Student life hack: Make money while moving out

cash over clutter

Although moving to a new house can be super exciting, it also comes with its own set of challenges. For example, sometimes you never realise how much stuff you have until its packed into boxes and hauled across the city! It can be overwhelming at the end of a busy academic year.

The good news is moving can be just the excuse we need to get rid of the clutter we no longer use, right now. For students leaving university, selling your textbooks could be an easy win for making a quick twenty quid. For students with a passion for personal style, rummaging your closet for items you don’t wear can be really financially rewarding! Not to mention, it lessens the load needed to fit in your car come the end of July.

Where can I sell my stuff?

Apps like Depop and Vinted, and websites like Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and eBay are all free to use, so you lose nothing by uploading your items. The app Hazaar is a ‘zero waste marketplace just for students’ founded by students to ensure security, ease and safety. Why not start by organising your things into ‘keep’, ‘maybe sell’ and ‘get rid’ piles. Create listings for items in the latter two categories and see how you go.

Remember: be ruthless. Have you used it in 6 months? Does it truly make you happy? When an offer comes in for one of those ‘maybe’ items: would you rather have a tenner or that old top you’ve not worn in two years?

What about furniture?

If you’re super prepared you could make a day of it, and get pitch at a car-boot sale with housemates. The simpler option may be listing items on Facebook Marketplace or in Leeds Student Group (LSG) on Facebook, as there’s likely to be students in search of a bargain. This could be a great shout for those bulkier items like TV stands, desk chairs or bookcases that you are not yet sure how to shift.

You've got this in the bag!

Work smarter not harder, create space and make money while moving – you’ll thank yourself in the long run.

For any items you just need gone, check out our ‘Bag it, Bank it, Bin it’ webpage for curb-side collection days and drop-off donation points. Visit the link for more information: https://www.unipol.org.uk/advice/students/moving-out-2023

Or, why not check out C.R.A.P Leeds (Conserving Resources Associating People), a community initiative in LS6 based on lending, borrowing, donating and sharing! Find out more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crapleedsls6  

Remember, when using external apps and websites to sell your items, make sure to check their policies and guidance beforehand.