A technology expert has identified five everyday gadgets found in many homes that could be sold quickly to help cover expenses during the post-Christmas January squeeze.
Sam Wilson, Director at Gadget GoGo, says households across the UK are unknowingly storing hundreds of pounds’ worth of unused tech at a time when budgets are often at their tightest.
The findings follow new research showing the average Briton will exhaust their disposable income by 21 January – the earliest point in five years. Around one in ten people are expected to depend on credit cards or overdrafts to make it through to payday.
“This is one of the toughest financial Januaries in years, but many households are sitting on tech worth hundreds,” Wilson said.
“Most people don’t realise just how much value is locked in the devices they no longer use. Selling now can mean avoiding overdraft fees or clearing credit cards.”
Old smartphones are worth more than you think
Wilson highlights forgotten mobile phones as a particularly quick way to raise cash, noting that iPhone 12 models often sell for more than £250 on eBay, while newer handsets can achieve prices well above £700.
“The phone you replaced last year might fetch a couple of hundred pounds,” he said. “Even models four or five years old can sell for £50–£100 if they’re working.”
An old iPad could cover your January energy bill
Many households have extra tablets lying around, especially after Christmas upgrades. iPads hold their value particularly well, with three-year-old iPad Pro models still being worth over £400 online, depending on condition.
“That’s enough to cover most energy bills for the month,” Wilson said. “Even older iPads are in demand if they’re in good working order.”
Your old PlayStation could be worth £15
With newer consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X taking over living rooms, older models are often boxed away and forgotten. But a working PS4 or Xbox One can still sell for £100–£150 or more if bundled with games and accessories.
“They’re still hugely popular with buyers looking for cheaper alternatives,” said Wilson. “And if you’ve kept the box, even better.”
Got spare AirPods? They’re still in demand
Smartwatches and fitness bands often fall out of use once New Year’s resolutions fade. But many are still worth something, especially recent Garmin or Apple Watch models with heart-rate monitoring.
“Even an Apple Watch Series 7 which came out in 2021 is still worth over £100” Wilson said. “It’s cash sitting there that most people forget about.”
The UK throws away 1.6 million tonnes of electronic waste each year, much of it still working. Selling old gadgets, Wilson says, isn’t just good for your wallet, it’s better for the environment too.
With household budgets under pressure after Christmas, he suggests checking drawers, cupboards and under the bed before turning to credit.
Gadget GoGo reports a 35% spike in trade-ins every January, as more Britons look for quick, realistic ways to ease the pressure.
Wilson added: “When times are tight, every little bit counts. Selling your old tech might not solve everything, but it could take the edge off a brutal January.”
