If you’re feeling the pinch, have loads of items lying around and have set your sights on clearing out any excess baggage – from clothing to furniture to tech – now is the time to take the initiative.
“With many having spent big in December, people will look for bargains at the start of the year,” says Hannah Rouch, second-hand trends expert at Gumtree.
“Replies to adverts on Gumtree jump 11% in January, making it the perfect time to cash in by clearing out – and listing anything you no longer need or use.”
According to Rouch, Gumtree’s research found the average household has 56 unwanted items that could be sold. When clearing out, she says to ask yourself, do I love it? Do I use it? Could someone else benefit from it more than me?
Plus, don’t ignore items that need repairing, says Rouch. “Others could have the skills to fix the piece, saving it from landfill and giving you some money – just make sure you include details of the defect in the advert.”
Selling unwanted items online…
Mark Godman, managing director of Gentleman & A Van says he’s often asked by clients to help them declutter their house or flat, prior to selling.
For online marketplaces, he suggests using platforms such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor or Shpock, to sell items you no longer need. “Take clear photos, write detailed descriptions and set reasonable prices.”
For more specific items, he suggests specialised platforms like Depop and Vinted for clothing, or WeBuyBooks and Ziffit for books.
Rouch says: “There’s one reply every second to a listing on Gumtree. But to sell your item at a good price, your advert must stand out.”
To catch the buyer’s eye, follow this simple formula…
First, make your listing searchable using a title others will likely look for, advises Rouch. “Don’t forget to include the brand/product name. Then, list your item in an obvious category to make it easy to find.”
Again, be detailed in your description so people know exactly what they are getting, notes Rouch, and take good, clear photos, including any defects. “Lastly, research similar listings to help set a realistic price to secure a quick sale.”
Most wanted items…
The top items shoppers search for on Gumtree in January are sofas, tables, beds, chairs, bicycles, iPhones, televisions, fridge freezers, chest of drawers and golf clubs, highlights Rouch. “Got all ten? You could make close to £1,500.”
Take advantage of the Sunday-night surfers, says Rouch. “Searches on Gumtree spike later on weekends, so listing your items for sale on a Sunday evening could get you lots of eyeballs – and, hopefully, the best price for your goods.”
Trading-in devices…
Godman says: “Many retailers and online platforms offer trade-in programs for electronics. Alternatively, you can sell them on platforms like Mazuma Mobile for mobile phones or musicMagpie for phones and other tech.”
Indeed, with many people having received new gadgets, books, games and more over Christmas, the New Year is the ideal time to trade in devices and items, and make some money from them in the process,” says Steve Oliver, CEO of musicMagpie.
“With musicMagpie, customers can sell their unwanted consumer tech products – including phones, tablets, MacBooks, wearables and more, as well as media items including CDs, DVDs, games and books,” suggests Oliver.
“The most traded-in phone this year (2023) was the iPhone 11, which for example, can fetch you £179 (for the 128gb version), and we will accept anything from an iPhone 7 or newer.”
Furthermore, according to Oliver, there’s an estimated £16.5 billion worth of devices lying around in people’s homes which could be converted into cash.
“So it’s a no-brainer to have a clear out and make a few quid, particularly given the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
“It’s also the right thing to do from an environmental perspective as the longer those items are left in drawers, the more likely it is they’ll end up as e-waste, causing harm to the planet,” notes Oliver.
He says previous research has also shown 61% of people do not trade in their device at the same time as upgrading, waiting an average of sixteen months to do so. “During this time, their device will lose 50% of its value.”