Back to NewsSpring isn’t just about the return of the sun and the inevitable pollen; it’s the season of the “Great Clear Out.” Whether you’re a business owner staring at a warehouse full of slow-moving inventory or a homeowner wondering how your garage became a storage locker, clutter is more than an eyesore—it’s “frozen” capital.
At BarterPay, we believe that if it’s taking up space, it should be paying its way. Here is how you can turn your spring cleaning into Barter Credits that you can actually use. The table at the end of the blog can help guide which method to use to get the most from the items you are looking to clear.
Why “Clear Out” is Good for Business (and Sanity)
Clutter has a hidden cost. Whether you are clearing your personal basement or your professional warehouse, consider the benefits:
- Recover Warehouse Square Footage: In business, every square foot has a dollar value. Don’t let old equipment or last year’s stock eat your overhead.
- Stop the “Storage Drain”: Are you paying monthly fees for a storage unit you haven’t visited in a year? That’s cash leaking out of your pocket.
- Lower Your Moving Costs: If a move is in your future, remember: movers charge by volume and weight. Selling items now means a smaller truck, fewer hours, and a lower bill.
- Stage to Sell: A decluttered home shows better. By clearing out the excess, you make your space look larger and more inviting to potential buyers.
Your 2-Step Plan to a Cleaner Space
Don’t just dump your items at the curb. Follow these steps to maximize your return:
Step 1: Call Your Barter Coach
Before you do anything else, reach out to your Barter Coach. Send them a few photos of your larger items and your preferred timeframe for moving them.
The Insider Edge: Your Coach often knows exactly who is looking for what. They might have a “quick hit”—a member who has been asking for exactly what you’re about to sell—meaning your items could be gone before they even hit the public listings.
Step 2: Load it into the Classifieds
Once you’ve checked in with your Coach, get those items onto the BarterPay Classifieds. Be sure to:
- Use clear, well-lit photos.
- Write a brief, honest description.
- Price it fairly in Barter Credits.
The “Home Run” Strategy: Real Estate & Legal
If your spring clear-out is part of a larger plan to buy or sell a home, you’re sitting on a massive opportunity to save cash.
Did you know you can access Real Estate Agents and Legal Services through the BarterPay network? Moving is expensive, but using Barter Credits for your professional fees can keep thousands of dollars in your bank account. If you’re getting ready to list your property or are hunting for a new one, ask your Coach for a referral to a professional in the network.
| Item Category | Item Condition & Examples | Required Action / BarterPay Strategy |
| Sell via BarterPay |
Condition: New-in-box, unused, or excellent condition high-ticket items. Generally individual value of $100+. Examples: Unused small appliances (e.g., a KitchenAid mixer you never opened), last year’s still-good tablet or laptop, professional camera gear, high-end furniture, BBQ, bikes, fitness equipment, major power tools (DeWalt, Milwaukee). |
Contact your Barter Coach immediately. Take quality photos. These are high-demand items. Your coach can list them nationally on the Classifieds or match you directly with a member who is looking. |
| Garage Sale & Local Classifieds |
Condition: Functional, good condition, but lower individual value. Examples: Books, CD/Vinyl collections, kitchenware (plates, pots, pans), standard holiday decor, children’s toys (clean and complete), garden tools, moderate home decor, sports equipment in decent shape. If you don’t want to put the effort into the thousand dollars or so you might get from this, your Barter Coach can connect you with a local charity who will pick up the items. |
Let your Barter Coach know you are planning a sale. If you have enough stuff to warrant a garage sale, notify your Coach of the date and location. They can send out an email blast to local BarterPay members to come shop the sale first (or at the same time). This converts “yard sale” items into local Barter Credits from other members by arrangement. |
| Donation Worthy |
Condition: Usable, clean, functional, but has no resale value within the BarterPay business network. Examples: Used clothing in good repair (washed, no stains/tears), washed linens and bedding (no pillows), standard furniture with visible wear, functional but outdated kitchen gadgets. This also includes unsold items from your garage sale. |
Donate to a local charity. Give these items a second life by donating to organizations like Goodwill, The Salvation Army, or local non-profit thrift stores. This is the responsible way to keep usable items out of the landfill. |
| Bin Bound (Junk) |
Condition: Obsolete, broken, damaged beyond repair, or unsanitary. Examples: Broken furniture, old mattresses and pillows, outdated technology (tube TVs, ancient PCs – needs E-waste disposal), expired paint/chemicals, stained or torn clothing, chipped dishes. |
Rent a bin and get it gone. Don’t let junk take up valuable mental or physical space.
BarterPay Tip: You can often rent a disposal bin, hire a junk removal service, or pay a contractor to take it away using your Barter Credits. Contact your Coach to see who provides these services locally! |
All Posts