“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.
Leonard Lantz says,
The article was GREAT !!!!
Hamilton says,
I have quite a few porcelains lamps,figurines,wall clock and clothing. Where can I sell them.
Mattie golden says,
I have old tapes what can I sell them
Tom says,
I don’t believe I can sell anything of value to anybody at a good price!
ron mooney says,
lots of stuff
Jeff says,
I have a lot of comic books but what to do with them?
shawn says,
Cool article. Love the old boomboxes!
Diana Stallworth says,
I’ll put this information to good use as I save everything. Thank you!
Urs says,
I save everything! I guess being a pack rat does pay off!!!
David says,
Thank you for the information I will used it to make some good old cash!
Christie says,
Good Idea. How can I have bunch of original toy collections from early 1990s. Where can I sell these to?
Olivia says,
I have a lot of porcelain figurines , porcelain lamps, VHS tapes, clothes.
Where can you sell them?
bryan armand says,
What a croc, i have all this stuff, and all worthless!
Eddie says,
Great advice I learned a lot. Please keep up the good job. Thanks
Grandma1938 says,
What a shame I don’t have any of this “old stuff”. Thanks anyway.
Sherri Current says,
Thank you.