Lifestyle

8 Surprising Things in Your Home That Could Be Worth Serious Money

I hate reading those articles about someone scoring a thousand-dollar find at a thrift shop or garage sale. It always makes me worried that I’m about to declutter some insignificant thing that could have paid for an extravagant vacation (or at least, a nice dinner out).

Fortunately, these days it’s easy to try to figure out if something you have is worth serious bank. You can snap a pic and use Google Lens to get info on the item. And once you know what you’re looking at, you can search on eBay (look at their completed/sold listings) to see what similar items sold for.

But you may be surprised to find that some items lying around your house—or even your junk drawer—could net you cash (and a cleaner house at the same time). We checked in with Reyne Hirsch, founder of Reyne Gallery and a former Antiques Roadshow appraiser, to see what hidden treasures might be lurking in your basement or closets.

Concert T-Shirts and Ticket Stubs

Hirsch singles out concert t-shirts as a particular type of vintage clothing that’s skyrocketing in value. And if you have concert stubs from landmark bands or unique shows (such as Nirvana or Lollapalooza), you may find a market for them on eBay.

Vintage Furniture

While you may be thinking 19th-century antiques and 1950s chic when you’re thinking valuable older furniture, you may be surprised about what eras are trending now, Hirsch says. “Midcentury modern furniture has been trending for quite some time, but did you know that furniture from the 1980s is starting to gain traction? Brands such as Lane Furniture, Henredon, and Kartell are ones to watch.”

Silver Flatware or Serving Pieces

If you have something made of silver, it’s definitely worth getting it checked out before you give it away. “With the value of silver increasing, that antique silver flatware service or coffee and tea set is worth more than it has been,” Hirsch says. “Instead of donating it or selling in your next garage sale, sell it online or connect with a local auctioneer. You’ll get more than you expect.”

Vintage Clothing

Yeah, you’re probably not going to score some cash for last year’s fast fashion, but if you have some older pieces, you may be able to score some money—and help reduce waste in the process. “Vintage is in,” Hirsch says. “Not only is reselling your vintage clothing and luxury goods going to make you a pretty penny, it’s also green. Millions of tons of clothing heads to the landfills every single year. Do your part by selling your vintage threads and keeping them from heading to the dump.” Vintage jeans and designer clothes and accessories are particularly in vogue.

Vintage Pyrex Bowls

Pyrex bowls have developed a cult following, as people look to score some of the old-school patterns and designs. Even if you don’t have them in your cupboards, perhaps your mom or grandma may be hiding these popular (and pricey) items.

Vinyl Records

Even in this MP3 world, there are plenty of people who harbor a love for a more throwback way to enjoy music. “Your favorite albums by musical greats, if in great condition, can be worth more than a buck or two,” Hirsch says. “With people spending more time on their phones listening to music, albums had fallen out of favor, but we are beginning to see Gen Z is learning to love all things vintage, and music from the ’70s to ’90s in vinyl is in high demand.”

Old Stereo Equipment

Hand in hand with the newfound passion for vinyl, Hirsch says that people are seeking out classic stereo equipment and speakers to play their records.

Jewelry

Some costume jewelry may be worth cash (you can check on eBay for some possibilities), but Hirsch recommends seeking out old jewelry that’s made of gold. “Look for the bracelets, rings, and brooches you’ve had since high school and college that line the bottom of your jewelry drawer. Pull them out, dust them off, and head to your local jewelry store or list them on eBay. Gold has risen significantly, and that link or rope bracelet you paid $150 for years ago is now worth significantly more.”


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