Nearly a third of the possessions in a typical UK home are unused, research has revealed. A poll of 2,000 adults found 21 percent of the items they own could be valuable to someone else, and given away in a declutter – including clothing, books, and board games or puzzles.
A further 21 percent said they have old smartphones and tablets lying around which are still usable. However, despite the fact that so many items could easily be repurposed, four in 10 (43 percent) never get around to decluttering.
And of those who are reluctant to have a clear-out, 56 percent said they might get round to using these items one day, while 45 percent cling onto them for sentimental reasons – although 32 percent admit they simply forget they have them stored away.
The survey, commissioned by local sharing app, Olio, also revealed that Christmas is a big contributor to household clutter – with 67 percent tucking away unwanted presents, and 26 percent then forgetting about them forever.
Of those who pack away gifts they don’t like, almost half (49 percent) admit they would feel bad giving them away, while 42 percent believe they might eventually change their mind.
Toiletry sets, mugs, and candles were the most common unwanted Christmas presents shoved to the back of cupboards.
But despite a tendency for clinging onto items, 45 percent of all respondents have found themselves having a clear-out in the time between Christmas and New Year.
And four in 10 (42 percent) of those polled, via OnePoll, said the festive period gets them in a more charitable mood compared to the rest of the year.
The study also found seven in 10 adults have given away unwanted items in their local community – with 79 percent feeling happier to hand something over for nothing, if it meant it was benefitting someone locally.
Tessa Clarke, co-founder and CEO of Olio, said: “This research really highlights that Christmas is a time when so many of us have more things than we know what to do with, whilst others are struggling to get by.
“It’s unbelievable that two-thirds of presents don’t see the light of day, and I really hope Brits harness their New Year’s resolutions this year to have a good clear-out, and make a neighbour’s day – without even having to leave their home.
“By doing so, you’d not only be helping someone out, but also the environment, due to increasing the lifespan and reuse of items, rather than throwing them away – reducing the need for others to buy new.”
