A poll of 2,000 adults found two thirds have picked up a free item during the past six months, with 29 per cent of those doing so for the first time.
A third have even gone as far as saying no completely to buying any new non-essential items.
While 54 per cent experience anxiety when purchasing something new, with 37 per cent claiming this feeling has increased within the last year.
Books , children’s clothes, and toys are the top free items people are on the lookout for – with clothes and tech items, such as phones and laptops, also popular.
The study was commissioned by circular economy platform Gumtree, to mark the opening of its pop-up shop, Gumfree, bringing its Freebies section to life in Shoreditch London on July 30th .
It also found, as well as a rise in popularity, there’s also been a positive shift in attitudes towards the phenomenon too, as 45 per cent love showing off their goods to others.
While 53 per cent feel proud when getting something for nothing, and 27 per cent think there’s more ‘creative freedom’ to add a personal touch to their free items.
But although 45 per cent are happy to be a bargain hunter, 28 per cent still feel a stigma around having to hunt items down for free.
Coping in crisis
Hannah Rouch, a spokesperson for Gumtree, said: “With the cost-of-living crisis, we’re witnessing the adoption of new consumer habits - one of which is the trend for sourcing everyday items for free.
“However, the fact that well over a quarter still feel there’s a stigma attached to this is something we need to work to change.
“We hope that by opening the doors to our Gumfree Freebies Pop-Up Shop and introducing communities to how canny - as well as sustainable - it can be to search out something for nothing, we can help people delve into the world of freebies and the circular economy.”
The study also found that of those who can’t shake the stigma, 13 per cent worry they would be judged by others.
While 16 per cent feel embarrassed not to be buying new, and 14 per cent even feel ashamed.
But 35 per cent feel there is less stigma when purchasing from strangers - rather than asking friends and family.
And 39 per cent felt more comfortable hunting out no-cost items online rather than in real life.
Despite this, 35 per cent are impressed by their peers’ savvy savings, leading to them inquire how they did it (35 per cent) and following suit to do the same (28 per cent).
Those aged 45-54 are most keen to ban any new purchases for non-essential items (43 per cent).
The younger generation is also catching the fever as 25-34-year-olds are most likely to show off their freebies to friends or family.
Freebie finds
The study, conducted via OnePoll, also found 42 per cent are keen to keep the freebie hunting up as it’s a more sustainable way of shopping, with the same amount wanting it to become more accessible within society.
It also emerged the average adult owns nearly £100 worth of belongings they’d happily part from, resulting in an estimated £3.96billon worth of items as a nation that could make for freebie finds for others.
And 79 per cent currently own items they’d happily part with for free to give them a new lease of life.
TV presenter and consumer expert, Angellica Bell, who is working with Gumtree, said: “Many of us are feeling the squeeze right now and are looking for ways to tighten our belts - exploring alternatives to buying new is a great place to start.
“Setting up online community groups and sifting through sites can turn up some great everyday items, which can help you save a lot and of course, helps less go to waste.
“By setting up Gumfree, I hope it will show people how many fab things there are out there which may be no use to your neighbour but perfect for you.”
