How to de-clutter your electronic life

Turn to eBay

Once you’ve deleted the data you don’t need and backed up what you do, you’re ready to deal with your electronic wastage.

There are many online channels for getting rid of electronics and turning a buck into the bargain. Most people will look first to eBay, but other options include Trading Post, GumTree, and QuickSales. Listing your items on all will expand the number of potential buyers you can reach, but because many of these sites charge a fee for listing items, your selling costs will also increase.

Be aware, too, that unless the product has become an uber-cool collector’s item, you’re never going to get anything near what you paid for it. Most electronics items – especially phones and computers – diminish in value the moment you remove them from the box. Well-used items demonstrating wear and tear or superseded technology – think non-3G phones, computers with last year’s processors – may not find a buyer at all.

Don’t forget to consider the logistics of delivering your sale items. With some tech products too large or fragile to post or transport safely and cost effectively, your potential buyers may be limited to those who can pick-up in person. Fewer buyers means less competition, and potentially less money in your pocket.

Be charitable

Another option is to give your tech to charities or schools. While someone might not be willing to pay top dollar for old tech, someone with nothing can get just as much use as you had if it’s given for free.

Contact organisations such as the Salvation Army, Technical Aid to the Disabled, Computer Bank, and Computer Technologies for Schools to find out if your donations could be accepted.

Or check in with one of the schools, community centres or refuges in your area to find out if what you intend dumping could benefit them.