- With more than 50 million Brits wanting to spring clean this year, eBay shows just how simple it is to list unwanted items and make extra cash this season
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.
Oti Mabuse says:“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.”
Unlock your earning potential and start the challenge today to discover how much you could earn - list now at: www.ebay.co.uk/sell.
*Research commissioned by eBay. Opinium consumer research, 2,000 Nat Rep UK adults, carried out March 2025.
