Money Matters: Make quick cash from a Christmas de-clutter
In this week's Money Matters column, Wrekin's debt and energy manager Dan Bebbington shares his tips to turn your clutter into cash this Christmas.
Finances can be tight after the festive season, and many of us will now be looking for quick ways to ease the strain a little as we head into the new year.
It’s also the perfect time for a sort out, to get rid of items that are no longer used as well as any unwanted presents, and make a little extra money along the way.
So, if you’ve got a bit of time off over Christmas, why not spend a few hours going through your belongings to see what you can find a new home for.
Dust off your old CDs, DVDs, games and books – they could be worth more than you think. Websites like Music Magpie, Ziffit and WeBuyBooks are a great place to start.
You usually just need to scan or type in the barcode to get an instant valuation, and most sites offer a free postage or courier service.
They then send the money straight to you either by bank transfer or Paypal – but make sure anything you flog is in a good enough condition, or you won’t get paid and won’t get your items back either.
Old tech items, such as phones, tablets, laptops and games consoles are also usually worth a few quid. Music Magpie, second hand electronics retailer CEX and many local independent shops will snap these up – so don’t let unused devices lie at the back of a drawer if Santa is getting you an upgrade!
You can also take the opportunity to sort through those old boxes, cables, remotes and accessories we all have stashed away in cupboards and lofts. They can often be sold to people needing replacements for their older gadgets.
Bear in mind that how much you can earn for these kinds of items depends on their condition, demand and how rare they are. You can check what others are selling them for on second-hand sales sites to assess whether it’s worth your time.
If you have kids, chances are you have old toys lying around. Sites like Toy Exchange, which will buy Lego, Scalextric, and Sylvanian Families by weight.
The site also buys certain vintage toys and action figures.
There are many other sites you can flog old Lego on, but the prices offered vary, so shop around.
Alternatively you can sell any of the above, as well as clothes, furniture and other household items you no longer need, through eBay, Vinted or Facebook Marketplace. You can often make more money this way, but bear in mind the extra time it takes to photograph, write descriptions, respond to messages and arrange postage or collection.
