When we decided to swap our urban life for full-time travel, we knew we had to go all in. That meant selling everything – except for a few sentimental items, Dec’s guitar, and my craft supplies.
At the time, we were living in a three-bedroom house, so you can imagine the amount of stuff we had accumulated. The goal? Clear it all out in four weeks to move back in with family (because saving on rent was the fastest way to boost our travel fund).
Selling our things became one of the biggest money-makers for our adventure fund. If you’re considering doing the same, here’s how to turn your junk into cash – without the stress
This post was originally posted in 2017 when we first started travelling.
Step 1: Declutter & Organize
Room-by-Room Method
Trying to clear an entire house at once? Overwhelming.
Instead, we tackled it one room at a time – starting with the smallest (which turned out to be the most cluttered!).
Tip: If you struggle with letting things go, take it slow. It’s not always easy to say goodbye to things you’ve accumulated, but remember you’re making space for new experiences.
The Keep – Sell – Donate – Bin Rule
For each room, we created four piles:
- Keep: Only absolute essentials or deeply sentimental items.
- Sell: Anything in good condition that could bring in cash.
- Donate: Items that weren’t worth selling but could still be useful to others.
- Bin: Anything broken, outdated, or useless.
Pro Tip: If something is in the “bin” pile, get rid of it immediately. Otherwise, you’ll be tempted to second-guess yourself!
Step 2. Downsizing for Van Life & Long-Term Travel
If you’re transitioning to van life or long-term road trips, you need to be brutal about what stays and what goes. Storage is limited, and every item should serve a purpose.
Ask yourself:
- Is this multi-functional?
- Does it take up minimal space?
- Will I use it regularly?
What Sells Well for Travelers? If you’re selling your old stuff, highlight these items – they’re in demand!
- Portable power banks & solar chargers
- Compact kitchen gear (collapsible bowls, stackable pans)
- Roof racks, bike carriers & camping gear
- Storage solutions for small spaces
Step 3: Selling Strategies That Worked
1. Car Boot Sales – Fast & Easy Cash
Car boot sales were a game-changer for us.
Even in winter, we found three running locally. We arrived before 7 AM and sold loads of stuff before the gates even opened – traders brought up things to resell!
Top Tips:
- Expect people to haggle. Have a minimum price in mind and stick to it.
- Don’t feel pressured to sell at rock-bottom prices – it’s okay to say no.
- The first hour is the busiest, so be prepared to negotiate right away.
- Towards the end, we practically gave things away – because the goal was to clear everything, not hoard it for an extra 50p!
2. Facebook Marketplace – Local Sales Made Easy
Facebook Selling Groups & Marketplace were invaluable for bigger items like furniture and kitchen appliances. People setting up their first homes love a bargain – so take advantage of that!
Pro Tip:
- List items on multiple selling groups to maximize visibility.
- If something isn’t selling, drop the price as your deadline approaches.
- Offering local delivery can increase sales, but only if it’s worth your time.
3. eBay & Online Selling – Great for Niche Items
We had mixed experiences with eBay.
While it’s great for valuable or niche items, we nearly got scammed a few times.
⚠️ Biggest eBay Mistake to Avoid:
- NEVER accept PayPal for collection-only items. If a buyer collects an item and then claims they never received it, PayPal often refunds them in full – leaving you with no money and no item.
- Instead, stick to “cash on collection” for furniture, appliances, and anything bulky.
Step 4: What to Do with Leftovers
Donate to Charity
If something didn’t sell, we donated it to local charity shops, shelters, and Freecycle groups. It felt great knowing our old belongings could help someone else rather than sitting in storage.
Give It Away
As the move-out date got closer, we started giving things away on local Facebook groups. We even convinced someone to take an old bin for 10p – because at that point, it was all about getting rid of stuff!
How Much Did We Make?
By selling furniture, clothes, electronics, and random household items, we added around £5000 to our travel fund.
It wasn’t just about the money – it was about letting go of unnecessary stuff to fully embrace a life on the road.
Would We Do It Again?
Absolutely. If we were starting over, we’d focus more on high-ticket items early on (rather than waiting until the last minute). We’d also be even more ruthless – because in the end, we didn’t miss any of the stuff we sold!
Final Thoughts
If you’re dreaming of travel but need extra cash, selling your old stuff is one of the easiest ways to get started. Whether you clear out a single room or your entire house, it’s a step toward a freer, lighter lifestyle.
Have you ever sold everything to fund an adventure? Or do you have any money-saving hacks? Drop them in the comments – we’d love to hear your story!
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