Make a tidy profit by decluttering

FROM clothes that don't fit to those you wouldn't be seen dead in. From bags and shoes that you've fallen out of love with to all that clutter and junk that we all have. It's too good to give away, but what if there was some way to get shot of it AND earn ourselves a little cash? Of course, if you've half a lifetime to spare uploading photographs to eBay, then you could always join the online auction brigade. ADVERTISEMENTBut wouldn't it be so much simpler if you could get someone else to do the selling for you? Smart sellers are finding Edinburgh has a collection of places who'll do just that - and savvy shoppers are raking in the bargains. So, if Santa brought you too much of what you don't want, or if you're just plain fed up with too much junk and not enough cash, check out our Edinburgh guide to clearing out - and cashing in. HANDBAGS, SHOES AND ACCESSORIES The shelves in Janice Wardlaw's Montagu Terrace boutique heave with desirable designer names from Dolce and Gabbanna to Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada and Dior. Since opening Xchange Handbags two years ago, she's sold more than 4000 items making money for her customers and helping clear space in their cupboards. "We've been busy recently with the post-Christmas rush - people bringing in things they don't need or want and are keen to sell on," she says. "I've got a Smythson handbag just now that is like brand new. It would cost around £1400, but I'm selling it for £695, and a Dolce and Gabbana one that would be £900, but is £450." In return for selling customers' bags, accessories, pashminas and cashmere scarves, jewellery, boots and shoes - even unopened perfume and beauty items - she takes 50 per cent of the selling price. But as her store runs on a "not for profit" basis, any cash left over goes to local charities. "People come in, buy a bag, use it a couple of times then bring it back to sell on," she adds. "I have a couple of bags that I've sold three times!" Her regular customer Christine Simpson is hooked on the idea: "I'm a bag freak, I have about 50 so I have to sell on to make space for new ones. I've sold a couple of Mulberry bags, a Vyella and a Jaeger bag using the shop.