Turning Clutter Into Profits

Families Are Turning Their Trash Into Someone Else's Treasure

(CBS)  In these tough times, a little bit of cash can make a big difference for many families.

CBS News correspondent Michelle Gielan tells Early Show co-anchor Maggie Rodriguez how to find some "free cash" right in your own home.

It is all around you. Things in your home that you probably don't need. Why not turn those old things into some new cash. One family in Allendale, New Jersey is doing just that.

"We're just trying to make sure we can keep our home right now," said Christina Montanyes.

For the Montanyes, with two growing kids, paying their bills these days is a challenge.

"We need to send out the mortgage payment," said Christina.

Kevin didn't get his year-end bonus and Christina has been unable to find a job.

"We gotta feed the kids," Kevin said.

They've simplified life in their two bedroom condo, no more dinners out or cable TV.

"My mother had to help us out at Christmas time. It is humiliating," Christina said.

But they still need extra cash, so we arranged for the Montanyes to meet Marcia Cooper.

"The average person has over $3,000 dollars hidden away in their homes," Cooper said.

Cooper teaches classes about turning household items ...

"People love cookie jars," Cooper said.

... into cash using services like eBay.

"I have been sticking everything in my second bathroom to the gills," Christina said. And she has no shortage of stuff.

"Oh my goodness this is the land of OZ!" Cooper said, adding that even in this down economy -- people are buying.

Kids clothes and toys, candles and books are always good sellers, and there is a market for brand name items and old jewelry.

Cooper says that her eBay classes are full of people who once had good jobs --- and now are desperate.

"There are people who are selling some expensive things and they are equating it, this will bring a week's worth of groceries. This will pay the mortgage, this will put gas in my car," Cooper said.

So far, Christina has made about $1,500, she and Kevin have learned something far more valuable.

"It's like 'Wow, I really can make it on less, I can do it on less.'" Kevin said.

"Yeah we can live without a TV," Christina said. "And we are doing alright, we are surviving."

Ebay says in 2008 more than $20 billion worth of clothing, shoes and accessories were sold on the site, that's a 7 percent increase over the year before.

Meanwhile, Craigslist says postings in its "For Sale" category have surged 75 percent in the last year.

As for Christina, she hasn't had any takers on the cookie jar or bowl yet -- but just in the past week she sold $260 worth of toys and women's shoes.

[mtesta]

I am looking for links besides Craigslist mentioned in the on-air story,"Turning Clutter into Profits", but can't find them in this article from April 6th or on the site..please advise where to find that info.
Thanks