We all love technology, but it never takes long for your favorite new toys to become old news.
That cycle is especially the case today, since cell phones, tablets, TVs, and all other forms of tech get phased out sooner than later.
Holding onto technology that you no longer use only creates clutter in your home.
Your old tech will inevitably become a liability if you don’t take time to declutter. Here’s what you need to know about getting rid of your technology to free up space.
Table of Contents
1. Take Inventory of What You Have and How Often You Use It
Start by figuring out what old technology you have before you take the time to get rid of it. Make an honest assessment of your gadgets to see what kind of value they hold and how often you use them.
If you haven’t used a piece of tech in the past year, you most likely no longer need it. Create a list, check it twice, and make preparations for getting rid of each piece of equipment that you need to phase out.
2. Make a Trip to the Pawn Shop to Get Value From Some of Your Items
Pawnshops are excellent decluttering sources because you’ll often get some cash for your trouble.
These shops are always in need of in-demand items like cameras, camcorders, video game systems, record players, and other media players. Find a shop that is trusted and professional when you’re interested in pawning an item from your tech collection.
Ask a few different pawn shops how much they will give you for each item so you can take it to the highest bidder.
3. Donate Items or Parts
As the old adage says, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Thrift shops like Goodwill and the Salvation Army operate stores that sell people used electronics and household items at rock bottom prices.
The proceeds of these items they sell go toward helping the community and supporting charitable causes. You can also keep a record of these donations so you can write it off on your taxes.
4. Sell Some of Your Electronics Online
Lots of old electronics still hold plenty of value on the open market. Tech that is vintage or collectible can even fetch greater value than you originally paid for them.
Start browsing some online listings to see what kind of value they hold. From here you can start posting auctions until you get a great price for your items.
5. Look Into Electronics Recycling and Give Back Programs
You should also consider the green implications of getting rid of your old tech. Electronics are often unsafe to throw away because of the harm and damage they can cause to the environment.
In these cases, you should recycle the electronics correctly. Contact the manufacturer to learn the correct way to recycle the battery, device, and other parts.
Many manufacturers have electronics give-back programs. These programs often give you cashback, rebates, or other incentives for recycling.
They will send you bags, boxes, or other containers so you can safely and easily ship the device off for recycling.
6. Create Storage for Your Technology
You now have an idea about getting rid of your old tech — but what if you want to keep it?
If you’re going to keep your take you’ll need to make room for it so that you can still declutter. Assess the space in your home and figure out how you can repurpose rooms, shelves, or storage areas.
This might be a matter of cleaning out a garage, attic or storage shed. When you carve out enough space for your devices you will find that they aren’t a burden.
Make sure to arrange them neatly and set up a place for everything, rather than creating large junk piles.
7. Rent Out a Storage Space if Necessary
Renting self-storage is one of the easiest ways to declutter your home. This moves your belongings off-site so you don’t have to worry about cramping your living quarters.
Self-storage units are typically rented on a monthly basis. Shop for prices and for the right size storage rental for your needs.
Climate controlled storage rental units might cost you between roughly $75 monthly and $200 monthly.
When you have climate-controlled storage you’ll prevent melting, warping, and other forms of damage that will make your electronics inoperable. Arrange and stack each device delicately and neatly, and always keep an inventory log of what’s inside of your storage unit.
8. Don’t Forget About Stray Cords and Peripherals
Stray cords and peripherals tend to add up in your home. You might get rid of a large electronic device, but tangled cords and cables can become even more cumbersome — especially if you don’t remember what device they go to.
Separate and unwarp these items, and label them accordingly. From there you can decide what you’d like to do with each.
Out With the Old Tech and in With the New
So what can you do about all your old tech that is taking up space? The suggestions above offer you an excellent starting point.
Keeping your house decluttered is a quality of life issue. Holding onto things you no longer need takes up space and can even create anxiety.
Following these points will keep your living space pure, while also making room for the never-ending opportunities for upgrading your technology.
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