For weeks you have been trying to decide what to do with the unnecessary clutter in the garage, storage shed, etc.

Piles of old magazines, old push lawnmowers and that motorbike you no longer use are taking up too much valuable space.

At last, perhaps you’ve reached the conclusion it’s time to get rid of all that clutter.

But, before you just throw it out, some of that clutter could be worth money.

While you may not be able to sell the magazines, if that motorcycle that still runs perfectly it can be worth something.

There are a couple of options to get some cash for it quickly.

If you choose to try to sell it yourself, you can

list it on a website and receive a response in record time.

But before you move to the next step of typing up the listing, take the necessary precautions.

First consider whether you want to put your phone number in the listing.

While that may

be the fastest way to get in touch with you, there are alternatives that can limit how much contact prospective buyers have, before and after you meet with them.

Once you have a buyer on the hook, set up a meet point that is public, and occupied by a large number of people.

It’s also a good idea to take at least one other person with you when conducting the meeting.

And just as you read in today’s armed robbery story, it’s a great idea to bring a cellphone, so if there is an incident, you can not only call for help, but possibly take pictures as evidence.

And last of all, only accept cash or a money order.

Checks just aren’t worth the risk.