HomeGoods

5 Things in Your Garage That Have Serious Re-Sale Value

Ashley Marcin — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 15:00:29 +0000

Can't fit your car in the garage? It might be time to do a deep cleaning. Before anything hits the trash though, take a step back: there are probably a number of items you have stowed away that could earn you some impressive cash. Check out the ideas below, and feel free to share your tips of the trade in the comments. (See also: 6 Old Things in Your House That Have Serious Re-sale Value)

1. Big Ticket Items

A brand new generator might set you back between $200 and $2,000 from my latest survey of prices at a popular home improvement chain. My dad has a portable generator he bought when my parents lived way out in the country. Now that they've moved to a more central location, it gets little use and he wants to sell it. Sound familiar? Consider the value. I searched "used portable generator" on eBay and discovered around 75 hits with prices ranging from $50 to $2,400 for items in good condition.

Other big ticket sellers might include snow blowers, ride-on mowers, and even motorcycles or cars. The trick is assessing a fair value and finding the right place to sell. Kelley Blue Book is always the first place to check with vehicles. For the rest, try looking at similar listings in your local paper, Craigslist, eBay, or even on donation valuation charts (as a loose guide). When we bought our house last year, the couple who lived here planned to downsize. They sold their snow blower in two days for $350 by simply placing it outside the garage with a cardboard sign.

2. Camping Gear

We have a whole shelving unit full of camping stuff in our garage. There's anything and everything from lanterns to tents to portable cooking devices to cots and much more. Other frugally minded outdoorsy folks would surely appreciate the care we've taken to keep our gear in working order, so we might try to sell a few things this year. In fact, we bought our large family tent used for a couple hundred dollars — so we know the system works.

If this arena interests you, try sites like GearTrade, where you can buy and sell camping wares or just get insight on appropriate pricing if you'd rather sell yourself. Some items in "excellent" condition attract up to 99% of their original value. There are also a couple area camping groups on Facebook I might contact about larger things to avoid shipping.

3. Hand Tools

Let's face it, most of us aren't super handy. But that doesn't stop the hand tools from streaming in as gifts from well-meaning friends and family. Rather than hold onto a tool waiting to be inspired, try selling it. Take this Bosch 18-Volt Hammer Drill, for example. It retails at $219, and a few days ago I found a used one on eBay for $150. This number accords with the $131 average price for used hammer drills listed on Statricks. And it would make a solid return (a little over 55%) on something you might not have touched in over a year.

Keep in mind that certain brands of tools resell better than others, including DeWalt, Bosch, Ridgid, Makita, Milwaukee, Hitachi, Porter-Cable, Skil, and Delta. In other words, that entry-level saw you got a great deal on new might not seem as appealing on the used market. Along with quality, your buyers will be inspecting these tools for wear and tear, so check for any crimped cords or other issues and price accordingly.

4. Building Materials

Most of us have bought and sold on Craigslist, but have you heard about DiggersList? Those of you into DIY and home improvement might want to take a look. You can sell your surplus building supplies (or find some to purchase) and get a good portion off the original price. Anything back is better than waste, right?

You can sell your doors, pavers, flooring, wall tile, appliances, circuit breakers, and much more. If you'd rather not list online, try taking out an ad in the classifieds or contacting a local carpentry club. Then consider donating anything you don't sell to a Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

5. Outdoor Toys

Children outgrow their playhouses and other outdoor toys quickly, so they clutter garages like crazy. Not only can you earn back a good portion of what you paid (depending on the condition) — but the used toy market for items like these is refreshing with each generation of kids born into the world. Before having a yard sale, try local Facebook groups, Craigslist, and even re-sale stores like Once Upon a Child.

I recently sold a sand box my daughter didn't use much for $30, which is 75% of what I paid for it new. Not only that, I found an eager buyer in less than fifteen minutes on a Facebook mom group. I also took a whole bin of old toys (including a bike, wagon, and other outdoor ride-on) to Once Upon a Child and walked out a half hour later with $121.

