Not all gift-bearing messengers should be treated with suspicion. This little critter has a few tips that you might find helpful as we approach Christmas.

We all have things in our homes that, while they may have or perhaps used to have some sentimental value, are now doing no more than gathering dust.

Did you know that research has shown that the two biggest reasons for keeping items in your home that you do not use are LETHARGY and HABIT? And of course, the two are extensions of the same thing.

And did you also know that, whilst we may all be very much aware of what we could do with our unwanted or unneeded items, you need a motive to change things. Perhaps a motive called "creating a pot of money to build a passive income project", is a good start.

Lethargy is not an easy state to break, it takes a change of routine or a change of habit to break it. To steal a solid idea from the fabulous book ATOMIC HABITS by James Clear; the best way to behaviour change (that is, changing a habit) is to:

Make it obvious (why you are trying to do)
Make it attractive (the result you get is attractive and the reason behind doing it)

Make it easy (or you simply will not do it)

Make it satisfying (as in gets you a tangible reward)

I used to have a golden rule that I applied to the things I kept. While those closest to you might find you engaging in this particular rule (habit) a little bit annoying at first, they will soon change their view when they realise that these dust-gatherers are not that useful.

The rule? Well, put simply:

"If I haven't picked it up and used it for six months or more, it isn't very useful".

That isn't to say that all sentimental items are disposed of after 183 days in the house, but it's a good starting point. If the sentimental value is high and its disposal is likely to kick off World War 3, keep them, but also ask yourself the following question:

"Am I happy to keep this item in its own dedicated space on display for all to see"?

So, where can you go (and what might it cost) if you want to raise some cash by disposing of such an item?

1. Vinted

• What it’s for: Selling clothing, shoes, accessories, and even home goods.

• Why it’s great: Vinted has no seller fees, so you keep 100% of your earnings. Buyers pay for shipping, and the platform is simple to use.

• How it works: Snap a photo of your item, set a price, and list it for free. Buyers pay you directly through the app once the item is sold.

• Website/App: Vinted

2. Depop

• What it’s for: Selling secondhand and vintage clothing, especially trendy or niche items.

• Why it’s great: Depop is popular among younger, fashion-forward audiences. It’s a great place to sell vintage, designer, or unique pieces.

• How it works: List your items with photos and detailed descriptions. Depop takes 10% of your sales, but it’s great for reaching a large audience.

• Website/App: Depop

3. eBay UK

• What it’s for: Selling everything, including clothing, accessories, and shoes.

• Why it’s great: eBay is a trusted platform with a huge audience, making it ideal for selling both basic and high-value items.

• How it works: Create an auction listing or set a fixed price. Pay a small fee per sale (typically 10-15%, depending on the item).

• Website/App: eBay UK

4. Preloved

• What it’s for: Selling secondhand and vintage clothing, as well as nearly anything else (furniture, cars, etc.).

• Why it’s great: Preloved is free to use for most items, with no selling fees. It’s ideal for those looking to sell vintage or pre-loved clothing without paying commissions.

• How it works: Create a free account, list your item, and negotiate directly with buyers. You can also pay for optional premium memberships to boost your listings.

• Website: Preloved

5. Shpock

• What it’s for: Selling secondhand items locally or nationally, including clothing, accessories, and shoes.

• Why it’s great: Shpock (short for “Shop in your Pocket”) is free to use, with no seller fees unless you choose optional premium features. It’s great for casual sellers who want to avoid high fees.

• How it works: List items for free, and buyers can contact you directly. You can meet locally or arrange shipping.

• Website/App: Shpock 

Bonus Option: Facebook Marketplace

• What it’s for: Selling clothing locally or shipping it to buyers across the UK.

• Why it’s great: It’s free to use, and you can sell to people in your area without worrying about shipping costs (if you meet in person).

• Website/App: Facebook Marketplace

Quick Comparison:

Vinted- Everyday clothing, no fees

Depop- Trendy, vintage, or designer, 10% fees
eBay UK- Wide audience, all item types, 10 to 15% fees

Preloved- General and vintage clothing, no fees (but optional upgrades)

Shpock- Casual/local clothing sales, no fees (but optional upgrades)

Facebook Marketplace- Local and general sales, no fees (unless shipping)

You might be surprised how much you can raise on things that hog space. So don't consider this as just de-cluttering your house, as useful as that can sometimes be, look upon it 100% as foundation building to get money to start a new way of life.

Here's To A Good Lucrative Clear Out!

John Duncan