If you were really, really broke

[704703hey]

Would you try to hang onto your possessions or muddle through and hope for the best?

I'm in a difficult position at present and am unsure what to do.

I'd probably offload as much as I could to generate a bit of income. I don't think muddling through and being optimistic is a sensible approach when there's a real chance you may lose everything anyway. I'd prefer to take control of the situation and try to improve it as much as I could.

I think we need more context, what does ‘muddling through’ involve?

If you have possessions that hold neither sentimental nor functional value but you could sell for money I don’t see why you would hesitate selling them to help you through hardship.
I appreciate not everyone will have this exact example, but I got a new phone last year (when money was less tight) and had kept my old phone in the kitchen drawer as a back up. I realised it was sat idly in that drawer whilst I could do with the money it was worth, so sold it online. That £60 covered a week’s food shop for us.
Same for old clothes. I had lots of barely worn clothes that no longer fit me after having a baby. I sold a few bits on Vinted, £25 in total.
Of course, selling possessions only help if you possess things of monetary value in the first place. If you do, I think it’s a good place to start in helping yourself.

Not enough context, depends what “possessions” are designer handbags and fancy phones, or the roof over your head? And what does muddle through look like?

Muddling through and hoping for the best isn't a strategy or a plan. It's avoiding the issues.

I'd sell possessions for sure if it meant keeping housing, but you need a longer term plan as eventually you will run out of things to sell.

Sorry to hear you are in this position @704703hey .

Even without knowing the specifics I think actively being in control is always a better move than winging it, both from a practical and mental health view.

Selling possessions is only a stopgap. Besides, you're going to have to sell your possessions at a fraction of their value, at least in your eyes. As my ex used to say, the monetary value of x is determined by what a buyer is prepared to pay for it.
A job is your best bet but without context, it's difficult to know what your situation is.

I’m fairly confident in saying I think the OP knows what a job is, already has one or can’t get one, and will have considered this before selling their possessions.

I had to do it.it was a very desperate time in my life but realistically I had no choice
I hope things improve for you @704703hey

Selling possessions is the last step before going homeless. If you’re truly broke and cannot pay rent or mortgage and you’re being evicted or repossessed as a result; there’s no point hanging on to possessions because you likely do not have the money to store them. Anything of great value to you, keep as a friend or relative usually is ok with storing a few totes or boxes.

The rest, sell off from least used on up. I am sorry you’re in this situation as it is one I have been in and it is scary. Make sure you see help from Citizens Advice, local council, food banks, and any charities you may qualify for help from.

I've sell stuff to buy food and pay rent. It didn't occur to me not to at the time.

I've been there and sold as much as I could. It really helped financially and to decrease clutter! I didn't sell anything that we used or that held sentimental value, but everything else was fair game.

*I've had to

I sold my wedding jewellery (religious wedding) it was dire as I had wanted to gift to my daughter but it doesn’t upset me as much as it 3 years ago. Hope you are okay op, I had loads of advice on where to sell things on here.

Sell.
I've sold a load of stuff on ebay over the last 2 months and made about £700. Really pleased!

Tight financial spot, I was thinking about it yesterday as I'm really stressed out about it and someone was talking about a book they had and I googled an antique book I have and was a bit surprised it might reach £1000. OK this has been helpful, I think I need to sell a few things.

I would get rid of stuff I didn’t need.

Id also use a food bank if I needed to.

Yes, unless it had huge sentimental value.

Unless it'll break your heart to lose it, sell it.

Hmm, it depends. 1) what the item is and 2) what the financial situation is.

If the item is something you don't really need or doesn't really mean a lot to you you got to weigh up what's worth more, kepeing it for the sake of it, or the money. But selling essential items that you then later have to replace is a false economy and should only be done if you have no other choice. Same with something with significant sentimental value.

I would, if I was having financial troubles, sell a £1k book that was just sitting around. Unless I felt very very attahed to it for some reason.

If your financial troubles are a sudden out of the blue temporary blip in an otherwise stable situation, then sell the book (expect to get less than you think though!)

If it's been creeping up on you and looks to be ongoing then you need a solid plan in place moving forward.

If I had anything worth selling i'd have done it! None of my possessions are worth anything, I could probably sell a few things on eBay or vinted but would end up with about twenty quid and no clothes 😂

I would keep anything sentimental unless truly desperate (like becoming homless etc)and keep essentials such as most furniture, clothes, phone. I would sell everything else of value before my problems had escalated too far.

We were poor growing up and mum was frequently hocking her jewelry at the pawn shop and then buying it back.

We are trying to declutter and selling what we can online - not alot but I shifted some of DDs nicer baby clothes and made £20.

It really depends on what you are selling doesnt it? You dont NEED a toaster but how much is it worth to sell? Couple of quid tops. Not worth it.

You have all been really helpful and I appreciate the advice.

Trouble is I can get the cash very easily (living related and not masses but I'm low income at present) if I asked but that seems like a cop out. So I have to be ethical but am not used to selling.

It's so difficult working out what you can let go of.