It used to be that when we needed to clean the junk out of the attic, the only way was to fill up a garbage bag and haul it to the curb.

That changed for us a few years ago when we signed up for E-bay!  Now, instead of just throwing our junk away, we offer it to the world's largest garage sale to see if anyone else wants it.  Usually, they do!

For example, I just recently uncovered an old bin in the attic containing old gaming magazines I subscribed since 1988.  I'm not sure why I kept them, but I decided that my 200 issues of Nintendo Power had to go.

With most of them still in decent conditions, I decided that instead of having the recycling bin filled with 125 lbs of paper, maybe someone else could make use of them.  So, I wrote up a small description, took a few pictures, and waited a few days.

Turns out, someone thought they were worth $182!  I guess there's a collector for EVERYTHING! 

We've been surprised before about old items that we simply just wished to get rid of.  A box of old sweatshirts fetched $75 and an old Disneyland map (that my wife got from the trash can at her previous job) also brought in $40.

Keep in mind, not everything is a gold mine.  We've had items sell for pennies and, in some cases, ended up losing more money after E-bay fees were taken out!  Sometimes it's all about the timing.

In any case, I recommend starting up with E-bay.  I love it for three reasons:

1. I'm getting rid of the item and making more space in my house
   
2. Someone else will use the item, so I'm not cluttering our landfills with more junk
   
3. Sometimes I make a few bucks (which I subsequently spend on Penny!)

It takes a little bit to get started on E-bay, but once you do, you may find a good home for all of that clutter in YOUR attic!