We all have that drawer.

The one filled with tangled chargers, mystery SIM cards, and at least one old phone we’ve promised ourselves we’ll “deal with later.”

The problem is, later rarely comes. And while it sits there quietly collecting dust, that old device is actually losing value every single month.

If you’re trying to be more intentional with money, declutter your home, or simply make a bit of extra cash, your old phone might be an easy win hiding in plain sight.

That Old Phone Isn’t Worthless (Even If It Feels Like It)

It’s easy to assume an older phone isn’t worth anything once you’ve upgraded. But in reality, there’s still a strong market for used devices, especially if they’ve been looked after.

Even phones with cracked screens or tired batteries can often be repaired, refurbished, or broken down for parts.

So instead of seeing it as clutter, it helps to think of it as a small, unused asset sitting in your home.

And like most things, the sooner you deal with it, the more it’s likely to be worth.

A Simple Way to Make Extra Money From Home

If you’ve ever searched for ways to make a bit of extra cash without taking on a side hustle, selling old tech is one of the easiest options out there.

When I have an old phone to sell, one of the quickest ways to sell my phone is through online trade-in or buyback services. They’re designed to be simple:

• You get an instant valuation

• You send the phone (often with free postage)

• You get paid once it’s checked

No listing, no negotiating, no awkward messages from buyers.

It’s one of those small money tasks that takes very little effort but can make a noticeable difference when you’re trying to stretch a budget.

Other popular ways to sell old phones and tech include Facebook Marketplace and eBay, but they often require more effort on your part and potentially the hassle of timewasters, and even sometimes scammers!

Also, if you have spare cables, chargers and headphones for your phone, you can always sell these separately if they’re in good condition, to make even more money from your old stuff. Or bundle them together with the phone when selling online. 

Don’t Forget About Samsung Devices

While iPhones tend to get most of the attention in resale conversations, Samsung phones also hold their value surprisingly well, especially newer Galaxy models.

A samsung trade in can be a really straightforward way to turn an unused device into money or credit towards something new.

Brands like Samsung Electronics have helped make trade-in programmes much more accessible, meaning even older devices can still be part of the circular economy instead of sitting unused in a drawer.

For many households, it’s an easy way to soften the cost of upgrading without feeling like you’re wasting something that still has value.

The Hidden Cost of Keeping Old Tech

It doesn’t feel like keeping an old phone costs anything, but in a way, it does.

The longer a device sits unused:

• The lower its resale value becomes

• The more likely it is to become outdated

• The more clutter it adds to your home

And let’s be honest, clutter has a cost too both mentally and practically. It builds up quietly until one day you’re opening drawers thinking, why am I keeping all of this?

It’s much better to sell an old phone as soon as you no longer need it, to get the best possible price for it and buyer demand. 

What You Can Do With the Money Instead

One of the nicest things about selling old tech is deciding how to use the extra money.

Depending on your situation, it could go towards:

• A household bill you’d rather not think about

• A small treat or family day out

• Savings for future expenses

• Or simply easing the cost of your next upgrade

It’s not about huge sums of money, but turning something forgotten into something useful again. A win for the environment, a less-cluttered home and more money for you.

Don’t Skip the Important Step: Data Security

Before you part with any phone, it’s really important to properly wipe it.

A quick checklist:

• Back up photos and contacts

• Sign out of accounts (Apple ID, Google, etc.)

• Factory reset the device

• Remove SIM and memory cards

It’s a small step, but it ensures your personal information doesn’t go anywhere it shouldn’t.

Selling Old Unused Tech: A Simple Habit That Can Save You Money

If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: old phones don’t need to sit in drawers for years.  Nor do their accessories or cables.  And they don’t belong in landfill either - there are many people out there already searching to buy your old stuff!

Recently we sold 10+ year old iphones and ipads.  They were old so we didn’t get much for them,  but it was some money back in our pocket and they went to people who could use them instead of into the bin. 

(Side Note: Although I say bin, I don’t mean it. Even if you want to discard your old tech, it’s better to take it to your local recycling centre and add to the small electronics so the parts can be recycled. No old phones should ever end up in actual landfill. Please never throw them in the actual bin!)

Whether you choose to sell your old phone or use a trade in, taking action turns forgotten tech into something useful again: cash, credit, or simply a clearer home.

And in a world where everything feels more expensive than it used to, that’s a small win worth taking.