A lack of space and need to declutter has created a boom in self- storage. More than a quarter of a million people rent space with a specialist company to look after their possessions.

But these high-tech lock-ups, with their surveillance cameras and range of room sizes, are a costly way to store clutter you no longer need.

The first step to saving money on storage is to be ruthless with what you own. Throw out stuff you can live without or sell items using online sites such as eBay. Charity shops may benefit from a clear-out while you can also give away or swap items on website Freecycle.

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36. Check out websites for freebies. Go to websites like Gumtree.co.uk or Freecycle.org for free bits of furniture, old electronics, books, clothes and other unwanted items.

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Libby, who says she is against consumerism, also decorates her home with lamps and ornaments found in bins or on the website Freecycle, on which people give away unwanted items.

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… or give it away

Freecycle is the biggest online community through which people go seeking – or donating – goods. The site is national, but works best in cities where there is a greater chance of finding someone local who wants what you’re offering. Another website offering similar giveaway potential is myskip.com.

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Engaging

He said: “People are engaging with reuse more and more, whether through websites such as eBay or Freecycle, and the next step is to encourage this among retailers on the high street.

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