Ever feel like you’re surrounded by things you no longer use? Imagine if those old toys, outgrown clothes, or forgotten gadgets could turn into money. The truth is, you probably have hidden treasures all around your home, just waiting for someone else to buy them. With the rise of online selling platforms, it’s easier than ever to connect with people who want what you don’t need anymore.
Whether you’re aiming for some quick cash or a major decluttering project, selling your unused items can help you achieve both. This guide will walk you through 35 items you may already have that could be worth a surprising amount, along with tips on the best places to sell them. So take a walk through your home and get ready to turn your clutter into cash!
1. Childhood Toys
- What to Sell: Action figures, board games, stuffed animals
- Why Sell: Vintage toys are popular, especially on platforms like eBay.
- Pro Tip: Check if you have collectible toys like Beanie Babies or Pokémon cards; these can sell for surprising amounts.
2. Designer Clothes and Accessories
- What to Sell: Gucci bags, Louis Vuitton scarves, Burberry coats
- Why Sell: Designer items are always in demand on sites like Vestiaire Collective and The RealReal.
- Pro Tip: Take high-quality photos and keep original packaging if possible—it can increase the item’s value.
3. Gift Cards
- What to Sell: Unused or partially used gift cards
- Why Sell: You can earn close to the card’s value on sites like Cardpool or Raise.
- Pro Tip: Don’t let gift cards sit around unused; they lose value over time if forgotten.
4. Old Smartphones
- What to Sell: iPhones, Samsung phones, and even older models
- Why Sell: Outdated smartphones can still be valuable on sites like Decluttr and Gazelle.
- Pro Tip: Factory reset and clean the device for a higher resale value.
5. Textbooks
- What to Sell: College and high school textbooks
- Why Sell: Students are always looking for affordable textbooks on platforms like Chegg or BookScouter.
- Pro Tip: Check online resale prices at the end of each semester, when demand is highest.
6. Vintage Vinyl Records
- What to Sell: Classic rock albums, jazz records, limited editions
- Why Sell: Vinyl is back in style, and older records have great resale value.
- Pro Tip: Clean and keep the vinyl in a protective sleeve for top-dollar offers.
7. Designer Handbags
- What to Sell: Chanel, Prada, Coach
- Why Sell: High-end bags hold their value well, especially on sites like The RealReal.
- Pro Tip: Mention if the item includes dust bags or authenticity cards to attract collectors.
8. Kitchen Appliances
- What to Sell: Stand mixers, espresso machines, bread makers
- Why Sell: Kitchen appliances, especially lightly used ones, are popular on Facebook Marketplace and eBay.
- Pro Tip: Clean appliances thoroughly and provide all necessary attachments for the best resale value.
9. Unused Fitness Equipment
- What to Sell: Dumbbells, exercise bikes, yoga mats
- Why Sell: Fitness equipment is in high demand, especially for home gyms.
- Pro Tip: Make sure to check local selling apps like OfferUp for easier, no-shipping sales.
10. Costume Jewelry
- What to Sell: Retro necklaces, earrings, brooches
- Why Sell: Costume jewelry is stylish again, especially on Etsy.
- Pro Tip: If you know the era of the jewelry, add it to the description for collectors.
11. Rare Coins and Stamps
- What to Sell: Collector coins, limited-edition stamps
- Why Sell: Niche collectors are always interested in unique items on eBay.
- Pro Tip: Get an appraisal if you think the item is especially valuable.
12. Luxury Watches
- What to Sell: Rolex, Omega, TAG Heuer
- Why Sell: Luxury watches hold great resale value on sites like Chrono24.
- Pro Tip: Include the original box and paperwork if possible for higher offers.
13. Vintage Cameras
- What to Sell: Film cameras, Polaroids, early digital cameras
- Why Sell: Camera collectors are active buyers, especially on eBay.
- Pro Tip: If it’s working, include sample photos to showcase quality.
14. Bicycles and Scooters
- What to Sell: Mountain bikes, e-bikes, kids’ scooters
- Why Sell: With eco-friendly transportation on the rise, these sell quickly.
