How-to Guides » OLD GUIDE Make some extra money

Make money from your old junk (even if it's broken!)

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1) Sell your junk online

Why not have a clear out and make some money at the same time? Auction sites such as eBay, eBid and Amazon are the way to go for your best items - simply post a clear photo and let the bidding begin.

You could also try Gumtree, a classified ads site, and Preloved. It's free to place an advert on either of these sites.

2) Take part in a car boot sale

The best way to sell of numerous items is via a car boot sale. Check out CarBootJunction to find a list of the car boot sales near you. You'll need to pay a fee for your pitch - around £10 - and be prepared for an early start.

But if you don't fancy standing out in the cold, you could try an online car boot sale! And you won't need a car either!  

3) Get rid of the kids' stuff!

If you’ve a lot of baby/kids stuff to get rid of, check out your local NCT for details of its next Nearly New Sale - or post items on Netmums.

You'll be placing your ad within your local network, so it should be fairly quick and easy for the item to be collected or delivered, too.

4) Sell your CDs, DVDs, and games online

If you want to get rid of your old CDs, DVDs and games quickly and easily, visit the Music Magpie website. Make sure the item is in a playable condition, then type in its barcode and you’ll be offered an instant cash price. If you decide to go for it, Music Magpie will send you a postage-paid bag, and you’ll get cash upon receipt.

5) Sell your childhood playthings

Enthusiasts will pay thousands of pounds for certain particularly collectible toys and childhood memorabilia. Read Sell your youth to survive the recession! to get you started.

6) Recycle your mobile - even if it's broken!

You may think your old mobile phone isn't worth much, but did you know you can earn cash back for recycling it?

Check out websites such as Envirofone, Mazuma, Mopay and Mobile2Cash. Just enter details about the phone’s make and model, and they’ll tell you how much they’ll pay for it.

What's more, sites like Cellzone and Omio will help you figure out where to sell your old mobile for the most profit, even if the phone isn't working.

Read Turn your old mobile phone into cash! to find out more.

7) Sell your books

Another specialist trading website - this time for books - is Greenmetropolis.com. Once you've logged on, you enter the ISBN number of the book you want to sell, along with the condition it's in.

You'll receive £3 for every book sold. In addition, GreenMetropolis will donate 5p to the Woodland Trust. Just remember that you (the seller) will have to pay postage costs.

Alternatively, you can swap them for new books using free bookswap sites like readitswapit.co.uk and bookmooch.com.

8) Sell empty printer ink cartridges.

Cashforcartridges.co.uk will pay up to £4.50 for each empty ink cartridge or you could recycle them at Boots for 100 Advantage points.

9) Sell an old MP3 player, SatNav or digital camera - even if they are broken!

Again, sites like Simplydrop.co.uk will pay to take broken MP3 players and cameras off your hands. And Boots offers Advantage points for Sat Navs.

10) Donate to charity

If you donate Marks & Spencer clothes and soft furnishings (such as towels and bed linen) to Oxfam, you'll get a £5 Marks & Spencer voucher in return to use in store.

Thinking of selling some of your stuff? Find out which sites have worked best for lovemoney.com members by asking a question on Q&A.

Compare cashback cards at lovemoney.com

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