“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” is considered a cliché for a reason. You might think the stuff piled in your basement is junk, but from someone else’s perspective, you’re sitting on a goldmine. Here’s a by-no-means-exhaustive list of items you should consider dusting off and selling to the highest bidder.
FIRST-EDITION BOOKS
Reading can pay off in more ways than one. Famous authors all had to start somewhere, and many of their early works were initially printed in extremely limited quantities. Readers who saw the potential early, or who were lucky enough to find the books secondhand, could be rewarded for their foresight.
BOOMBOXES
These days, certain models of the massive boomboxes of the ‘70s and ‘80s can sell to nostalgic collectors for hundreds, if not thousands of dollars—especially if they’re in working condition and come with the original accessories, manuals, and packaging.
WATER BLASTERS …
Kids have had water guns for decades, but in the 1990s companies learned that bigger was absolutely better. The toys reached ridiculous proportions (and had even larger accessories), and now some of the more iconic models are worth significantly more than they cost at retail.
…AND OTHER TOYS
There’s always a big market for nostalgia. The dolls, stuffed animals, and action figures of your youth can fetch big bucks from collectors—especially if you held onto the original packaging. Browse online auction sites to see what kind of cash you may be able to get for your old toys.
OLD COMIC BOOKS
The right comic in the right condition could make enough to put a serious dent in your monthly rent or mortgage payment—or at least cover a fancy lunch.
OLD VHS TAPES
Some films released on VHS back in the day have not been released on newer formats and will likely never make that digital leap, which means the value of your old copies continues to go up. There are collectors all over the world who hunt for rare tapes, and they’re willing to cough up (lots of) cash for them.
CLOTHES
That decades-old jacket or those tattered jeans may not seem like they’re worth the change you found in them, but there are hundreds of places willing to take your vintage threads and sell them to the people who want them. So before you toss that old college shirt out, check online to see if there’s a market for it.
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Next article: Conquer Clutter for Good. Really.
Jody says,
This was great info.
julio ariz ramos says,
Where I can sale?
lauren lynch says,
would anything Elvis be worth anything? If so where can I sell it?
Barbara Klein says,
Would Jackson5 album be worth anything. Michael was really young
Virginia Reedy says,
I used to have garage sales, but they so exhausting. I have a lot of VHS tapes that have never been opened!!!!! Mostly Disney and others. Also Barbie Dolls.
Lisa says,
thank you for the information.
need contact buyers websites.
Art Ginsburg says,
I donate my old cloths to the Salvation Army. Their officers aren’t paid large Salaries, and you get to deduct up to $500 without itemizing your charitable gift. Most charities sell your clothes for 30 cents a pound.
Art
Gwendolyn Meadows says,
I have plates with the soap opera cast of The Young And The Restless
Evelyn Jones says,
Thanks for the suggestions and information.
Debbie Uhlmansiek says,
That’s true. Our June 4th yard sale filled our pockets to the tune of $587 and $42 in coin. Plus it helped empty our basement clutter. Very exhausted but that kind of money in 9 total hours was worth it. And, we didn’t even have the books brought out.
Nancy Durant says,
Excellent article on valuable items, but no websites listed for contacts to sell these items.
Lolita says,
Would like information on where to sell old valuable Items.
Debbie Uhlmansiek says,
Depends where you live. Check Internet for auctions. That’s a great place to start.
Lana says,
EBay and ebates websites
Michael G. Kruszewski says,
Thank you.