British households looking to kickstart 2026 with a clear-out and a cash boost are being urged to mark a specific date in their diaries. Online marketplace Vinted has pinpointed Sunday, 4 January, as the prime day to sell, dubbing it 'Sell-It Sunday'.
The Prime Day for Pre-Owned Profits
Data from the platform reveals that seller activity on this key date is expected to triple the normal daily rate, creating a massive influx of buyers. This surge follows the post-Christmas period, which Vinted notes is a natural reset point where people reassess their belongings after the festive splurge. The first Sunday of January has effectively evolved into a nationwide decluttering ritual.
The financial incentive is significant. Research indicates that over half of people in the UK believe they have more than £400 worth of unwanted items lying unused in their homes. Even more strikingly, around one in six estimate the total value of their unused possessions exceeds £1,000.
What's Hot for Buyers and Sellers
While fashion remains the top-performing category—with ill-fitting clothes and disliked garments frequently listed—the demand extends far beyond wardrobes. Entertainment and electronics are seeing strong buyer interest, with searches for books, magazines, CDs, and vinyl surging.
Vinted anticipates that this year's top listings will include:
- Sealed gift sets and untouched fragrances.
- Books and clothing with original labels still attached.
- Accessories and sleepwear, which typically see a popularity spike in early January.
- Smaller electronic goods, a category projected to grow substantially.
The trend underscores a major shift in consumer behaviour. Over 55% of British shoppers said they would consider buying such items second-hand, highlighting the growing mainstream appeal of resale platforms for everyday purchases.
A National Reset for 2026
Jessie de la Merced, Vice-President of Corporate Affairs at Vinted, framed the January surge as more than just a sales event. "Sell-It Sunday isn't just the moment unwanted gifts get a second life," she said. "It's become a national reset, a day when millions of people turn clutter into cash, explore fresh styles and discover everything from fashion to electronics on Vinted."
She added that the phenomenon clearly shows how second-hand shopping continues to grow as a smart, stylish choice for 2026. Market experts now recognise early January as a firmly established peak window in the retail calendar for pre-owned transactions, where users actively seek deals and convert festive excess into ready money.
Vinted is encouraging its members to get organised in advance by sorting through cupboards and storage spaces. This preparation will allow for swift uploading of items to capitalise on the expected buyer boom on 4 January.
