Britain's hoarders sitting on £31bn

13:48 14 May 2010

Most of us have seen the programmes on TV telling us about the hidden treasures we have hiding in our spare rooms and attics.

But while you may not have a secret Monet painting waiting to be discovered (though it's always worth a look), most will have several items they no longer want or use that have been hoarded away.

Better still, your castle could conceal part of the estimaed £31 billion with of unused goods siitin in Britain's homes.

As spring cleaning fever hits, it is not just space that clearing out will free up, as a staggering amount of cash can be made from the clutter.

Recent research by classifieds website Gumtree.com uncovers that the average UK household is hoarding a staggering £581 per person worth of unused but workable everyday possessions.  

Two thirds of people (67%) admit to keeping common household items that they don't need or use anymore whilst a further 20% confess to being full-scale hoarders.

However it is not always just for the sake of keeping memories that stops people from decluttering their homes; 12% of people donÂ’t know how best to get rid of their items and others whoÂ’ve considered selling their clutter simply donÂ’t know where to start in pricing their items (26%).

If you are inspired but are not sure where to start, decluttering expert and 'Everything Must Go' presenter Jamie Breese is here to help.

In the following video, he shares all of his top tips on how to diluter your home and earn some cash at the same time simply from your hoarded household items. 

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