8 ways to clear out your clutter

You'd love to rid yourself of the junk, uh, cherished belongings you've amassed. It's not easy. If you plan to lighten up but don't think Sotheby's will auction your castoffs, consider these options.

Consignment shops accept a wide variety of goods that homes tend to overflow with, including clothing, toys, sporting goods and furniture. Many, though, are choosy. A store may specialize in a specific category or require that clothes be less than three years old and recently dry-cleaned. Typically, you get 40% to 60% of the sales price. If your stuff doesn't sell after a set period, usually 30 to 90 days, you get it back or it's donated.
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