Sell some of your stuff that is just gathering dust.  Turn stuff into cash.  Garage sales are a great way to clear out the closets.  And, of course, internet auction sites like eBay.com and Yahoo! Auctions have revolutionized the garage sale.  Half.com and Amazon.com have made it possible to sell your books around the world.  Reuse is the ultimate in recycling.

You can sell anything from clothing to cars at online auction sites.  It does take a bit of work to place the auction ad, complete the transaction and make the shipments.  Take a look around the auctions before you try to sell your stuff to make sure it’s worth your time and effort.  Also study how items are titled, described, categorized and priced so you can improve your chance of success at auction.

If you decide that a sale is not worth your while, donate the goods to a charity.  Be sure to get a receipt and follow our recommendations for getting the maximum value from your donations.

Just because something cost you a lot of money does not mean that you should keep it.  You might be much better off with 5 or 10% of the purchase price than to have it go to waste in the closet or gather dust on the shelf.

Here is a checklist to help you decide what to get rid of:

• You have duplicates

• You won’t wear it again

• You won’t watch the DVD again

• You’ve heard the music enough

• It’s time to change

• You need the space

• You probably won’t read the book again

• It has gone up in value

• It’s going out of style soon

• You’ve moved it once and it’s still packed in the box

• You didn’t remember that you had it

• You broke up with them six months ago – it’s so over so sell the stuff

Stuff takes up space.  Unless it still provides you with comfort, joy, economic, social or psychic value, it is probably safe to donate or sell.

Remember the first law of stuff, “Stuff expands to exceed the space allotted.”  It will crowd you out, clutter your life and complicate what could be simple.  Donate, sell and simplify for a less stressful life.  And you’ll help the environment.

Here are 35 more great ways to save money.