If you have something you don’t think you can sell or you’re feeling generous and want to give it away to somebody who might need it more, here are some of the best free sites and apps for you to use.
I’ve written a lot of posts about places to get rid of your old stuff. From sites to sell mobile phones, places to sell Lego and even where you can earn money for your used ink cartridges, there are lots of options available.
But sometimes, you might have something you don’t want to sell. Maybe, somebody gave it to you, and you want to pass that favour on to somebody else. Or perhaps, the stuff you have isn’t in great condition and you’re not sure it will sell… but you still don’t want it to end up in landfill.
Whatever the reason, there are lots of apps you can use that will allow you to pass on your old items absolutely free.
Freecycle
Freecycle is a nonprofit network that connects people who are giving away items with those who need them. It operates in many countries around the world, including the UK. You can join your local Freecycle group for free and post items you want to give away. Members of that group can then request the items, and you can choose who to give them to.
Gumtree
Gumtree is a popular online classifieds website that allows you to list items for free and connect with potential recipients in your local area. You can create an account on Gumtree and then post items that you want to give away. Although it has lots of users, a potential downside is that it can be more time-consuming than other online marketplaces. Because the platform is free to use, there are a lot of listings, and it can take some time for users to sift through them to find what they’re looking for.
Facebook Marketplace
This is an online marketplace that is integrated into Facebook. You can use Marketplace to list items for free and connect with potential recipients. This can be locally or across the whole of the country if you’re willing to post (or travel). It’s one of the biggest marketplaces in the UK, although you will come across quite a few timewasters. People love to say they’ll come and collect something… only never to be seen again.
Shpock
Shpock allows you to buy and sell (or list them for free) second-hand items in your local area. It’s free and is designed to make buying and selling items as easy as possible, with a simple interface that allows you to browse items, make offers, and arrange pickup or delivery. The site emphasizes safety and security, with a built-in messaging system that enables you to communicate with buyers and sellers without revealing your personal contact information.
Ferris
Ferris is an app that allows users to give away or receive free items within their local community. The app has a social media aspect, allowing users to follow and connect with others in their area. You can post items you want to give away, and other users can then claim the items. Again, you can contact people anonymously so that you can protect your personal details.
TrashNothing
Like Freecycle, TrashNothing is a nonprofit network that connects people giving away items with those who need them. You can join your local TrashNothing group for free and then post items that you want to give away. Members of the group can then request the items, and you can choose who to give them to. TrashNothing is a great way to give away items in good condition and keep them out of landfill.
Nextdoor
Nextdoor is a social networking app designed to connect you with your neighbours and the local community. In addition to giving away free items, Nextdoor also has a newsfeed feature that allows you to keep up with local events and news, as well as connect with other members of your community. You can also use the app to ask for recommendations or help from your neighbours or to offer your own skills and services to others in your area.
Preloved
This online marketplace allows you to list items for free and connect with potential recipients in your local area. It has a large user base in the UK and is a great option for giving away free items that are in good condition. Preloved also has a paid membership option that gives you access to additional features, such as priority placement in search results and the ability to post more ads. The platform is easy to use and allows you to communicate directly with potential recipients, making it a great option for giving away items quickly and easily.
Streetbank
Streetbank is a free online platform designed to help you share items, skills, and time with people in your local community. It allows you to create a profile and list the items or skills you are willing to share with others, as well as search for items or skills you need. Streetbank is focused on building connections between neighbours and fostering a sense of community, so it is a great option for people looking to give back to their local area.
Olio
This app is designed to promote sustainability and reduce food waste by providing a platform for individuals and local businesses to share surplus food items that would otherwise go to waste. But it’s not only restricted food sharing, you can also give away household items.
Which is the best site or app to give away your old stuff?
All of the above are decent options, although this partly depends on where you live. Some sites are more popular in certain locations compared to others. For example, Olio is far more used in my town, whereas Streetbank is fairly quiet.
But there’s no reason why you can’t list items on more than one site. It’s down to you who you give your item away too. If you receive multiple requests, just choose who you prefer.
If I had to choose one site, I would opt for Facebook Marketplace – it’s a very popular site and you should be able to find somebody who wants your items quite quickly. But be prepared to put up with people letting you down and not turning up.