Southland News

Summer is here, and while you might be dreaming about vacations and sunny days, it’s also a great time to clear out some space. If you’ve been meaning to clean out your closet or finally tackle that messy garage, here’s a great motivator: you might be sitting on extra money without even realizing it.

Instead of letting unused stuff gather dust, try turning it into cash through a digital garage sale. You don’t need tables in the driveway or signs on the street. All you need is your phone, a few photos and a little motivation. Whether you're saving up for something fun or just want to declutter, this can be a simple and satisfying way to boost your budget.

How to host a digital garage sale

1. Find what you can live without

Start by going room to room and pulling out items you haven’t used in the past year. Think about:

• Clothes that don’t fit or match your current style

• Small appliances or electronics you no longer use

• Books, games or toys that have been sitting on shelves

• Home decor or furniture that’s taking up space

If it’s in good condition and someone else could use it, it’s worth listing.

2. Choose where to sell it

There are lots of apps and websites that make it easy to sell your stuff online. A few good places to start:

• Facebook Marketplace: Ideal for local sales like furniture, tools or outdoor gear.

• eBay: Best for collectibles, electronics and anything with a niche market.

• Poshmark: Great for name-brand clothes, shoes and accessories.

• OfferUp: Perfect for local selling, especially for household items, electronics or anything bulky. It’s user-friendly and has built-in messaging to coordinate safely with buyers.

Each platform has its strengths, so choose based on what you’re selling and how far you’re willing to ship.

3. Take good photos

You don’t need a fancy camera. Just make sure you’ve got good lighting, a clean background and photos from multiple angles. Try to show any wear or flaws so people know exactly what they’re getting.

4. Write a simple, honest description

Keep it short but helpful. Mention the size, condition, brand and any unique features. Honesty builds trust, and the more accurate your listing, the more likely it is to sell quickly.

5. Price it right

Do a quick search to see what similar items are going for. You don’t want to price it too high, but you also don’t need to give it away. Starting a little higher gives you room to negotiate if needed.

6. Make the sale

For local buyers, arrange to meet in a safe, public place. Some police stations even offer designated spots for online sales. If you're shipping items, make sure to use tracking and communicate clearly with your buyer.

Ready to cash in?

Turning your clutter into cash is easier than ever, and it can be surprisingly fun too. A digital garage sale doesn’t just help you clear out space, it also gives your unused items a second life and puts a little extra money in your pocket.