Australians Sitting on a Goldmine of Clutter Worth Over $1,300 Per Household

By Newsdesk

October 28 2025
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Australians are sitting on a potential goldmine of unused and unwanted items, with new research revealing that the average Aussie household has $1,349 worth of clutter that could be turned into cash. This revelation comes as Garage Sale Trail, Australia's largest second-hand treasure hunt, gears up for its annual event. The initiative, set to take place over two weekends in November, aims to help Australians declutter their homes and make some extra money in the process.

Australians Sitting on a Goldmine of Clutter Worth Over $1,300 Per Household

According to the 2025 PayPal Circular Economy Research Report, a staggering 89% of Australians have unused items at home that they could sell. These items range from furniture and fashion to books and collectibles, all of which could find new life in someone else's home. The report highlights a growing trend among Australians to embrace second-hand shopping and selling, a movement that not only benefits the pocket but also the planet.

A Nation Overwhelmed by Clutter

Australia's clutter problem is significant, with three-quarters of Aussies (76%) admitting they have had a 'junk room' or clutter zone at some point, and more than half (57%) still having one. This clutter is not just a physical burden but a mental one as well, with 95% of Australians acknowledging that a cluttered living space causes them stress. In fact, 94% believe that a good declutter is beneficial, whether for their home, mental health, or both.

Barbara Gill, General Manager of Garage Sale Trail, emphasised the dual benefits of decluttering, stating, "Garage Sale Trail is all about turning clutter into opportunity. With cost-of-living pressures high, there’s never been a better time for Australians to cash in on the things they no longer need, connect with their community, and give pre-loved items a new life. It’s good for the planet and great for the pocket."

Last year's Garage Sale Trail events saw participation from over 300,000 Australians, extending the life of 418 tonnes of goods and preventing them from ending up in landfill. This year, the event aims to replicate and exceed those numbers as more Australians become aware of the financial and environmental benefits of second-hand shopping.

The Rise of Second-Hand Shopping

The PayPal report sheds light on Australians' growing love for second-hand shopping, with more than half (58%) purchasing something second-hand in the past year. The trend is becoming mainstream, with 73% of Australians agreeing that buying pre-loved or vintage items is now a common practice. Popular categories for second-hand purchases include books, DVDs, CDs, and vinyl (42%), furniture (38%), and clothes and fashion items (38%), followed by homewares (29%) and collectibles (27%).

Interestingly, Millennials (91%) and Gen Z (90%) are the most active second-hand shoppers, followed by Gen X (80%) and Boomers (73%). Cost remains a primary motivator for these purchases, with 57% of Australians opting for affordable options over high-end brands and 39% buying more second-hand goods to manage rising living costs. However, sustainability is also a significant factor, with three-quarters (76%) of Aussies agreeing that there is too much waste and that everyone should do more to resell and reuse.

Safer, Smarter, and More Sustainable Shopping

The advent of digital payment solutions has made second-hand shopping safer and more convenient. Over half of Australians (57%) report feeling safer buying second-hand when PayPal is an option, thanks to its trusted security and buyer protection features. Additionally, PayPal QR Codes allow for fast, cash-free, and secure payments, making transactions at the Garage Sale Trail event even more seamless.

Australians are motivated to declutter for various reasons, including the desire to feel happier and more positive (62%), experience a sense of accomplishment (58%), and feel relieved or less stressed (53%). Meanwhile, the top reasons for buying second-hand include saving money (64%), managing cost-of-living pressures (40%), saving 50% or more compared to the price of new items (37%), giving products a new life (37%), living more sustainably (32%), and accessing higher quality items at a lower cost (30%).

The 2025 Garage Sale Trail events will be held nationwide over two weekends – November 8-9 and 15-16 – providing households, schools, and community groups the opportunity to sell pre-loved items, meet their neighbours, and support local sustainability efforts. For more information, including event timings and locations, visit www.garagesaletrail.com.au.

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