What old junk in your garage have you turned into serious cash?

This article is from Ashley Marcin of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

7 Generic Home Goods Buys Better Than the Expensive Originals

Christa Avampato — Wed, 13 May 2015 11:00:09 +0000

Keeping your home tidy, beautiful, and healthy doesn't have to cost a fortune. Here are seven examples of cheap home goods that are better than their original brand name competitors.

1. Cleaning Products

Check out the cleaning products aisle at your local store, and you'll find a long list of chemicals you can't pronounce. Many of them are harmful to you, your family, and your home. Luckily there's a better, healthier, and safer way to clean your home with items from your grocery store. There's not much that white vinegar, essential oils, and baking soda can't fix when it comes to cleaning your home. Clean your shower with a mix of one of cup water and ¼ cup of white vinegar. Clean your carpets with one cup of club soda or seltzer mixed with ½ cup of table salt. Make your mirrors and windows sparkle with a combination of two cups of water, two tablespoons of white vinegar, two tablespoons of rubbing alcohol, and five drops of peppermint essential oil.

2. Bedding and Linens

I recently moved into a new apartment and needed to restock my linens and bedding. I was pleasantly surprised when I went to Target and discovered their Room Essentials line. Their linens are already heavily discounted and the same quality as pricier brands, and they are often discounted further during sales. They had a wide variety of colors and designs, so it was easy for me to mix and match to get the look I wanted.

3. Water Filter Pitchers

With spring, many cities do heavy treatments on their drinking water. As a result, it's a good idea to filter your water before drinking and cooking. While Brita is the original brand that made home filtered water a new trend, Target carries a line that is half the price and even better. I picked up a pitcher and set of filters recently that the chain store sells through its up & up brand. up & up also includes generic tin foil, plastic wrap, and plastic resealable bags that are exactly the same quality as the name brands.

4. Air Fresheners

This is an area of your store that you need to avoid. Those lovely smelling sprays are loaded with chemicals that may smell wonderful, but could actually make you and your pets sick. They're also expensive and don't last long. It's much better to sweeten the air in your home naturally. In a small, shallow dish that's out of the reach of pets and children, mix baking soda and any essential oil scent that you love. It's cheaper, healthier, and lasts longer.

5. Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

When it comes to light bulbs, you want to look for the average life of the bulbs that is listed on the box. The name brand doesn't matter. Match up the wattage and light quality you want and ignore the logo.

6. Manual Kitchen Gadgets

For items such a coffee and tea presses, garlic presses, teaspoons, mixing bowls, mixing spoons, spatulas, and measuring cups, don't spend a fortune. Plenty of stores have generic versions that are every bit as good, if not better, as the name brand options. If you're really tied to those name brands, check discounters such as HomeGoods, T.J. Maxx, and Marshalls that have name brands or close proximities that are often 50% off the regular retail prices.

7. Stuff on Overstock and Amazon

If you are in need of some new furnishings for the home, I highly recommend looking at sites such as Overstock and Amazon from the comfort of your couch rather than or before heading out to the stores. Having these heavy items delivered to your door at a fraction of the retail cost is well worth it. They're also great comparison shopping sites so that you know if a sale at a brick and mortar store is truly a bargain.

Spring brings a desire to clean up and makeover your home with bright colors and fresh designs. With the tips above you can redecorate, restock, and clean your home at an affordable price without sacrificing quality.

What are your goto generic or store brands for home goods?

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This article is from Christa Avampato of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Find the Best Stuff at HomeGoods

Kelly Medeiros — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 09:48:32 +0000

If you aren't yet a HomeGoods devotee, then maybe it's time to check out everything these stores have to offer. Owned by the TJX Companies, this popular chain of discount home furnishing stores complements the company's well-known TJ Maxx and Marshalls apparel stores. HomeGoods is a gold mine for finding everything from dining chairs to dog beds at deeply discounted prices (up to 66% off regular department store prices to be exact). (5 Frugal Rules You Must Follow When Shopping at Costco)

Unfortunately, because of the store's popularity and steep discounts, finding just what you're looking for can be challenging. But with these useful HomeGoods shopping tips, you will always bring home the biggest savings and the best finds.

