at higher prices.

• Low-demand items (old DVDs, outdated electronics, generic furniture) need lower prices or bundles to move.

4. Be Open to Negotiation

• List your price slightly higher than your bottom line to leave room for haggling.

• If you need to sell fast, set the price competitively or add “OBO” (or best offer) to the listing.

5. Bundle & Discount

• Group similar items (e.g., tools, toys, kitchenware) for a single price to attract buyers.

• Offer a multi-item discount to encourage bigger purchases.

6. Set the Right Selling Format

• Auction (eBay) – Great for collectibles and high-demand items.

• Fixed Price (Facebook, Craigslist, OfferUp) – Best for common household goods.

7. Seasonal Pricing

• Sell patio furniture in spring/summer when demand is high.

• Holiday décor sells best before the season, not after.