As the cost of living continues to strain the nation’s budgets, eBay and Oti Mabuse are encouraging Brits to turn their unwanted items into cash with the new ‘List to £1K’ challenge – a series of motivating tips and tricks to spring clean and make real money in the process.
New research from eBay reveals that three quarters (75%) of people say they are planning a spring clean this year, mainly to create more space (43%), improve mental well-being (37%), and make extra money (21%). Yet, despite good intentions, hesitation often holds people back with a staggering 80% of UK adults admitting to having unused or unwanted items in their homes.
More than half (54%) confess to keeping items “just in case” they need them someday, with a quarter feeling they lack the time for a spring clean (25%) or don’t know where to start (21%). However four in ten (42%) people say that breaking a spring clean down into small actionable tasks is the key way to start a spring clean.
That’s why Oti Mabuse and eBay are launching the ‘List to £1K’ challenge to break spring cleaning into three weekly steps – making it easy to stay motivated, list smart, and start earning fast. By thinking seasonally, using eBay’s AI listing features, and competitive pricing, participants can earn up to £1K from selling unused or pre-loved items, with a prepaid tracked label making delivery easy – all for free.
The research also shows that the bedroom takes the top spot for the most unused items (46%), whilst nearly two in five people (39%) say their kitchen is the most in need of a spring clean. Clothes and accessories (68%), mobile phones (22%) and tech (21%) are the culprits taking up the most space in UK homes. With demand high on eBay for pre-loved items, selling an old smartphone (£160), an espresso machine (£108), headphones (£161) and unused instruments such as a guitar (£200) could mean you’re already over halfway to £1,000 for just a few easy listings.
I always look forward to spring cleaning as a fresh start ahead of the warmer months, but this year I’m particularly motivated to do so having just moved house, with plenty of items that deserve a new home. I always try to stay on top of baby items that my daughter outgrows, my own wardrobe and the ever-packed kitchen cupboards. That’s why I can’t wait to get stuck into eBay’s ‘List to £1K’ challenge to clear out items my family no longer needs, give those items a second lease of life, and make space for what matters most.
– Oti Mabuse