Know When to Shop

The unique, ever-changing, affordable inventory at HomeGoods is enough to make any decorator or homeowner shout with glee. This does mean, however, that popular items, like Le Creuset bakeware and limited edition art prints, get snapped up quickly. The good news is that most HomeGoods locations restock weekly, if not daily. Therefore, shopping the store about an hour after it opens works best. This gives the staff enough time to stock the new goods of the day and gets you there early enough to snag the best stuff before things get picked over. Weekdays are also a plus as there tends to be less competition by avoiding the weekend rush.

Where to Look for $10 Gifts

Economical gifts are abundant throughout HomeGoods stores, but there are always some great go-to options under $10.

In the decorative glass section, check out the authentic, hand-blown vases, bowls, and figurines from Poland and Italy for under $10.
The stationery area always has decorative note cards, journals, and other pretty paper goods.
The candle section is also worth a stop, where you'll find candles in unique colors and sizes for just a few dollars.
Decorative dishtowels, cloth napkins, and fancy pump soaps make other great, cheap gifts.
Finally, head over to the kids' department for some extremely discounted brand name toys and classic books.

Scope Out All the Departments

Thinking outside the box can score you some unique finds at HomeGoods. For example, think about searching the sea of outdoor furniture and accents and bringing them indoors.

I have found small, outdoor tables and plant stands that make excellent nightstands or hall tables. By perusing other departments, you may land a piece that can surprise you. This is true of a fantastic gold garden stool I once found in the outdoor area, which is now a side table in my formal living room. I have even used a small storage vanity from the bath section as an end table. Check out the store's site for great designer inspired ideas for every taste.

Always Check Out the Seasonal Stuff

Around the holidays, the seasonal decor virtually takes over the front half of the store. This makes HomeGoods one of the cheapest and most well-stocked places for Halloween, Christmas, and Hanukkah decor. It's also definitely worth checking out other seasonal items as well. Come spring and summer, garden-inspired accents, beachy decor, and an array of outdoor items hit the floors, all with steep discounts.

Look for Items That Need a Little Makeover

You may not think of HomeGoods for your DIY project, but many good finds make for inexpensive, one-of-a-kind pieces. Examples include the multitude of tables for sale, which can be easily transformed at home with paint, lacquer, or stain into whatever you can dream up.

Chairs are also abundant, and you can easily change up the fabric for your own look. The same goes for the many beautiful mirrors and frames, as a new finish is a simple project.

My favorite HomeGoods DIY project started with a small, brown wooden end table I scored for $29. I transformed it with some gray paint, nailhead trim, and colored stones into a really cool piece.

Consider the TJX Rewards Card

I am not one to promote opening another credit card, but if you are going to be shopping HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, or Marshalls on a regular basis, then a TJX rewards credit card may be a money-saving option. This is only true IF you can always pay off the balance each month, since it will carry a very high APR. The TJX rewards card has a point system where 1,000 points earns you a $10 in-store reward certificate, and you can earn 5 points for every $1 spent at any TJX store. This equates to $10 back on every $200 spent, or as I like to think of it, 5% off of all of my HomeGoods purchases. The rewards never expire and there is no limit on how many you can earn and redeem at one time. You also get 10% off your first in-store purchase when you open the card.

The real fun of shopping at HomeGoods comes from their ability to provide a selection of discounted, quality inventory, since the stores' buyers continually handpick items from a variety of vendors and name-brand retailers. For me, I always get a thrill from finding a treasure at an amazing price.

Are you a HomeGoods shopper? What's been your best find?

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This article is from Kelly Medeiros of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: