UK households sitting on £530 worth of unused things
Shpock Study: 50% of Brits admit to hoarding more than 10 unused items at home
Thursday, March 8, 2018 — With spring cleaning on the nation’s mind, a study by the mobile marketplace Shpock, in co-operation with YouGov, has shown that constant hoarding is leading to unhappy minds and a lack of storage space for UK households. The findings show what people are struggling with when it comes to decluttering and how they are overcoming it.
The Clutter Issue
In British homes, many unused items build up over time. This is why 49% of Brits want more storage space. This rises to 60% in London, with extra space at a premium in the capital. Shpock (www.shpock.co.uk) can reveal unworn clothes are a major cause of the clutter. 72% of Brits own clothes they haven’t worn in a year (77% among female respondents). 54% even admitted to owning clothes they will never wear again. However, it’s not just clothes that are cluttering up UK homes. Unused smartphones, electronics, sports equipment, furniture, games and books are all taking up unnecessary space.
Decluttering is good for the soul
To solve the issue, 56% of Brits claim to have decluttered at least once in the past year:
- 48% stated they felt happier afterwards
- 44% were pleased with the additional storage space it provided
- 39% felt relieved. Often having many unused items can be a burden
- 27% felt energetic afterwards
- Just 9% of Brits missed the items once the clear out was over
More money for other purchases
In the aftermath of a big decluttering, 15% of Brits sell the unwanted items online to fund a bigger purchase. This is even higher for 18-34 year olds (26%) who value the added spending power. British households average an estimated £530 worth of unused things.
“There is a real opportunity to cash in and use the earnings to help pay for something they actually want such as a car or holiday”, explains Conor Gannon, Shpock spokesperson. “At Shpock, we believe this figure is even higher as the majority of people undervalue the items in their home. Many forget about valuable electronics, bikes and antiques.”
