Latest news with #decluttering
The Sun
7 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
I'm a Vinted expert, my four easy tips will instantly boost your sales and why pricing lower will mean you earn more
SUMMER can be an expensive time of year whether you have holidays to pay for or are trying to keep the kids entertained while they're off school. Vinted can be a great way to make extra cash but with thousands of listings on the reselling app it can be difficult to get yourself noticed. 1 However, Faye Oakenfull, marketing director at Centra, has revealed how to make your listings stand out. She says focusing on quality listings and smart pricing can transform casual decluttering into a profitable side business. Quality photography matters "Quality photos are the foundation of successful listings," Oakenfull explains. "Natural light works best for capturing true colours and details that buyers want to see." Use a plain background to avoid distractions, and photograph items from multiple angles – front, back, close-ups of details, and any flaws. This not only gives buyers a better view of the product but also helps build trust. When it comes to how you present your items, the expert says the choice between trying them on or laying them flat depends on both the garment and your personal comfort. Modelling the item can help potential buyers visualise fit and drape, especially with structured pieces like coats, dresses, or trousers, but laying items flat – or neatly hanging them – can still be highly effective when done with care and good lighting. A strong middle ground is hanging items on a hanger. This allows for clean, consistent photos without the need to model, while still showing shape and length clearly. "Consistency in your photo style across listings can also help create a cohesive and trustworthy seller profile,' she adds. 'If you can, avoid using flash, and try to take your photos during daylight hours to give your items a natural, true-to-life appearance.' Strategic pricing boosts visibility Vinted's statistics show that competitive pricing strategies are flourishing, as there has been an increase in algorithmic visibility for well-priced items. This may be due to recent high competition and increased platform usage encouraging sellers to ask for reasonable prices. "Before listing an item, search for similar products that have sold recently," Faye advises. "Position yourself just below comparable listings to attract more views." Pricing just a little lower than similar active listings can improve your chances of being featured higher in search results. Consider the condition of your item too – new with tags items can command higher prices, but gently used ones should be priced accordingly. Keep track of how long items stay listed; if something hasn't sold in a few weeks, adjusting your price even slightly could refresh visibility and drive interest. Detailed descriptions drive sales Providing detailed descriptions is an effective way of increasing your chances of conversion. The increase of keyword usage and the inclusion of measurements contribute to this improvement, alongside the reduction in customer questions regarding the listing. "Be thorough about size, condition, and materials in your descriptions. Include measurements rather than just size labels since sizing varies between brands," Faye suggests. Well-crafted descriptions not only help with searchability but also reduce the number of queries from potential buyers, saving you time. Mention the fit (tight, loose, oversized), washing instructions, or any brand-specific quirks. Use clear, searchable terms like 'Zara midi dress' or 'Nike Air Force 1 UK 7' rather than vague titles. The more transparent and accurate your listing, the more confident shoppers feel clicking 'Buy.' You can also add other relevant details to your listings. For instance, if you're selling a fair number of items, you could mention that you're having a clear-out – this can encourage people to browse your wardrobe. Bundle discounts increase total value UK bundle discount sales continue to be on the rise – and it's no surprise. Everyone enjoys a good deal, especially at a time when the cost of living and inflation are steadily increasing. UNDERSTANDING TAX IMPLICATIONS According to HMRC guidance, there is no new tax rule for people selling unwanted items online. But you may need to register for Self Assessment and pay tax if you buy goods for resale with the intention of selling them for profit and generate total income exceeding £1,000 before expenses in any tax year. In other words, anyone buying items specifically to resell them may be subject to tax, while personal decluttering remains tax-free. How you acquire your items matters, because personal possessions and purchased inventory are taxed at different rates. "If you're buying stock to resell, track all your expenses including packaging, postage, and the original cost of items," Oakenfull advises. "These can be deducted from your profits when calculating any potential tax liability." The key is knowing the difference between casual selling and running a small business, and planning accordingly. Shoppers are becoming more conscious of value and even more likely to take advantage of savings where they can. "Offering percentage discounts on multiple purchases is a satisfying way to increase your overall sales value while saving on shipping costs," she notes. Bundling encourages customers to buy more at once, especially when they're already browsing your wardrobe. Set up automated discounts – such as 10% off two or more items – and mention this in your bio or item descriptions to catch attention. It not only increases average order value, but also reduces the time and materials spent on packaging and postage.