- Pro Tip: Clean and test the equipment before listing for smooth transactions.
15. Baby Clothes and Gear
- What to Sell: Onesies, cribs, high chairs
- Why Sell: Parents often look for gently used baby items to save money.
- Pro Tip: Wash and neatly fold clothes before taking photos to attract buyers.
16. LEGO Sets
- What to Sell: Complete or discontinued LEGO sets
- Why Sell: LEGO has a huge fan base, and rare sets can be worth hundreds.
- Pro Tip: Keep pieces organized and include the original box and manual if possible.
17. Old Laptops and Tablets
- What to Sell: Older models like MacBooks, iPads, Android tablets
- Why Sell: Even older tech can be valuable to those looking for affordable devices.
- Pro Tip: Wipe your data and reset to factory settings before selling.
18. Shoes and Sneakers
- What to Sell: Branded sneakers, limited editions, or gently worn shoes
- Why Sell: Collectors and fans love rare sneaker releases, which often fetch high prices.
- Pro Tip: Use StockX or eBay to list shoes, especially popular or limited-edition brands like Nike and Adidas.
19. Furniture
- What to Sell: Couches, tables, chairs, vintage pieces
- Why Sell: Quality furniture, especially vintage, is always in demand.
- Pro Tip: Consider local selling on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist to avoid shipping costs.
20. Camping Gear
- What to Sell: Tents, sleeping bags, backpacks
- Why Sell: With outdoor activities booming, gently used camping gear sells fast.
- Pro Tip: Clean your gear and check that everything works before listing.
21. Books and Magazines
- What to Sell: Vintage books, popular series, collectible magazines
- Why Sell: Collectors and readers look for rare or classic editions.
- Pro Tip: Use sites like eBay or AbeBooks for older or rare editions.
22. Collectible China and Dishware
- What to Sell: Antique plates, tea sets, unique dinnerware
- Why Sell: Collectors often pay well for unique dishware, especially with original patterns.
- Pro Tip: Look for any maker’s marks on the bottom, which could indicate higher value.
23. Power Tools
- What to Sell: Drills, saws, sanders, lawnmowers
- Why Sell: Home improvement tools are valuable to DIY enthusiasts.
- Pro Tip: Test the tools and clean them up for a more appealing listing.
24. Video Games and Consoles
- What to Sell: Consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, and popular video games
- Why Sell: Vintage consoles and certain games have a big resale market.
- Pro Tip: Bundle items together (console with games) to increase your profit.
25. Home Decor
- What to Sell: Mirrors, art prints, vintage lamps, decorative pillows
- Why Sell: People love unique decor pieces, and vintage items are popular.
- Pro Tip: Use Etsy or Facebook Marketplace for a more personal, local sale.
26. Board Games and Puzzles
- What to Sell: Classic board games, rare editions, collectible puzzles
- Why Sell: Families and collectors appreciate older or unique games.
- Pro Tip: Make sure all pieces are included before listing.
27. Sports Equipment
- What to Sell: Golf clubs, tennis rackets, snowboards, kayaks
- Why Sell: Good-quality sports equipment can be pricey, so pre-owned items sell well.
- Pro Tip: If the equipment is in great condition, you can use sites like SidelineSwap or Facebook Marketplace.
28. Formal Dresses and Suits
- What to Sell: Prom dresses, wedding dresses, suits
- Why Sell: These items are only worn a few times, and others are willing to buy gently used ones.
- Pro Tip: Use platforms like Poshmark or eBay for selling high-quality formal wear.
29. Event and Movie Posters
- What to Sell: Vintage concert posters, movie posters, band memorabilia
- Why Sell: Collectors value unique or vintage posters.
- Pro Tip: Avoid folds and creases in posters for higher value.
30. Bags and Backpacks
- What to Sell: Branded backpacks, hiking bags, everyday backpacks
- Why Sell: Certain brands retain their value, especially quality outdoor gear.
- Pro Tip: Clean and check for any tears to get the best offers.
31. Scrap Metal
- What to Sell: Broken appliances, old plumbing materials, metal parts
- Why Sell: Recycling centers pay for scrap metal, especially for copper.
