We are in a middle of a global pandemic. A lot of us lost jobs, can’t find a job or had their hours reduced. Fortunately, there are ways to make a few dollars to keep us afloat in these difficult times. Since we are now home quarantining, it’s a great time to clean out your basement, attic and garage. While you’re at it, go ahead and go through your closet. Get rid of shoes, bags and whatever clothing you haven’t touched in a while. Go into your kitchen cabinets and get rid of old pots and utensil you never use. Below, I will list ways to declutter your space, and make some money from them, too!

eBay is a good way to sell items that are in good condition. You can sell pretty much anything on eBay within reason. The only issue I really don’t like is that eBay charges their fee, but PayPal does too. So, you end up paying 2 fees. PayPal never used to collect a fee, but when they did, selling on eBay just didn’t work for me anymore. I felt like I was giving my stuff away for free while PayPal and eBay got rich. I would use eBay as an extreme measure. 

I live in North Jersey, and we have the Meadowlands Flea Market every Saturday. Anyone can become a vendor. You don’t need a permit or a license. Just show up at 5:30am and buy a spot. Unload and sell your items. The cost of the Meadowlands is $100. I know, that’s crazy, but we are right by NYC and things tend to be expensive here. Look up flea markets in your area and find out the fee. I am pretty sure it won’t be as high. There is another flea market an hour away from me called Englishtown. It is a much bigger flea market and the fee to sell is only $15. Definitely worth getting up an hour early and driving down to save $85. Sometimes churches do flea markets once a month. Their fee is usually small as well. Their fee usually no more than $25. I’m sure you will find a flea market to sell at if you search long enough. 

How about you don’t lug all your stuff to the flea market, and just sell at home? Its free and you don’t have to leave your house. Print signs saying, “No Mask, No Service.” And “Please Keep 6ft Distance at all times.” and display them. Check with your town or city to make sure it’s okay to have a garage sale. If they say its ok, advertise that you will be having one on Facebook and put up signs in your neighborhood. Tell your neighbors to tell their neighbors. Next thing you know you will be raking in some extra cash and decluttering your space at the same time! If your town doesn’t charge you a fee, then that is a 100% profit in your pocket. You don’t even need to spend gas money!

Facebook marketplace and letgo are great ways to sell items as well. Just like eBay, you can sell pretty much anything. You don’t have to worry about shipping, negative feedback or eBay taking money from your account because the buyer lied. (Yea, I’m still a bit salty about that!) Make sure to always meet in a safe spot. Aim for a busy location. A lot of towns have meet up spots for these transactions that is usually by a police station with surveillance cameras. If the vibe is off, just don’t meet with them. Im sure someone else will come along to buy your stuff. I have blocked people just because something wasn’t right. Don’t ever feel bad for that. Safety first!

Last but not least is Pawn Shops. I know some of you wouldn’t be too keen on this one for whatever reason, but if you are desperate enough, you will do what you have to do. A lot of pawn shops will buy your old keyboard, computer monitor, outdated cell phone. You can make a few dollars to prepare a meal for your family or put towards an overdue bill.  

In these unprecedented times, we have to put our pride aside and do what we must to put food on the table and keep the lights on. If you are experiencing hard times, and found your way to this post because of it, please know that it will get better. God has a plan and he will carry you. Take care and stay healthy. 

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. – 2 Corinthians 12:10