Millions of Britons are set to turn their post-Christmas clutter into cash this weekend, as new data pinpoints the busiest day of the year for selling unwanted gifts. According to insights from the online marketplace Vinted, Sunday 4th January has been crowned "Sell-It Sunday", an unofficial national holiday for decluttering.
The Rise of a National Decluttering Day
The first Sunday of the new year consistently sees a dramatic surge in online listings, with activity averaging three times the normal daily rate. This trend highlights a nationwide ritual where people assess their festive hauls, making crucial 'stick or sell' decisions. The post-festive period provides a natural moment for a financial and spatial reset, with many seeking to recoup some of the costs spent on presents.
Supporting this behaviour, research commissioned by Vinted reveals that 51 per cent of people in the UK are already sitting on unused items worth an average of £400. A significant 16 per cent believe the total value of disused belongings in their homes exceeds £1,000, explaining the keen motivation to sell after receiving new gifts.
What Sells and What's in Demand
Last year's most listed categories on Sell-It Sunday show how one person's disappointing present can become another's treasure. Women's toiletries and perfumes, jewellery, nightwear, and makeup topped the charts. While fashion continues to dominate post-Christmas sales, the platform notes growing demand in other second-hand categories.
As Vinted has expanded, there has been a notable rise in interest for entertainment and electronics. 55 per cent of UK consumers have expressed interest in buying pre-loved books, magazines, CDs, and vinyl, indicating a broadening appeal for second-hand beyond just clothing.
Jessie de la Merced from Vinted commented: "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. It shows how second-hand shopping continues to grow as a smart, stylish choice for 2026."
Expert Tips for a Successful Sell-It Sunday
To help sellers maximise their earnings this weekend, Vinted has shared a series of professional tips. Following this advice can significantly boost an item's visibility and saleability.
Master Your Listing: Be meticulously descriptive. 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 aid discovery. Always disclose any damage, provide accurate measurements, and share your own size for fit guidance.
Perfect Your Photos: The first image is critical. Photograph 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 showing multiple angles and close-ups of details, including 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 (e.g., £20.89) to the price to allow room for negotiation without losing out.
Sell Smart: List items that are in-season for quicker sales. Build a routine of listing regularly, especially in time for weekends and Bank Holidays when browsing peaks. Verify your account with a profile picture to build trust with buyers. Finally, use cross-selling tactics by mentioning complementary items in your descriptions to drive traffic to your entire wardrobe clear-out.
