If you’re anything like me, making ends meet each month feels like a constant uphill battle. Bills stack up, savings shrink, and it seems like there’s never enough. About a year ago, though, I decided to challenge myself: Could I make some extra cash without a car, without fancy skills, and without any upfront investment?
Spoiler alert, I did! And I’m here to share exactly how I put an extra $200 in my pocket in just two days, all by using Facebook Marketplace and local buy-and-sell groups.
I started by taking a thorough inventory of my apartment. The goal? To find things I didn’t need, wasn’t using, or had simply forgotten about. It’s surprising how much stuff we accumulate without even realizing it! Here’s exactly what I found and how much each item sold for:
First, I tackled my closet. I had several pieces of clothing I’d been hanging onto for far too long, thinking I’d eventually wear them again, but honestly, I never did. The first item to go was a winter jacket that no longer fit comfortably. It was in great condition, and since winter was approaching, I knew it would sell fast. I listed it for $30, and within an hour, someone reached out and picked it up later that afternoon. Just like that, my first sale was complete!
Encouraged by this early success, I dug deeper into my wardrobe. Next up was a pair of nearly-new running shoes that I had bought on sale months ago but realized quickly they were slightly too small. They’d just been sitting there, gathering dust. After giving them a quick clean-up and taking a few clear photos, I listed them for $25. They sold the next day to someone eager to snag a good deal.
With $55 already earned, I was feeling motivated. My next stop was the kitchen. We all have those gadgets or appliances that we thought we’d use regularly but never did. For me, it was an air fryer that I’d used exactly twice. I posted it for $40 with pictures showcasing its pristine condition, and I made sure to highlight its nearly-new status in the description. This was my quickest sale yet—it was gone in under 30 minutes!
I also had a collection of mismatched kitchenware: pots, pans, and utensils I’d accumulated over the years. I bundled these items together, took an attractive picture, and described it as a perfect starter kit for anyone moving into their first home. Priced attractively at just $20, this bundle was gone by the end of the day, picked up by a grateful college student moving into their first apartment.
Next, I moved on to electronics. This was a bit more challenging because I wanted to make sure everything worked properly. First up was my old smartphone, still functioning perfectly but outdated for my needs. I factory-reset it, cleaned it thoroughly, and listed it clearly stating the specs and its excellent working condition. I priced it competitively at $50. To my surprise, this sparked a bidding war, and I eventually sold it for $65!
An old Bluetooth speaker followed, in perfect working order but rarely used. I listed it at $20, clearly stating its brand and battery life, and within a few hours, it was on its way to a new owner who was thrilled with the deal.
Feeling confident, I tackled a small collection of books I knew I wouldn’t read again. Instead of listing these individually, I grouped them by genre—fiction and self-help—and priced each set at $10. These bundles sold fairly quickly, adding another easy $20 to my total.
Then, there was the box of craft supplies—paints, brushes, paper, and yarn—that had been stashed in a closet for over a year, remnants of a hobby I’d briefly pursued. I advertised this as an ideal kit for kids or beginners interested in exploring their creative side. Within an hour, it sold for $15, purchased by a parent eager to entertain their children.
Lastly, I discovered an unused set of bedding I’d received as a gift but never opened because the colors didn’t match my room. With clear photos of the packaging, I listed this item for $15. It quickly sold to someone refreshing their guest room décor.
By meticulously choosing items I genuinely didn’t need or use, crafting thoughtful listings, and offering fair prices, I managed to clear out clutter while putting extra money in my pocket. Each sale added up quickly, and by Sunday evening, my total earnings had reached just over $200, all from selling stuff I already owned, without needing transportation or special skills.
The key was to take clear, well-lit photos, write detailed and honest descriptions, and respond quickly to potential buyers. I also learned the importance of pricing items realistically—not too high, to scare off buyers, and not too low, to undersell my things. Every little bit counted, and this experience taught me that making extra cash from home is not only doable but surprisingly straightforward.
Have you ever sold items online to make extra cash? I’d love to hear your experiences and tips too!