Times
21 hours ago
- General
- Times
Marie Kondo was wrong — decluttering sparks no joy
I have really tried very hard to master the art of decluttering. The process of downsizing my possessions has been going on in a serious fashion for two years. I have been to the tip at least 50 times. Thousands of pounds worth of stuff has gone to charity including three sofas and (largest item) a super king bed. I have read many guides, including Marie Kondo and the less twee manual Nobody Wants Your Sh*t, to the point where I now need to declutter the books on decluttering. I have held up countless items, often looking worse for being seen in actual sunlight, and asked: 'Does this spark joy?' Almost none did. Instead, they sparked regrets (I'm no Piaf) and, at times, guilt.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Decluttering expert shares vital tips to organizing your life and home after a messy breakup
Going through a breakup can be extremely stressful and in the aftermath, you may feel like your life has been turned upside down. In some cases you have to get rid of the home you shared and move somewhere new, if you have a joint bank account you'll have to separate your finances, and of course, there's figuring out who gets what when it comes to furniture and possessions. It's certainly a messy and exhausting process, all while you're grappling with the heartbreak of losing your significant other. Thankfully, decluttering expert Lesley Spellman, 51, has shared vital tips to organizing your life, mind, and home post-breakup exclusively with the Daily Mail. She broke down the steps you should take to make the whole process easier, and revealed how you can ultimately turn it into a positive thing. Spellman - co-founder of The Declutter Hub and co-author of the upcoming book Reset Your Home: Unpack Your Emotions and Your Clutter, Step by Step alongside Ingrid Jansen - explained that the end of a relationship can actually be a great opportunity for a 'fresh start' if you go about it in the right way. 'Just like decluttering your home, sorting through the remnants of a relationship is hard work,' she explained. 'But when you're done, you're left with a clear, organized, and energized space to build the next, wonderful chapter of your life. And that's a pretty amazing feeling. Thankfully, decluttering expert Lesley Spellman, 51, has shared vital tips to organizing your life, mind, and home post-breakup exclusively with the Daily Mail 'What if you viewed the process of separating your lives as a form of decluttering? Clearing the clutter is a powerful way to create space for your brand new beginning. 'It often gets worse before it gets better, but the end result is a clear space and a fresh start.' With over a decade of experience in helping thousands regain control of their lives and homes, here are Spellman's top tips to navigating life after a breakup. Don't rush into any decisions Spellman pointed out that many people are tempted to 'rush' after a breakup to get rid of all the painful memories as quickly as possible. Getting on top of stuff quickly may feel like you're back in control, but in reality, moving too fast can hurt you in the long run. She recommended taking your time and spending a moment to breathe before making any rash decisions. 'When a relationship ends, especially if it's a shock, the temptation is to rush,' explained the expert. 'You might feel an urgent need to start making calls, moving things, and getting the legal wheels in motion because it feels like you're taking control,' she said. '[My] number one piece of advice? This is not a race. There isn't a rush.' 'You might feel an urgent need to start making calls, moving things, and getting the legal wheels in motion because it feels like you're taking control. '[My] number one piece of advice? This is not a race. There isn't a rush.' Spellman pointed out that those who are feeling hurt, betrayed, or angry might not make the best decisions. 'You need to be in the best emotional state you can possibly be in before you start making life-changing choices,' she added. 'Give yourself time, at least a couple of weeks at least, to just process. 'Find your support system and give yourself the space to navigate things emotionally before you start the practical tasks.' Focus on finances first It may be hard to know where to start, but according to Spellman, the first thing you should focus on is your finances. 'When you do feel ready to do something productive, a great place to start is by gathering your financial paperwork,' she said. 'Think of it as a decluttering project with a clear goal!' Anyone going through a divorce should gather bank statements and pay slips from the last 12 months, your latest credit card statement, a current overview of your mortgage and your pension, and any life insurance, critical illness, or income protection documents. She also recommended having three realtors give you a valuation on your home or any other properties you own. 'You only need to gather documents that are in your name or in joint names,' Spellman added. 'Organize everything into neat folders on your computer. Future you will be incredibly grateful for this bit of organized calm amidst the chaos.' Prioritize sentimental items while diving your stuff Many couples have a hard time dividing their stuff, and the process often leads to arguments about who gets what. Spellman recommended that you 'prioritize' items that have 'genuine sentimental value' to you rather than furniture that can easily be replaced. And she reminded those going through a split to pick their battles, and not go to the mat over something you really won't care about in the long run. 'Don't sweat the small stuff. For the most part, things are just things,' she explained. 'They can be replaced. Ask yourself, "Will I miss this in a year's time?" If the answer is no, consider letting it go. 'Avoid point scoring: Don't argue over something just to annoy your ex. 'You'll have enough to deal with without adding pointless arguments to the mix.' In the end, Spellman said you should remind yourself that although it feels difficult now, this can be a positive thing in the end. 'Going through a separation is tough, but it's also an incredible opportunity for a fresh start,' she concluded. 'The best thing about being single? You get to make all the decisions. The worst thing? You have to make all the decisions! 'But that freedom is powerful. You can design a life that looks exactly how you want it to, without compromise.'
