Nesting Urges and Layoffs Provide the Incentive to Search for Dough

Since I’m now more than half way through my pregnancy I feel the sudden urge to rearrange the house and remove all visible clutter from our home. We moved all of the items out of the soon-to-be nursery last weekend so my husband could paint and as I looked at the piles of stuff gathering in the little room we use as a closet I started to feel a little bit edgy.


I’ve always had a bit of OCD when it comes to keeping things neat and tidy. When I was a kid I used to put everything in it’s place before I went out to play, (crazy I know), and in college I always straightened my room before writing my term papers.

I know that this nutty little habit of mine will probably change as I bring a child into the world who will drop toys and clutter where ever he or she goes, but since that time is still a few months away I have plenty of time to rearrange and purge the stuff we already own.

Since I found out I’ll soon be laid off I decided it was best to search through the clutter for any items around the house for items that I can profit from. I dug through my dresser drawers and found a few pairs of maternity pants and a bathing suit that I bought but never wore.

To be honest I had completely forgotten about them. I put the pants in the bottom drawer of my dresser and intended to wear them as the weather turned warmer, but as my belly grows larger I’ve found it uncomfortable to wear paneled pants that cover my stomach. I’d much prefer things that can be worn just below my belly, because they stay in place and don’t ride up and down as often.

I also found a maternity bathing suit in my dresser that I barely remembered buying. Shortly after I purchased it I found a much more roomy and comfortable two piece that I purchased for less from Target.

I was able to get merchandise credit for the pants, which is perfectly fine because I bought them at Ross where I can buy everything and anything from kitchen supplies to children’s toys. I got an even better deal at Macy’s where I was able to get a full refund on my credit card.

In digging through other areas of the house I came across a few fitness and movie DVDs I can sell on eBay or trade in to Amazon.com. I also sent a few books to book buying websites where I’ll earn either store credit or cash through PayPal.

I found a few unwanted clothing items that still have the tags on them. I intended to give them away a few months ago, but then considered trying to sell them on eBay. I put them in the back of the closet and completely forgot to list them. I’m not sure that I’ll actually earn anything but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to try to sell them. If they don’t sell I’ll simply donate them, which was my original intention anyway.

It feels good to declutter the house and get back a little money in the process. Between the returns, book buying sites, Amazon.com and eBay I’ll probably bring in $150 to $200 in cash and store credit. It’s not a ton of money, but it feels good to regain a little dough while my nesting urges kick in.

2 thoughts on “Nesting Urges and Layoffs Provide the Incentive to Search for Dough”

  1. Just a thought about donating clothes: I recommend being local/creative about it.

    Think shelters or organizations that help women get appropriate clothes for job interviews. I even donated a dress for prom up in the Canadian North as it is hard to get those sorts of things up there.

    Happy Decluttering, Frugal Girl!

    Reply
  2. @Kristine – Thanks for the comment. I once donated unworn bridesmaid dresses to a similar charity. It felt so good to know young girls in need would be able to go to the prom with them!

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