Community sharing could ease money worries

Many households across the UK are cutting back on essential items during the cost-of-living crisis.

But a solution may lie in our own front rooms and attics, according to a new survey.

Research by YouGov for humanitarian aid charity Human Appeal says almost three quarters of us (72.4%) don’t use around 40% of the stuff in our homes.

And a similar number of us (73.8%) reckon we could give up to 40% of our belongings to someone else because we don’t need them.

Why are we holding onto things we don’t use?

• 47% said sentimental value
• 65.7% said potential future use
• 37.7% said they’d forgotten about them

And people weren’t particularly concerned about making money from their unused items, as most of us (84.1%) said we’d be happy to give away these things if it benefitted someone locally.

‘Small acts of generosity can make a big difference’

Owais Khan, deputy CEO of Human Appeal, says our willingness to help our communities by giving things away “presents an opportunity to bring people together, reduce our environmental impact and mitigate financial needs during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis”.

Where to grab a bargain and pass on your unwanted things

Almost two thirds (63.8%) of us are overdue a declutter. Apps like Olio, Freegle or Facebook Marketplace are all options if you’re looking for a freebie or to pass on something you don’t need.

There are also lots of reuse charities and social enterprises these days working to give quality household items a second lease of life and keep them out of landfill. Find your nearest reuse centre or charity via the Reuse Network.

Some charities, like ReUse Littleborough, also work directly with councils and health visitors to make sure families who are struggling to make ends meet still have household goods and furniture, access to baby milk and so much more.

If you have a social worker or health visitor, and you’re on a low income, it’s worth seeing if you have something similar in your area.