- Pro Tip: Separate metals to get the best prices at recycling facilities.
32. Luxury Bedding
- What to Sell: Sheets, comforters, pillows from high-end brands
- Why Sell: High-quality bedding from brands like Brooklinen or Tempur-Pedic holds resale value.
- Pro Tip: Wash and keep bedding in excellent condition before selling.
33. Antiques and Vintage Collectibles
- What to Sell: Clocks, radios, decorative lamps, trinkets
- Why Sell: Antique items can attract collectors on sites like Etsy and eBay.
- Pro Tip: Research similar items to set a fair price, as some items may be surprisingly valuable.
34. Musical Instruments
- What to Sell: Guitars, violins, pianos, even harmonicas
- Why Sell: Instruments are popular among hobbyists, beginners, and musicians.
- Pro Tip: Make sure the instrument is in good condition and consider getting it tuned.
35. Vintage Clothing
- What to Sell: Retro jackets, band T-shirts, branded jeans
- Why Sell: Vintage fashion has a strong following, especially on sites like Depop and Poshmark.
- Pro Tip: Note the brand, size, and era to attract fashion-savvy buyers.
Top Places to Sell Online
Now that you know what to sell, where should you list these items? Here are some top-selling platforms:
- eBay – Ideal for everything from rare coins to designer clothes.
- Facebook Marketplace – Best for larger items like furniture or appliances.
- Vinted – Great for clothes, shoes, and accessories.
- Depop – Ideal for fashion items, especially for young shoppers.
- Etsy – Perfect for vintage items, handmade goods, and unique decor.
- MusicMagpie – The go-to for electronics, CDs, and DVDs.
- Craigslist – Great for local sales with no shipping.
Tips for Quick Sales
- Take Clear Photos: Bright, well-lit photos attract more buyers.
- Write Detailed Descriptions: Explain the item’s condition, brand, and any features.
- Competitive Pricing: Research similar items to set a fair price.
- Fast Responses: Buyers move fast, so respond quickly to secure the sale.
- Use Safe Payment Options: Stick with secure platforms to avoid scams.
Conclusion
As you can see, your home might be packed with items just waiting to find a new owner—and make you money in the process! From childhood toys and retro clothes to the latest gadgets, there’s a market for nearly everything. Plus, selling your unused items is an eco-friendly way to recycle and reduce waste. By following a few simple steps, you can easily start selling on popular online platforms, declutter your space, and bring in some extra cash.
So why wait? Start looking around your home for things you can sell and watch the cash add up. Who knows? This might become a profitable hobby—or even the start of your own online business!
FAQs
1. Where can I sell my items online for the best prices?
Some top online platforms include:
- eBay: Great for collectibles, tech, and a variety of items.
- Facebook Marketplace: Ideal for local sales, especially larger items like furniture.
- Depop and Poshmark: Focused on fashion, especially for vintage or branded clothes.
- MusicMagpie: Specializes in tech items, CDs, and DVDs.
- Craigslist: Popular for selling locally with no shipping required.
2. How can I ensure my items sell quickly?
Take clear photos, write accurate descriptions, and price competitively by checking similar listings. Respond quickly to inquiries and provide flexible options for payment and delivery to encourage faster sales.
3. Are there fees associated with selling online?
Yes, most platforms charge fees. For example, eBay charges a final value fee (usually a percentage of the sale price), and Depop takes a 10% commission. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are generally free, but some platforms offer optional paid promotions for more visibility.
4. Is it safe to sell items locally?
Local selling can be safe with some precautions. Arrange to meet in public places, preferably during daylight hours, and consider bringing a friend along. For added security, use payment methods like Venmo or PayPal to avoid handling cash.
5. What should I do if I’m unsure about an item’s value?
Research online to find similar items and check their selling prices. For rare or collectible items, you may consider having them appraised to get an accurate value. Platforms like eBay also show previous sale prices, which can be useful.
6. Can I sell broken or non-working items?
Yes, many people buy broken items for parts. Electronics, bikes, and vintage items are particularly popular in the repair community. Just be transparent about the item’s condition to avoid misunderstandings.