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Secrets of the five 'clutter personalities' revealed... and what your hoarding habits say about YOU
A decluttering expert has revealed what your 'clutter personality' says about you, so that you can start to rid the chaos from your life once and for all. Between dresser drawers that can barely shut, overflowing closets and boxes filled with who-knows-what, eliminating the mess from your home may feel like an impossible task.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
I Decluttered These 10 Things After 45 — And Don't Regret a Single One
A lot of things have become harder since I hit the 45th birthday milestone. I may have celebrated this occasion with a martini-fueled evening involving dozens of people I know and love, but the reality of it all is that I've started to feel a lot older, more tired, and less tolerant of all the stressful things in life that keep coming up. And, to be honest, the walls in my tiny studio apartment have started to feel as if they are closing in on me. I tell my friends often that the key to feeling like you have a handle on things when life gets more complicated is something I like to call 'life administration.' This is multi-faceted, and it involves taking care of any paperwork, finances, and other personal affairs, as well as dealing with physical items that have accumulated throughout the years. I've discovered that the more of these things I remove from my life and my space, the more in control I feel about every aspect of that post-45 life. Here's everything I decluttered after turning 45. I've accrued an impressive (read: unnecessary, frustrating, and mildly ridiculous) amount of novelty shot glasses, mugs, and other glassware and cups. What may have felt, at the time, like a cute nostalgic souvenir from that tequila trip to Mexico has ended up never being used and taking up too much space. Since decluttering, I've downsized to a single set of wine glasses, martini glasses, and coffee mugs that I either use regularly for myself or for entertaining friends. I've gone to so many concerts and festivals over the years, from my favorite musicians to food festivals and fairs. Everything has resulted in tickets, wristbands, and lanyards that then litter tables and drawers — at one point I had a whole collection of backstage or media passes lining the coat hooks on my walls. But what purpose do they really serve in the long run other than taking up a ton of space? If anything is super important to you — maybe the concert ticket from your first date with someone you love — then you could put it in a photo album or memento box. But most of this stuff you can toss and not miss (and you can always just take a photo of it to maintain the memory!). All of my mementos, with a tiny sentimental fraction exception, are now out of my home. It's funny how I bemoan how little space and storage I have, and then waste that exact same space and storage keeping items that are long past their expiration dates. Vitamins, medicine, beauty and skin products, and, of course, pantry items such as spices and canned goods were all given the heave-ho after I turned 45 if they weren't still usable or effective. Why give anything space that is not serving you? That's a larger life message of adulthood if I've ever heard it. Every time I go through my drawers and piles that live on my desk, I'm shocked to find old mail and papers that simply don't serve my current life needs. Itineraries from trips that have long passed, takeout menus from restaurants that I no longer go to (or maybe don't even exist anymore!), random brochures and sales catalogs, and billing statements from items long ago paid (when all that info exists online anyway!). If it has any personal data, shred it — and toss the rest. Unexpected job hazard of being a food writer: You end up with a lot of pretty random kitchen tools. Some are super useful, while others … not so much. Many get used once, thrown in a junk drawer, and then forgotten about for years — until one day you open the drawer to clean it out and find a bunch of stuff you can't identify. Treat it as you treat your closet (more on that in a minute): If you aren't currently using it and can't identify it, then toss it or give it away. While I fully believe someone's trash is someone else's treasure, it's no use to you if you have no idea what it's even used for or why you have it in the first place. Once upon a time, I was a 25-year-old moving into her first apartment, and I thought that meant decor like pink leopard print pillows and shower curtains and polka-dotted towels and throw pillows. Super cute when you were a teenager five minutes ago, but not as cute when you are officially (gulp) AARP-eligible. I got rid of all that household decor that no longer serves who I am today, and now I have a bathroom and bedroom that has a whole lot more black in it (with a splash of pink, where it makes sense, for good, but tasteful, measure). There's nothing wrong with cheetah print or dots if that is what reflects your current style, but if you have the decor from three-versions-of-you-ago, it doesn't belong in modern-you's home. Over nearly two decades in my current apartment, I've amassed a whole lot of cords, cables, and chargers. Some of them are for phones and other tech I've long since sunsetted. So, if these cords and cables and adaptors don't actually work with or fit anything I'm currently using or own, why do I still have a giant tangled bag of them? No idea. But adult me decided it was time to get rid of everything that doesn't currently have a purpose. Much like obsolete cords and cables have no place in my home at this stage of my life, the same is true for instruction manuals and receipts from items I no longer have. I'll keep the receipts with my tax files if they were work-related and something I deducted and need to hold onto. But if it's the owner's manual for an air fryer that went to kitchen appliance heaven last year? Why am I holding onto that? Same thing for old fans, chargers, and everything else I don't currently need to flip through. (And, note, most of these manuals have digital versions anyway — even if they do happen to be for current products in your home!) I have one closet in this apartment, and that has to store everything. My clothes, coats, shoes — everything. I clearly don't have room for a whole lot of excess, and yet I discovered clothes in there that I stopped wearing years ago. Whether they're ripped, stained, damaged, or faded, or I simply outgrew them and they don't match my current style — if I'm not wearing them, why am I keeping them? Everything I haven't worn in the last year, I gave away. I like holding onto books, cookbooks, and albums that I still love and enjoy decades later. But there are also those I haven't listened to or read in forever that aren't where I am at this point in my life. And that's fine — make room for the things that are, for the current era of you. I gave all this stuff away, and I don't miss it. We Tested (and Rated!) All the Living Room Seating at Burrow to Determine the Best for Every Space and Need I Tried the 90/90 Rule and My Closet Is Now Fully Decluttered We Tested (and Rated!) All the Sofas at Pottery Barn — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need
