Hunting for Treasure: Avoiding Clutter Through Intentional Decisions

Here at Lozium, we love the thrill of uncovering hidden gems in charity shops and second-hand stores. Just eight days into 2025, our treasure-hunting instincts have already paid off.

The King’s Road recycling centre in Chingford is home to an on-site re-use shop, aptly named Second Time Around. Among its many offerings, I discovered Friends Monopoly. Complete with tokens, game pieces, property cards, and the iconic Monopoly money, it was in great condition. Even better, thanks to a sale, it set me back just £1.

Our visit also unearthed a treasure trove of vinyl records for our newly acquired turntable. We picked up Gladys Knight and the Pips, Madonna’s Into the Groove, and Whitney Houston’s So Emotional. 

Heading home with a tote bag stuffed with new (to me) delights, I reflected on some of my favourite pre-loved finds over the past year. I bought an All Saints jumper for just £4. A necklace from the London-based jewellery brand CRAFTD was a particularly special find on Vinted; listed as unworn, for just £15 (at the time, it retailed for £59.99). 

And then there are the limited-edition LEGO sets—normally only available as gifts with purchases—that have made their way into my collection via the after-market. I’ve also stumbled upon excellent resources for arts and crafts, perfect for fuelling creative projects. 

There is something of an art to second-hand shopping though, one that goes beyond the thrill of a bargain. I have already made use of my purchases. A purchase should, ideally, fit into your life, whether it's for a collection, fulfilling a practical need, or evoking joy or nostalgia. But even then, purchase with caution. Otherwise, there's a risk that it will be another item consigned to that drawer you have that's already filled with miscellany. 

A careful approach to second-hand shopping becomes even more relevant during the festive season, when choosing presents for loved ones takes centre stage. While many Britons were open to receiving thrifted presents at Christmas, as recent YouGov data revealed, there’s still hesitation when it comes to buying second-hand for others—highlighting the delicate balance between meaningful finds and practical choices.

One of the challenges with shopping for second-hand gifts in physical charity shops is the ever-changing nature of stock. While part of the allure is not knowing what you might come across, it also means you often have to make a decision on the spot. Highly desirable items don’t hang around for long, meaning swift action if you want to secure them. And this isn't unique to physical shops; even online platforms such as Vinted or eBay demand quick action. And that comes with its own problems.