Brits are set to turn their post-Christmas clutter into cash, with new data pinpointing the busiest day of the year for selling unwanted festive gifts.
The National Decluttering Day
Online marketplace Vinted has identified Sunday, 4th January, as the peak trading day. Dubbed "Sell-It Sunday", the first Sunday of the new year sees a massive surge in activity, with listings averaging three times the normal daily rate. This unofficial national holiday marks the moment millions decide the fate of their new possessions, making crucial 'stick or sell' choices as the post-festive calm sets in.
Jessie de la Merced from Vinted commented on the trend, stating: "Sell-It Sunday isn’t just the moment unwanted gifts get a second life. It’s become a national reset, a day when people turn clutter into cash, explore fresh styles and discover everything from fashion to electronics." She added that it underscores how buying second-hand is growing as a smart and stylish choice for the year ahead.
The Hidden Value in Our Homes
The push to sell is driven by more than just unwanted presents. Research commissioned by Vinted reveals that 51 per cent of Brits are sitting on approximately £400 worth of unused items. A significant 16 per cent believe the total value of clutter in their homes exceeds £1,000. The arrival of new gifts during Christmas provides the perfect catalyst to finally offload these disused goods and recoup some of the money spent on festive shopping.
Last year's most listed categories on Sell-It Sunday highlight how one person's unloved present becomes another's treasure. The top items included:
- Women's toiletries and perfumes
- Jewellery
- Nightwear
- Make-up
While fashion continues to dominate post-Christmas sales, the platform notes rising demand in other second-hand categories. With Vinted expanding its offerings, there has been increased interest in books, magazines, CDs, and vinyl records, with 55 per cent of UK consumers expressing interest in buying such items.
Expert Tips for a Successful Sell-It Sunday
To help sellers maximise their earnings this 4th January, Vinted has shared a series of professional tips.
Perfect Your Listings: Be highly descriptive in your item titles and descriptions. Instead of "black T-shirt", try "plain black, short-sleeve T-shirt with V-neck". Mention relevant fashion trends like 'Y2K' or 'quiet luxury' to boost discoverability. Always provide detailed condition reports, including measurements and notes on fit.
Master the Photography: Your first photo is critical. Shoot the entire item from the front in natural light against a plain, neutral background to make it 'pop'. Use a darker background for light-coloured items. Upload up to 20 photos, capturing multiple angles and close-ups of any flaws to build buyer trust.
Price Strategically: Be realistic. Research similar items for a benchmark. A good guide is:
- New with tags: 80-60% of retail price.
- Very good condition: 60-40% of retail price.
- Good/Satisfactory condition: 40-20% of retail price.
Consider adding a small random amount to your price (e.g., £20.89) to allow room for negotiation. It's better to start slightly higher, as you can always reduce the price later.
Sell Smart: List items that are in-season for quicker sales. Build a routine by listing regularly, especially in time for weekend browsing. Verify your account with a profile picture to build buyer confidence. Finally, use cross-selling tactics by mentioning complementary items in your descriptions to drive traffic to your entire wardrobe clear-out.
