How to declutter and pay the bills post-holidays - KMSP-TV

If the holidays have left you with an over-filled home and a depleted bank account, here are a few ways to get rid of your excess whilst paying down your bills.

1. De-clutter your jewelry box. Everyone knows that the price of gold and silver is selling at a ridiculously high rate. However, even though you know you can money, have you actually taken the steps yet to sell your jewelry? If you haven't sorted through your ballerina-playing jewelry box, now is the time. Places like The Gold Guys, with 4 locations around the Twin Cities, buy everything from 8 to 24 carat gold, .8 to .925 sterling silver, up to solid silver items, as well as platinum, palladium, rhodium and diamonds. To sell your item with The Gold Guys, or host your own Gold Party – where you and your friends can unload all your unwanted items – log on to the GoldGuys.com. http://www.goldguys.com/howtosell_goldparties.html

2. De-clutter your craft supplies. If you are a knitter or scrapbooker or seamstress (like me), you have a "Stash" filled with unwanted items. Maybe it's yarn you won't use, or ink stampers that don't fit your needs, or fabric that just doesn't want to be made into ANYTHING.

There are two schools of thought of what to do:

1. Keep that stuff until you figure out a use for it or

2. Dump it. Here's my frugal two cents – if you have crafting supplies that make you feel guilty and thus, not wanting to craft? Then get rid of them, before those unwanted items turn you against your hobby.

You have two options. First, donate your supplies. Places like ARC Value Village and Savers do accept donations of yarn, fabric, thread, and other crafty items. And when you donate, whether it's crafts, kitchen utensils, clothing, or kid's gear, get a receipt. Remember, donations are tax-deductible, and tax season is right around the corner.

Second, sell your items to other crafters. Simply set up a sale page on Facebook, and then invite your crafty friends to "Like" it. My friends and I did this for unwanted fabric – our page is called the Perfect Fabric Search, and we have over 100 members. Our members can post pictures and sale prices of fabric from our Stashes that we want to unload. Utilizing Facebook is a free and simple way to declutter and make some bucks in the process.

3. De-clutter everything else. For holidays, many of us receive gifts of electronics, movies, video games, books, toys, etc. However, those new and shiny things often replace items we already have in our homes. So what do you do with the old, when you are bringing in the new?

Once again, your first option is to donate your gently used stuff to your local thrift store, and get a receipt for your income taxes in return. For tips on how to maximize your tax deductions, long on to Daily Finance.com. http://www.dailyfinance.com/2010/01/24/5-tips-for-maximizing-tax-deductions 

A second option is to hold a garage sale. I know it is too cold to hold a tradition garage sale out of your actual garage. You'll freeze solid before realizing a profit. However, you can hold a virtual garage sale, from the privacy and comfort of your Internet connection, for FREE. Here's how it works:

1. Establish an online presence. You can do this for free on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

2. Create a website for your garage sale. Use free blog sites like Blogger.com to set up the sale.

3. Photograph and list your sale items. Be sure to be realistic in your pricing, and make sure your pictures clearly and completely show the merchandise. Also, determine how you'll accept payment, whether it's via check or Paypal. Even though Paypal takes a cut of your profits, I recommend them for security and easy of payment. https://www.paypal.com/us/home 

4. Promote your sale on your social media outlet of choice.

5. Whatever doesn't sell, donate!