So the phone company has been threatening to cut off your line, your credit card bills are piling up, and your mortgage lender has been breathing down your neck... Assuming you've dried up your bank accounts and tapped out all available sources of credit, how else are you going to raise urgently needed cash?

You should not be looking much farther because the solution may just be all around you. In fact, if you own a house, that may be one of your most valuable assets. From having a private house sale and selling unwanted items from your house, here are five ways to make quick cash.

1. I need to sell my house quickly!

Yes, if you're in dire need of cash - or going through a divorce or have a job offer that requires you to relocate - then you're probably thinking, "I need to sell my house quick!" There are now a number of companies all over the country that can offer to buy your house for cash. They buy direct from you, and will buy your house in any condition, so in just a matter of weeks or even days, you will be able to use the proceeds from the sale to pay off debts or buy your next house.

You might consider this as a last resort, but it is one that is guaranteed to give you the cash you need when you need it.

2. Take in a lodger.

This may not be the best idea if privacy is your priority, but having someone to rent a room in your house can help ease the load of paying off your mortgage or rent. You can also arrange to share living expenses such as water and electricity, or include them in the rent. This can save hundreds of pounds a month, which you can put to paying your credit card bills, student loan, and again, your mortgage, among others. Don't forget to draw up a lease agreement though, even if the person moving in is someone you know.

3. Hold a garden sale.

Most of us have stuff that we've bought that we thought we needed, or have grown tired of using, and they ended up as clutter. If you have furniture, clothes, toys, sports equipment, jewelry, electronics, or houseware that is just lying around, then you can organize a yard sale to raise much needed cash.

You can also buy and sell stuff online using Craigslist, Gumtree, Loot, and the likes. Millions of people use these websites, and they are free and localized so most of the time there is no shipping involved.

4. Return recent purchases.

If you have recent purchases that are still in perfect condition, returning them is one of the easiest ways to make quick cash. You'll be able to get your full purchase price back as long as you have a receipt, and at the same time, you're reducing clutter in your house and changing your spending habit.

5. Collect your change.

Don't be surprised to find hidden treasure throughout your house, it is not uncommon to have loose change scattered all around one's house. It may be underneath your sofa cushions, in desk drawers, or in piggy banks; they are just waiting to be found. They may not be worth much (or they could), but every bit helps when you're cash-strapped.