When the spring-cleaning mood hits, it’s easy to move through your space and remove the clutter that’s built up over the past year. But figuring out where to put all the stuff you’ve collected? That’s the true challenge.
While you can dispose of some things — your towering pile of junk mail and crumpled receipts fit neatly into your recycling bin—other items may be too valuable to throw away.
Although technically clutter, the following three household items aren’t junk to throw out. Here’s what you should do with them instead.
1. Jewellery and Gold
After more than a year under on-again off-again lockdowns, you’re probably not getting as much use out of your jewellery. Like many people during the pandemic, you may have pared down what you wear to just a few signature pieces.
If you aren’t sure whether your remaining gold rings, silver necklaces, and luxury watches are worth something, get in contact with a genuine gold buyer. They can help you spot valuable antiques worth selling.
Most major metro areas like Toronto have plenty of gold buyers within their city limits. To find the best gold buyer Toronto has to offer — or any city, for that matter — you’ll want to ensure their team of licensed appraisers have a solid reputation for giving fair appraisals.
Read Google reviews and ask friends for advice. Once you find a gold buyer in Toronto you can trust, you’ll get a good deal on your gold and antique jewellery.
2. Electronics and Appliances
If you have high-value electronics or appliances that are still working, sell these online. Unlike antique jewellery and gold heirlooms, you know how much you paid for these items when they were brand-new, so you can make a good guess at their value today.
If you still aren’t sure about the price, you can check consignment store apps and online classified sites to see what other people are charging for their used TVs, laptops, and cell phones.
But what about a broken fridge or water-logged computer? These items can’t go out with your household waste. Some appliances and electronics contain harmful chemicals and metals that must be recycled properly.
Check with your municipality to see if you can arrange a special pick up of appliances or electronic waste (e-waste). You may also drop-off e-waste at most large-chain electronic retailers.
3. Clothes and Other Materials
Each year, cleaning out an over-stuffed closet is on the docket for most spring cleaners. It’s a timely opportunity to clear out space as you hone your wardrobe for a new season.
Your closet, much like your jewellery box, has probably undergone a fashion shift in the past year, so you might be ready to remove a chunk of items from your usual rotation.
Your gently used clothes join bed linens, blankets, and other materials that you can donate to a charity of your choice. Many charitable organizations will be happy to take these items off your hands, provided they’re in good shape. Some might even coordinate door-to-door pickups, so you won’t even have to deliver these items by hand.
Don’t Junk Your Clutter
Throwing away clutter may take less time and effort, but it’s not the best way to discard of clothes, electronics, or gold. Selling or donating these items can help you earn some extra cash, protect the environment, and do some good for your community.
