Feeling a bit unsure of your financial future? Welcome to the club! No, seriously – a recent survey conducted by the Decision Lab and Capital One revealed that more than three-quarters of Americans (77%) feel anxious about money right now. With inflation dominating the headlines and the entire U.S. economy bracing for a serious recession, that stress likely won’t go away any time soon.

But before you start shoving wads of cash into your mattress, you might be shocked at how easy it is to get money selling things you’re not using anyway – maybe enough to cover your next month's mortgage or rent ... or at least you next tank of gas.

Selling your stuff

We recently moved to another state, bought an old bed and breakfast and in the process of turning it into a home, have been gob-smacked at how much people paid us for things like an old Victorian fountain, pair of metal palm trees and a giant clock bigger than my first apartment.

The best part was that it only took a few smartphone photos and about an hour of time total to make more than $1,400 selling stuff we couldn’t wait to get rid of already.

But where to start? With so many online apps, sites and ways to sell these days, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. How do you know you’re making the most money possible or that a prospective buyer isn’t a scammer (or worse)?

Here are some of the most important insider tips, tricks and magical clicks – to clean up, by clearing out.

2022’s version of a garage sale

I hate to break it to you, but the old-fashioned rummage sale is largely a thing of the past. I know, some do still exist and it’s a sore subject among those of us who love waking up early on a Saturday morning and sifting through boxes of someone else’s dusty treasures. But if you want to make the most money possible, apps are where it’s at.

Pick the right platform and decide if you're OK with its fees

There’s eBay, sure, but there are plenty of alternatives that let you unload some unwanted items for top dollar and, depending on where you list, with fewer fees than eBay charges.