IF YOU DO ONE THING THIS WEEK… GET FREEBIES

A new app has been launched to help parents get free toys, books and clothes for their kids. Youngplanet (youngplanet.com) lets people list unwanted items they’d like to give to others locally. The app launched in London but will be rolled out across the UK this year. (Free, Android/ios)

Having a good clear-out can reap rewards if you sell the items you don’t need anymore. Plus you’ll make more space in your home, too. It’s a win-win situation!

Brits own an average of 11 devices like mobile phones, laptops and games consoles they no longer use, according to musicmagpie. So if you have any you don’t use anymore, why not sell them? You’ll find companies online that’ll buy them – remember to compare prices that different firms will offer and always read their T&CS and reviews too. Also check sites such as ebay to see how much the same items have sold for recently. And it’s wise to act quickly: ‘The longer you keep devices, the more they’ll drop in value,’ warns musicmagpie’s Liam Howley.

You could net some cash by selling clothes you don’t wear anymore. It’s a good idea to sell items seasonally, so focus on chunky sweaters and coats right now rather than sundresses. Taking clear photos and making sure all items are washed and ironed should boost your chances of a sale. ebay remains a popular way of selling clothes but there are other sites you could try, too. For example some, such as Vestiaire Collective, specialise in items like designer pieces and vintage clothes. So do your research, always