From junk to gold

Old items are both an asset and a shortcut to big savings

Stuff, stuff, stuff. We surround ourselves with a wealth of stuff, and many people hide and forget all the things that have accumulated in basements, attics, sheds and garages over the years: the old bike, the coffee set from grandma and the bag of clothes that don't fit in the closet.

Maybe it's time to declutter, get your space back and make some money. Much of what you're storing can be sold. This gives you the opportunity to earn extra income that can be used to pay off debts.

In recent years, a host of professional flea and second-hand markets have sprung up across the country - you may already be familiar with Kirppu, Superloppen, Børneloppen and the like. The concept is that you rent a stand for a given period of time, put a small price tag on all your stuff and leave the rest up to customers looking for bargains.

Mobile at a bargain price

Maybe you should also consider changing your own buying habits. Instead of buying something brand new at full price, you can buy used at a completely different price. The circular economy is here to stay, and there's hardly a second-hand item you can't buy used, either online or in real life. And that goes for trendy fashion made from second-hand clothing too. Take Vera's Vintage, for example.

If you can live with gadgets that don't have the latest features, there are plenty of opportunities to buy refurbished and fully functional cell phones, tablets, PCs, TVs and games consoles for a third of the new price. Often with a warranty.

So whether you're looking for a party dress or a flight suit, a dining table or a soup pot, a washing machine or a display cabinet, there's never been a better opportunity to get a good deal.

And as an added bonus, you're also helping to protect the environment and reduce CO2 emissions.