Christmas

The approach of Christmas Day and the full-swing of the Holiday Season predictably leads to the whinging of urbanites against commercialization and consumerism. Much of this “Bah, humbugging” is well-founded. We know many presents, while providing instant gratification, will soon find their way into the backs of closets and boxes in the garage. Their value to the recipient is in the moment of opening, and then they disappear into that limitless space under the bed. But what if you could turn unwanted Christmas presents of past and present into something of real value to someone else? And, ironing over the sense of guilt, actually let you make some money?

This is where the sharing economy comes in. Collaborative consumption is about regifting “dead assets”; those things we own, but rarely or never use, into something useful for someone else. After the wrapping paper has cleared and the dried-out Christmas tree hauled out of the living room, Brits should look to the value their presents, particularly the ones they shake their heads at, by how they can help someone else and perhaps bring them a bit of money.

So where can you get value out of your presents? RentMyItems is a great British marketplace allowing you to make quick cash off of old Christmas presents by renting them out for periods of time. Dust-gathering instruments, power tools and, yes, the fine china and silvery you don’t use anymore can all get a new life for a period of time with someone else.

You can start by simply selling your clutter. On Preloved.co.uk you can post everything from furniture to fine prints by location or category. You can also post items as a charity, so why not round up all those unused presents and fundraise for the leaky church roof? If you don’t want to sell, you can always rent or swap your items.

Like FreeCycle, Freegle is a marketplace dedicated to people who just want to get rid of their stuff. Sometimes it’s just about people wanting more space rather than making money, so taking their stuff off their hands is doing them a huge favour. Some “Freeglers” have even furnished entire offices and living rooms through the free items they’ve collected.

Nothing finds itself in the back of the closet or in the returns queue faster than fashion that’s too small, too large or just doesn’t suit. Fortunately, marketplaces like BuyMyWardrobe and Rentez-vous (proud eRated partners) provide a platform for folks to sell or swap their fashions. Turn presents into revenue for you, joy for others and possibly a new wardrobe. Anything is better than back of the closet!

Finally, if you’ve been successful in selling, giving and renting your items such that you now have loads of extra room, take advantage of StoreMates. Rent out your closet, the extra space in the garage or in the basement to someone who’s overflowing with stuff. It’s your space, so make it work for you!

Regifting doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Sharing is the disposal of something unwanted or unused to someone else. It’s about helping others get what they need by letting your present take on a second life. The sharing economy is giving Brits a cheaper solution to store goods, give and swap them away, or sell and rent them out. Sharing is what Christmas is all about, so get into the spirit and join the collaborative consumption movement!

Check out eRated for how you can make the most out of your sharing experience this Christmas!

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