Clean for Spring and Find Profit

Spring just started and we now have this inner (or societal) need to clean.

Patch is here to remind you how to turn that mess you may be facing into something more than garbage-can filler.

Many local businesses will take what you think is junk and give you cash in return. If your stuff is not valuable enough to sell, you may still be able to donate it for a tax deduction.

1. Jewelry and gold

With gold prices at record highs, hovering around $1,400.00 an ounce, maybe it's  time to sell some of that jewelry you will never wear again. There are local shops close by that might buy your pretty things. Their offers may vary, so shop your valuables around to get the best price.

, 141 S. Water St., Kent.

, 3046 Graham Rd., Stow.

, 4970 Darrow Rd., Stow.

, 3732 Darrow Rd., Stow.

2. Antiques

As we continue to face a troubled housing market, many people have been forced to move or possibly take in family and friends for unexpected, extended rooming situations. This has caused space constraints to arise as families move into smaller houses, or in other cases, family and friends are now living in rooms previously used for storage.

That means extra space and storage areas may now be limited. It could be a good time for you to get rid of that antique you have been storing away in a box for decades. If you don't have space for it and you don't want to show it in your living areas, sell it or at least find out if it's worth anything.

, 115 S. Water St., Kent.

The leading dealer in the area, they are known for buying, selling and fixing antique wristwatches, pocketwatches and clocks. They offer limited purchase and sale on other antiques and jewelry as well. Professional appraisal services are available, with the first appraisal free on each visit. Contact them for details and restrictions 330-677-1479.

3. Coins, collectables and unique items   

You may have collected stamps, coins, medals, postcards, political campaign memorabilia or other unique items over the years. Maybe you recently found a collectable left behind by another family member or friend and it's now yours. If you can part with that item or collection, a local business is waiting to buy it – or at least tell you how much it's worth.

, 2073 Graham Rd., Stow

Specializing in buying and selling coins and paper money, they also work with other items including: gold and silver pieces, Franklin Mint items, war medals, badges, political items, watches, jewelry, sterling silver flatware, tea sets, trade cards, antique advertising, pre-1953 Redbooks, pre-1910 calendars, tin toys and signs and more. Visit their website at executivecoin.com or call 330-686-1100 for more information and restrictions.

4. Donate items for tax deductions

It's tax time. Remember that you can gather up tax deductions with your reciepts from donations. Two local organizations accept a wide variety of everyday items for donation. Some restrictions apply, so check with each service for details. 

, 1510 S. Water St. Kent.

Operated by the Portage County Habitat for Humanity, this store specializes in donations and resale of building and remodeling materials as well as various household items. Acceptable items for donation include: flooring, carpeting, furniture, plumbing fixtures, roofing, framed doors and windows, lumber, cabinets, countertops, appliances, tile, lawn/garden/patio equipment, tools, paint and some other limited household items. No broken, outdoor weathered, smelly or stained items accepted.

They also offer limited pick-up services for some of your donated items. Call or visit for details. 330-677-8881.   

Goodwill, 2528 S.R. 59, Kent.

Goodwill's mission is to help individuals prepare for, find and retain employment. They are in most need of the following donations: clothing, shoes, small furniture, domestics, books, dishes and housewares, CDs, records, tapes, DVDs, small electronics and fashion accessorises.

Also, Goodwill has partnered with Dell to create Reconnect, a free program allowing individuals and businesses to donate and/or reuse computers, printers, monitors and other peripherals. Any computer brand in any condition is accepted.

Additionally, Goodwill accepts cars, trucks, boats, RVs and motorcycle donations at its Auto Outlet in Akron at 2381 Manchester Rd. They will handle all the paperwork for you. For more information on these types of donations call 330-786-0284.