Hidden Treasure in French Homes
A surprising amount of purchasing power may be hiding in French households’ closets and storage spaces. According to an OpinionWay survey conducted for Leboncoin, 86% of French people store unused items with an average estimated value of €320 per household.
Widespread Phenomenon Across All Ages
The study, conducted in late September with a representative sample of 1,054 people, reveals this is a widespread practice. The tendency to keep unused items increases with age – while 89% of 18-24 year olds admit to storing unused goods, this figure rises to 91% among those over 65.
What’s Gathering Dust in French Homes
French households typically store around 19 unused items, with 20% of respondents reporting more than 30 such items. The most commonly stored unused goods include:
- Clothing (65%)
- Books (56%)
- Toys (31%)
Untapped Purchasing Power
This phenomenon isn’t limited to wealthy households. Even among the most modest homes with monthly incomes under €1,000, three out of four people reported storing unused goods. When asked to estimate the value of these items, 46% of respondents believed they had over €200 worth of unused merchandise, while one in five French people thought the value could exceed €500.
The Selling Dilemma
Despite recognizing the potential financial benefit – 95% believe they could earn extra income by selling these items – 82% find reasons not to do so. Common barriers include lack of time, concerns about insufficient returns, and emotional attachment to certain possessions, leading many households to accumulate rather than declutter.
The study highlights significant untapped economic potential within French homes, particularly relevant as the holiday season approaches when many consider clearing out their spaces.
