The holidays are coming up and that means most people are spending more money at this time of year. Even if you scale down holiday celebrations, you still need to budget for extra money for gifts and holiday meals. If you are strapped for cash and looking for some ways to earn extra money, but don’t have time to work at a part-time job, keep reading.
Sell Your Old Junk
If you haven’t yet heard of Marie Kondo, it’s time to hop on the decluttering wagon and go through your attic, basement, garage, and storage, in order to find some hidden treasures. If you have metal pieces accumulating in your garage, you can sell them at a scrapyard in Toronto. I know that I have some Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Maple Leafs memorabilia in my basement that could be worth something. There are collectors out there who will buy old toys, video games, movie posters, comic books, war memorabilia, old china, vintage jewellery, watches, etc. Remember: one woman’s junk is another woman’s treasure!
Check out this website to learn about what items to look out for that could be worth a lot of money. Factors to consider include the item’s condition, how old it is, how rare it is, and how much demand there is for it.
When you find an item you think you could sell, do a quick search online of it first to get a general idea of its value. Perform a search for it on sites like eBay to see what other people are selling it for.
Sell Your Old Gold and Silver
Gold and silver are also hot commodities right now, and it is actually easier than you think to find these precious metals lying around in your home. For instance, Canadian coins minted before 1967 were made of silver. You may also have silver jewellery or silverware lying around your home that could be sold for some extra money.
If you want to sell your old silver in Toronto then make sure you take it to a reputable buyer. Check out the online reviews and look for comments that say the store offered a friendly experience with helpful advice.
How to Check If Your Item is Made of Silver
Not sure if your item is made of real silver? There are a few ways to test for silver at home, though it’s always best to ask an expert who can do an accurate test with technology like an XRF machine.
Check for Hallmarks
Hallmarks are stamps or markings on items made of silver that indicate the purity level. Standard markings include .500 (50% pure), .800 (80% pure), Sterling/Ster/.925 (92.5% pure). This applies only to jewellery or silverware; for coins, look for the ones minted before 1967.
Use a Magnet
Precious metals like gold and silver are not attracted to magnets. If you run a strong magnet across your item and they attract, then the item is most likely not made of silver.
Use a Cloth
Real sterling silver oxidizes when exposed to air, creating a layer of tarnish. If you rub your item and black residue comes off, this is tarnish and indicates that you have an item made of silver.
Get Your Junk Evaluated in Toronto
Selling old junk that’s been sitting around in your house is not only great for decluttering, but it’s also one of the easiest, most effective ways to earn extra money. So if you’re interested, make sure you bring your items in to get evaluated – you may just be sitting on more money than you realized.
You might be interested in reading, “How to Save Money When Shopping Online“.
