Gail On Tech

Turn your trash into cash

OK, we’re now almost a week into spring, and with longer days and a decreasing need to sit huddled around the heater all day, many people’s thoughts are turning to the big ‘spring clean’.

However, there’s only so much room in your house, and unless you have the means to build an extension to accommodate all the new stuff you’ve bought since the last cleanup, you need to bite the bullet and let go of some of the things you no longer need — come on, you can do it!

If you’re a little reluctant to divest yourself of little-used stuff, would the news that it can make you some serious cash get you over the line?

Well, a recent survey conducted by eBay Australia, shows that you’re not the only one hanging onto old stuff like a security blanket. In fact, it found that Australian households are hoarding 120 million unwanted items — and I’ll guiltily put my hand up to sitting on more than my fair share of that total.

However, the really exciting news is that those 120 million items are worth more than $5 billion. So, if you can convert yours into cash, you may even realise enough to splurge on something like a holiday — and the more you sell, the better the holiday.

Here’s what eBay found Aussies were hoarding in their homes that could be converted into cash — on eBay, of course!

• Electronics: 47% of Australians say they have mobile phones they no longer use, 36% have redundant audio equipment, 35% have superfluous movie players or recorders, and 33% have televisions they no longer need.
• Household Goods: 42% have unwanted kitchen items, 43% have unwanted home décor, 37% have unwanted appliances, 34% have unused furniture, and 35% would like to shed some bedding.

While eBay obviously has a vested interest in you divesting yourself of your unwanted goods via its site, there are many of good reasons why it’s a good idea. Sure, you could have a garage sale or put an ad in the classifieds of the local paper, but you are only reaching a small pool of buyers, with only locals vying for your goods. With eBay, you get exposure to millions of buyers (both here and overseas if you wish).

If you’re interested in pursing the eBay option for turning your trash into cash, head here. You can view different rooms online, discover the range of items that are available on eBay.com.au and see how much items that you may have hanging around your home gathering dust and taking up valuable space are selling for.