A new survey has revealed that Britons are a nation of sentimental hoarders, with many unable to part with childhood teddies, old mobile phones, and holiday souvenirs. The research, conducted by refurbished tech platform Back Market, found that more than a quarter of people still hold on to their childhood teddy bear, even if it is moth-eaten or missing an eye.
Sentimental Items Cluttering British Homes
According to the study, 27 per cent of respondents said they could not bear to throw away artwork created by their own children. Other items commonly kept include old mobile phones (34 per cent), shoes that are too painful to wear (22 per cent), love letters from an old flame (11 per cent), and so-called 'lucky' pants (7 per cent). At the top of the list, souvenirs from past holidays are scattered around 35 per cent of British homes.
Just over one in five people admitted to being a hoarder, while one in ten said they believe certain possessions bring good fortune. However, with cupboards overflowing, loved ones are taking action. Almost a quarter of Britons have had items deemed too ugly or embarrassing to display hidden by a partner. Additionally, 30 per cent have stashed sentimental objects to prevent them from being taken to a charity shop.
Old Tech a Major Culprit
Old technology also features prominently in the list of items most frequently clung to. Phones and laptops storing photos and memories are particularly hard to discard. Of those surveyed, 24 per cent had kept their first games console, and 15 per cent still owned an iPod with all their favourite songs on it. Up to 57 per cent of Britons admitted to feeling guilty about replacing tech that still works, with many citing pressure to upgrade purely for aesthetic reasons.
The research coincides with Back Market's launch of 'ugly' and 'obsolete' categories, where customers can purchase fully functioning laptops with visible wear, thereby keeping them out of landfills. Chief marketing officer Joy Howard commented: 'We’re seeing a clear shift. For years, tech was about having the newest thing. Now, it’s about whether it works for your life. People are starting to question why they’re replacing devices that still do everything they need.'
