Is your garage packed with gear you haven’t touched in years? Or maybe your business has storerooms full of outdated tech and furniture. In 2025, ‘clearout’ isn’t just a spring cleaning buzzword—it’s a financial strategy that’s helping Australians unlock hidden cash and build resilience against rising living costs.
Why Clearout is Booming in 2025
The Australian clearout trend has surged in the wake of cost-of-living pressures, with inflation remaining a top concern and household budgets under stress. According to the latest ABS figures, the average Australian household has over $5,000 worth of unused goods. In 2025, the drive to monetise these assets has accelerated, thanks to:
- Digital Marketplaces: Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and new Australian start-ups make it easier than ever to sell unwanted goods.
- Environmental Awareness: Australians are increasingly conscious of the waste problem. Selling or donating goods extends their life, reducing landfill.
- Small Business Incentives: The ATO’s updated Instant Asset Write-Off policy for 2025 encourages businesses to refresh equipment, making clearout sales of old assets more attractive.
How to Maximise Value from a Clearout
Turning clutter into cash isn’t just about throwing everything online. Strategic clearouts can deliver a surprising financial windfall. Here’s how to make the most of your efforts:
- Audit and Organise: Start with an inventory. List items with potential resale value—think tech, tools, furniture, and designer goods.
- Research Prices: Check completed sales on major platforms to set realistic expectations. Some vintage items or discontinued electronics fetch more than you’d expect.
- Use the Right Channel: For high-value items, specialist sites (like Reverb for instruments or Carsales for vehicles) can yield better returns than general marketplaces.
- Consider Bulk Sales: If time is short, look for local second-hand dealers or auction houses offering bulk clearout services, especially for business assets.
Case Study: A Family and a Small Business Cash In
The Martins’ Household Clearout: Facing mortgage rate hikes, the Martin family in Melbourne undertook a weekend clearout. By selling old bikes, electronics, and unused baby gear on local platforms, they raised over $3,800—enough to cover a month of repayments and household bills.
Small Business Example: A Sydney-based marketing agency upgraded its office tech to comply with new digital security standards introduced in 2025. By selling older laptops, monitors, and furniture, the business recouped $12,000, offsetting the cost of upgrades and taking advantage of the government’s asset write-off extension.
Financial and Environmental Benefits
- Immediate Cashflow: Funds from clearouts can go straight to savings, debt reduction, or investments.
- Tax Advantages: For businesses, asset sales can help balance books and leverage tax deductions.
- Decluttering and Wellbeing: A clear space often leads to clearer thinking and less stress—a bonus in challenging financial times.
- Supporting Circular Economy: Selling and donating used goods reduces waste and helps others access affordable items.
What to Watch Out For in 2025
With the clearout trend booming, scams and dodgy buyers are on the rise. The ACCC reported a 15% increase in online marketplace fraud in early 2025. Always use secure payment methods, meet in safe public places, and trust your instincts. For businesses, ensure data is wiped from all devices before sale to comply with new privacy regulations.
