Experts have revealed the secrets to finding some ‘free’ money this month to help take the sting out of Christmas spending.
Brits splurge on average £650 to fund presents, food and parties during the festive season – leaving many feeling the pinch, and feeling miserable, in January.
But two specialists have opened the door on how to turn things you already own into hard cash – for many people more than £100 – at the time of year when you need it most.
And it turns out Lego and old holiday currency are among the key items to dig out in order to ease the financial burden.
Sian Pelleschi, president of the Association of Professional Declutters and Organisers (APDO) who also runs her own decluttering business Sorted! recommends hunting down items in good condition that you no longer use as a starting point.
She explained: “It depends on what people have in their houses. For some it’s toys – especially if they have children – while for others it’s clothes or maybe figurines. It really can be all sorts.
“It’s worth remembering it doesn’t have to be large items, it can be lots of little things that have a decent resale value.”
Sian says items being in good condition is important while boxed goods, or those that have a box with them, are “much more saleable”.
One banker in the toys department, according to the decluttering guru, is Lego – even if it’s not grouped in the original packages.
She said: “Lego is great – it always sells. Even if you have a box of old pieces that are all mixed up, it’s pretty much a failsafe when it comes to reselling.
“People might be after a certain piece or pieces, but very often they are prepared to buy a job-lot and sift through it.”
Clothes don’t earn as much, but there is a healthy market for certain items and styles on online platforms such as Vinted, Olio and Facebook Marketplace.
Sian says there are some good habits to adopt that will help you earn some extra cash while avoiding your wardrobe bursting at the seams.
“If you’re someone who likes to buy new items, look at what they could replace,” she said. “Whenever you bring things into the house, think about what you could let go of.
“Start out by doing this once or twice a month and see how it goes. It’s worth noting that selling isn’t for everyone, but once you start trying to implement these habits it becomes a lot easier.”
After you’ve identified the stuff to go, there are a few simple steps to take to make sure you see it through.
Sian said: “Have an area in your house where you can put items you want to sell, and then give yourself a deadline.
“If it hasn’t gone within a month, for example, then maybe think of donating it or getting rid in another way. Using and connecting with the local community is a great way to buy, sell and gift.”
These are not the only things that you can use to boost the coffers in time for Christmas. Any unused holiday money gathering dust in a drawer can also lead to a handy payday.
Research by Leftover Currency revealed that this amounts to a staggering £2.7billion across the UK, or around £67 per adult.
Mario Van Poppel, founder and owner of Leftover Currency says this is a simple way to organise and earn at the same time.
“The good news is even the out-of-date currencies that are no longer legal tender can be easily exchanged and boost your bank account,” he explained.
“Something we hear all the time is that pre-euro currencies are worthless, but that’s simply not the case – even if the central bank of the country in question has stopped exchanging them.
“That also goes for withdrawn banknotes from outside the eurozone, so it’s well worth having a look to find anything you have lying around.”
