Watch CBS News

Seen At 11: Make Money This Spring Getting Rid Of Old Stuff

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- With spring having arrived, it's time to clear out the cobwebs and make a big sweep – but experts say you shouldn't just throw away all your clutter.

As CBS 2's Kristine Johnson reported Tuesday, it has never been easier to turn your spring cleaning trash into cash.

Just when it appears Carly Fauth is surfing the Internet, she says she's actually spring cleaning online.

"I purge clothes, electronics, anything we're not using," she said.

And new websites make it easier to make money from your mess.

"A ton of different sites have popped up, to help consumers not only get rid of their unwanted stuff, but help you make a little bit extra cash," said Kyle Taylor of ThePennyHoarder.com.

Unlike Craigslist or eBay, where you are responsible for finding the buyer, these sites pay upfront and then sell it for you.

"So it makes it really easy because you get a cash offer right away," Taylor said.

For example, if you have a closet full of clothes that your kids have outgrown, thredUP.com will take them of your hands.

"We send you the bag, you stuff the bag with all your outgoing stuff, and you simply put it on your door and we come and pick it up," said James Reinhart, CEO of thredUP.

UsedInstrumentBuyer.com pays cash for unwanted musical instruments.

And if you're ready to redecorate, Chairish.com acts as a virtual showroom for used furniture. Once it sells, the company sends shippers to your home to haul it away.

"If you're fearful of dealing with somebody on Craigslist, this cuts out that process," Taylor said.

Get rid of your old gadgets using Eco ATM. It is a kiosk that takes old electronics and pays cash on the spot.

"I put the phone in and they quoted me $146, which was pretty good," Fauth said.

But all this convenience does have a price, as each site takes a percentage of your profits. Chairish, for example, receives 20 percent of the selling price upon sale."

"You're paying a lot more in commissions than you would with a site like Craigslist," Taylor said.

But for some people, it is all well worth it.

"Just finding a way to get rid of stuff and make money at the same time, it's just, to me, it's a great feeling," Fauth said.

Experts say the payout from the sites can vary widely, so it pays to compare. And while commissions can be higher than selling on Craigslist or eBay, they tend to be less than regular consignment shops.

Please leave your comments below...

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.