Garages, closets and storage bins often hold items that haven't been used in ages. Furniture, electronics, sports gear, tools, baby equipment and clothing in good condition can all find new owners.

Online marketplaces, local resale groups, consignment shops and yard sales are all options, each with trade-offs in effort, fees and how quickly things sell. Clean items up, take clear photos in good light and look at what similar items have sold for so you can price them realistically. When meeting buyers in person, choose a public, well-lit place, and be wary of unusual payment requests.

Send every bit of money from these sales directly into your emergency fund rather than your spending account. Making it a rule keeps the effort focused on your goal. You may also find that clearing space feels good in its own right and makes you think twice before buying things you might not use. Some people turn this into a seasonal habit, doing a sweep of the house a few times a year.