It's a Royal Sort Your Life Out: Trash, treasure, or perhaps a bit of both

Everyday items that have been found beneath the floorboards and hidden within Buckingham Palace during reservicing works that are ongoing until 2027. The forgotten belongings, which have remained hidden for decades, offer a fascinating glimpse into the people who worked and lived behind the scenes. | PA

They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. It is the guiding principle of social media influencers behind the trend for decluttering, apps such as Vinted and popular television shows including the BBC’s Sort Your Life Out.

And it could not be more true than it is for the residents of Buckingham Palace, where a collection of forgotten items has been uncovered during restoration work. It includes a ticket to a “whist drive” run by the Royal Household’s social club nearly 80 years ago, betting slips from 1957 and a faded box of Christmas cards.

“Sort Your Life Out” is generally sound advice, but the treasures found under the Royal floorboards remind us how seemingly trivial everyday items can take us back to days gone by.

Of course, we should strive to keep our houses in good order and guard against becoming hoarders.

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But we should also bear in mind that things which might seem almost worthless to us now may become valuable in years to come, either to us or to future generations.

There may even be Cash In The Attic.