The average American home has over $2,500 worth of “stuff” that is not being used and is just taking up space, according to a report by NBC. Your home might be one of them! You will make some extra money, de-clutter your home and help someone out that wants what you have. Plus it’s great for our planet when we re-distribute old items instead manufacturing new items and throwing the old ones in our landfills.

Ebay and CraigsList are great resources for selling off items you no longer need for some extra cash.

It’s easy and on Criags List it’s free. You will make some extra money, de-clutter your home and help someone out that wants what you have.

5 tips to make it easy: #1 — Your title is crucial. You want to have as many keywords in it as possible and use all of the characters they allow you. For example, if you are selling stereo equipment, your title may be: Stereo Equipment, 5-CD Changer, Receiver & Speakers.

#2 — Re-post your listing every 3-5 days (CraigsList only, not Ebay). Ads get posted in date order and by day 3 your ad is usually buried several pages down.

#3 — ALWAYS show a photo. There are no exceptions to this rule. People what to see exactly what their getting.

#4 — Describe your item in depth. This will save you time from answering questions and you will be more likely to sell your item faster. If it’s a piece of furniture give all dimensions, everything you know about the piece and describe all blemishes. If you don’t check your email often, include your phone number in the ad.

#5 — Start with CraigsList. Ebay costs money to list your items, you need to have a merchant PayPal account and be a little savvy to run a successful auction. CraigsList is free and easy. Plus you get to meet new cool local people. I have friends and clients that I have met through buying and selling on CraigsList. I have even heard of people meeting their spouses from a sale of an unwanted item!