You know the golden rule of decluttering: If you haven’t worn or used it in a full year, it’s time to let go.
Of course, selling such things isn’t always that easy. There are items around your house that have sentimental value, but there also are things that were such a splurge, you can’t stand the thought of throwing away money. So don’t.
Many retailers will buy used items from you, allowing you to recoup some of their cost.
The following buyers will give you cash or store credit for your clutter — from jackets and golf clubs to books and electronics. Whether your clutter fills a large room or a small shelf, there’s likely a product buy-back solution for you. (But if you don’t see one below, try “8 Retailers That Will Reward You for Recycling.”)
1. Amazon
Many see Amazon as the best place to sell stuff online. Categories that are eligible for the Amazon Trade-In program include:
- Amazon devices
- Cellphones
- Streaming media players
- Home security devices
- Wireless routers
- Gaming items
Visit the Amazon Trade-In program webpage and click on the type of item you want to trade in to find out how much Amazon would give you for it.
If you proceed with the trade-in, Amazon will pay you via an Amazon gift card. In some cases, you will receive instant payment. In other cases, Amazon will give you the gift card after it receives and appraises your item.
Unless you live near an Amazon drop-off location that accepts trade-ins, you will have to pack up and ship your items to Amazon to trade them in, but there are no fees. Amazon will give you a prepaid shipping label.
2. Apple
Through the Apple Trade In program, you can swap an old Apple device for a discount on a new one. Or, if you’re not ready to buy a new device, you will receive an Apple gift card.
Items that are eligible for the program include:
- iPhones
- Apple Watches
- iPads
- Mac computers
- Android phones
You can arrange your trade-in online and then ship the device to Apple, or you can trade it in at an Apple store.
3. AT&T
Turn in old wireless devices through AT&T’s trade-in program, and AT&T will give you either a discount on a new smartphone or a promotion card worth the value of the device you traded in. You can put the promotion card’s value toward your AT&T bill or devices and accessories, either in company-owned retail stores or online.
To get started, search for the device you want to trade in on AT&T’s website.
4. Best Buy
Ready for the next iPhone? The Best Buy Trade-In program will take your old one. In fact, Best Buy accepts a variety of electronics, including:
- iPhones
- iPads
- Gaming hardware
- PC laptops
- Samsung mobile devices
- Microsoft Surface devices
- Apple notebooks
- Digital SLR cameras
- Streaming media players
- Smartwatches
- Activity trackers
- Headphones
- AirPods
Visit the Best Buy Trade-In program webpage and check out the “Estimate your trade-in value” section to gauge what your item is worth. Then, turn it in for a Best Buy gift card at a participating store.
5. GameStop
GameStop accepts several kinds of items, including the following:
- Video games
- Gaming systems
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- Wearable technology
Turn in devices at a local GameStop location and choose cash or store credit.
6. Half Price Books
Sometimes, it pays to hold on to things so you can sell them later. Half Price Books buys all sorts of:
- Books
- Music
- Magazines
- Movies
- Comics
- Collectibles
- Games
- Electronics
- Lego
You can sell your merchandise at a store — but not an outlet location. Half Price Books will give you cash.
7. Levi’s
The Levi’s SecondHand program resells Levi’s denim that has “been broken in and made better by time.”
If you have Levi’s jeans and jackets that you no longer wear but that are in good condition, you can trade them in for anywhere from $5 to $35 apiece, depending on their age, condition and original retail price. To learn more about how trade-in works, visit Levi’s SecondHand FAQ page.
8. Lululemon Athletica
If you have Lululemon gear that is in good condition but that you no longer wear, the retailer will take back many types of items through its Like New program. Bring your gear to a participating store, and you’ll receive a Lululemon e-gift card for eligible items. The e-gift card is valid in stores and online.
Specifically, Lululemon offers:
- $5 for all shorts and skirts
- $5 for men’s short sleeve and long sleeve shirts
- $10 for all hoodies, sweatshirts, sweaters, pants, crops, leggings, dresses (including define jackets)
- $10 for all large bags (backpacks, duffles and totes larger than 10L)
The Like New program is available at all of Lululemon’s U.S. stores except for outlets. Stores in Canada do not accept trade-ins yet.
9. Patagonia
Patagonia is so dedicated to reducing waste that the outdoor-gear retailer created Worn Wear. This is where you can shop for gently used Patagonia clothing and luggage or trade in your own Patagonia clothing and luggage for credit. Trade-ins are accepted at Patagonia stores and by mail.
You can use the credit at Patagonia stores, Patagonia.com and WornWear.com.
10. Staples
Through Staples’ tech trade-in program, you get store credit. Eligible trade-in items include:
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- Laptops
You can visit a Staples store to make the swap or do everything online. If you choose the latter, Staples will provide a free shipping label so you can send the retailer the used item.
11. TGW
Golfers, take note: TGW (The Golf Warehouse) takes old clubs.
TGW’s online trade-in process includes free shipping. Once your trade-in is received, TGW will send you a digital gift card.
12. Walmart
Gadget to Gift Cards is Walmart’s trade-in program for used electronics, including:
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- Game consoles
- Voice speakers
- Laptops
- Wearables
First, visit the Gadget to Gift Cards webpage to find out how much your device is worth. You then can ship it with a prepaid shipping label. Once the trade-in is approved, Walmart will give you the value of your device on a Walmart e-gift card.
13. Costco
Costco offers a trade-in program powered by Phobio. Enter the details of your electronic device and get an instant quote. If you decide to trade it in, you’ll be provided a shipping label or box to send in the device.
Once received, it will be inspected, its data will be erased, and you’ll receive either a physical or digital Costco Shop Card with the trade-in value loaded on it.
The following devices can all be traded in through the program:
- Phones
- Laptops
- Tablets
- Smartwatches
- Desktops
- Displays
- Media players
Check the Costco website to see which products you can trade in, including items from popular brands such as Samsung, Google, LG, Motorola and Lenovo.
