Is your home filled with old videos, records or the odd ghetto blaster or two? If so, the fact that music is widely downloaded these days presents an opportunity to de-clutter and streamline.
Back in the day, happening types commuted to work with a brick-like mobile phone and a bulky device called a Discman – plus of course a range of CDs to brighten up their journey. Now, an iPhone does it all with no fiddling about.
The digital age has transformed music – and indeed other media. You can also now read your favourite news site, watch a film, or even the TV programme you missed last night on your way to work. So, does all the paraphernalia of the pre-digital age have any value – or should you consign it straight away to the charity shop?
The bad news is most old records and CDs are worth little if anything – the exception is if you have something which is a collectors’ item. For example, a really old radio from the 1930s could be worth thousands depending on its rarity and condition . An old telephone might also appeal to a retro collector.
However, gear from the 1980s onward is unlikely to have much appeal. Old videos have tapes which tend to break, a scratched CD is useless, and while there are some vinyl gems, these are few and far between.
And what about items like computer games – do you still have these cluttering shelves, when a common way to buy now is to download them via the internet? Consoles and games which were once a sacrifice to buy are largely now worthless – as a quick look on eBay will show. Manufacturers have an eye to the future and the aim has often been to make you buy new consoles. Often, old games are not compatible with newer systems – and that’s not appealing to buyers.
There are websites such as Music Magpie where you can enter the barcode of an item – such as a CD – to see if it has any value. If your item is accepted and it is in good condition, you will be sent an agreed payment. Another alternative is the car boot sale – though you may find more fellow sellers than buyers. If you believe you have something rare, there are specialist websites like Collectors’ Vinyl, which holds auctions. Don’t forget, there are also buyers for old mobile phones.
When your music is all held in one place, it is indeed a precious resource. This is why it could make sense to check your home insurance provides a good level of digital download cover.
This is something to look out for when you compare home contents insurance policies – or if you are studying, student home insurance cover. Some contents insurance providers do not insure downloads at all. Others will, but may require receipts if you have a claim. Next time you search for home insurance quotes – you may well want to think digital.
