Finding Treasures in Your Own House

If you've lived in your house for more than five years, there's a good chance that clutter and disorganization is gradually taking over your basement.

While you probably had the best of intentions when you first moved in, that valuable storage space may now have deteriorated into a hodgepodge of scattered furniture, holiday supplies, old toys, boxes, and miscellaneous junk.

If you're considering selling your house in the near future, straightening your basement will soon become a high priority item. Not only is an organized basement an important aspect of staging a home, but it's a key step in preparing to pack your belongings and move to your next location.

As you'll discover when you start sorting through your old belongings, there will also be opportunities to make money, save money, and help other people.

• Finding old treasures: One result of tackling a basement organization project is that you'll find usable, lost, and valuable things you forgot you even had. Whether something is valuable or pure junk, stored belongings have a way of getting buried and hidden away for years in basements. Once you start grouping things together and throwing away stuff nobody needs, it won't take long before a semblance of order begins taking shape! The longer it's been since you've organized your basement, the more satisfying it will feel to get it underway and done!
• Money-making options: A well-organized garage sale can be a profitable way to get rid of things you no longer use or want. If you haven't taken the time to pull out belongings that are buried, hidden, or boxed up, then it's difficult to find what's available to sell. When your stuff is already organized and ready to be carried outside, preparing for a garage sale is generally easier, faster, and more efficient. If you just have a few items you want to sell and don't want to be bothered with a garage sale, there's also the alternative of publicizing it on social media, classified ads, flyers, or word of mouth.
• Donating to worthy causes: If you happen to have furniture, clothing, toys, electronics, working appliances, or kitchen supplies you no longer need, there's also the option of donating it to charitable organizations, such as the Salvation Army, homeless shelters, or other community service groups. If you keep good records or get a detailed receipt from the charity, there may be the chance to deduct the donation on your tax returns. The best source of information on tax-related matters, of course, would be your accountant.

Whether you're planning on moving soon or staying put for a while, taking a few hours to straighten out your basement will not only be personally satisfying, but you could make some money on the side or help underprivileged families in your community.