Contents
  1. Quick Summary
  2. Cell Phones
  3. Books
  4. Electronics
  5. School Supplies
  6. Dolls
  7. Holiday Decorations
  8. Lamps
  9. Glassware
  10. Artwork
  11. Scrap Metal Collecting Dust
  12. Appliances
  13. Purses
  14. Musical Instruments
  15. Sports Equipment
  16. Clothing
  17. Silver and Gold
  18. Toys
  19. Conclusion

What you don’t want someone else might be searching for. Take your old items that are collecting dust and sell them. You’ll clean out your house and fill your wallet with cash. 

Tips for Selling Items

Here are some tips to keep in mind when selling items for extra cash:

  • Research your items: Look up the prices of similar items online to determine their value.
  • Take good photos: Use good lighting and clear photos to showcase your items.
  • Write detailed descriptions: Include information about the item’s condition, size, and any flaws.
  • Set competitive prices: Price your items competitively to attract more buyers.
  • Use social media: Share your items on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to reach a wider audience.
  • Be responsive: Respond promptly to inquiries and messages from potential buyers.
  • Consider shipping costs: Factor in shipping costs when pricing your items, especially if you’re selling online.

Keep reading below to find tips for things you can sell from around the house.

1. Cell Phones

Phones Electronics

Most of us have cell phones. And with the new technology, we’re probably upgrading on a regular basis. That means you probably have a collection of old models. And although they may not be worth a lot, it’s better to get a few bucks than to keep them lying around the house. Best Buy has a great trade-in program. They’ll not only take your old cell phones but also used electronics. Selling old cell phones is a great way to make money online.

2. Books

Books

Reading books never goes out of style. And if you have old books sitting in boxes or on the bookshelf, you can make money. Some books, especially textbooks, can be worth hundreds of dollars, allowing you to earn more money. Check out sites like Sell Back Books, Amazon Trade-In and ThriftBooks.

3. Electronics

electronics

That old computer or game console sitting in the garage might be worth a few hundred dollars. Even if they’re outdated, electronics are valuable to someone. They’re fixed up and resold. Some sites that will pay you for your electronics are BuyBackWorld, Is it Worth It, and decluttr. They give you a price and pay the shipping. Once they inspect the electronic they pay you. Selling old electronics is a quick way to sell to make money.

4. School Supplies

school supplies

You paid a lot of money for that Hello Kitty book bag, but now she doesn’t use it. Sell old school supplies on Facebook Marketplace or thrift stores. You could even start your own online store to sell stuff.

5. Dolls

dolls

Your daughter is grown and doesn’t play with dolls anymore. You don’t have to pack them away in the attic. With her permission, of course, you could sell dolls. There are many collectors looking for their specific dolls. Dolls like Barbie, Madame Alexander, Adora and Lee Middleton dolls are always popular. Examine your dolls and see if you have any treasure. Selling dolls once children outgrow them is a great idea.

6. Holiday Decorations

Decorations

People love any holiday decorations. Be it Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas, these decorations are always in demand. If you upgraded your holiday fare, then sell the old stuff instead of packing it away. Sites like eBay or Etsy (if they’re vintage or homemade) are great places to start. You could also put them on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist.

7. Lamps

lamps

Have you looked at the price of new lamps? They are expensive. So, selling things like used lamps can be profitable. Grandma’s lamp may be old-fashioned to you, but to someone else it’s a vintage treasure. Sell on them on Facebook Marketplace or on Vintage Cash Cow. Vintage Cash Cow specializes in vintage lamps.

8. Glassware

Glassware and Dishes

Glassware like brand names, Fostoria, Anchor Hocking and Blenko are in demand. Check the bottom of your glassware and look for the maker’s mark. Vintage Anchor Hocking glassware can date back to the 1900s but their depression glass is the most collectible. Once you’ve identified what you have, sell it on Etsy, eBay or Facebook Marketplace.

9. Artwork

Fine Arts

People will pay top dollar for the right artwork. You may have something you inherited from great-aunt Helen that’s worth some money. If you’re wondering if you have something, go to a reputable appraiser. You can list on Artfinder, a free site that caters to the worldwide art lover community. They charge 33 percent commission but that's low considering other alternatives. They will also sell your originals if they are accepted. You could also sell your artwork on Etsy or consign it to local art galleries.

10. Scrap Metal Collecting Dust

scrap metal

If you have old metal filing cabinets or have just taken down a shed made of metal, call a scrap dealer. Some of them will come to you and pick up your metal. Although you may have to take it to them. They'll weigh it and give you a price. Easy to make cash on something you were going to throw away.

11. Appliances

small appliances

Repairmen or repair companies will buy old appliances. They then fix them up and resell them. So if you have an old washing machine sitting around or you’re replacing your dishwasher, don’t pay to have it hauled away. Instead call around and find someone to buy it as is.

12. Purses

Purses

What woman doesn't have a few purses stuck in the closet ?Go through them all and sell what you haven't used for a year. You can sell them at Poshmark or stop in one of your local consignment shops.

13. Musical Instruments

Musical Instruments

You may have an old trumpet or drum set sitting around. Now’s the time to sell it. Approach a music shop and see if they’ll buy used instruments. Many of them do and resell them. You could also list them on Facebook Marketplace or eBay.

14. Sports Equipment

Exercise and Sports Equipment

Outgrown soccer shoes or forgotten hockey sticks can turn into a windfall. Go through all your child's (or partner's) old sports equipment and grab the ones that aren't used anymore. Stores like Play in Again Sports buy and sell used equipment. You can clean out those closets and attic.

15. Clothing

Garage Sale Clothes

Clothing and accessories are some of the easiest items to sell for extra cash. Start by decluttering your closet and gathering items that are still in good condition but no longer needed. Designer clothing, shoes, and handbags can fetch a good price on online marketplaces like Poshmark, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace. If you prefer a more local approach, consider selling gently used clothing and accessories at a local consignment store or through a garage sale. Don’t forget about holiday decorations, such as costumes and accessories, which can be sold during the holiday season for a bit of extra money. Whether you’re selling a few items or a whole wardrobe, there’s always someone looking for a bargain.

16. Silver and Gold

Silver and Gold

You've heard the phrase "worth its weight in gold." Well, there's a reason for this saying. Gold and silver can be sold by the ounce. Raid your jewelry box and look for broken gold necklaces or rings. When weighed, these add up fast. Don't forget silver. It's not worth as much as gold, but it can still put some money in your pocket. Take your gold and silver to a local pawn shop.

17. Toys

Toys

Toys and baby items are another great category to sell for extra money. Gently used toys, strollers, car seats, and other baby gear are always in demand. You can list these items on online marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace. Selling items in bulk or as a lot can attract more buyers and save you time. You can also host a garage sale or take your items to a local consignment store. Just make sure to clean and sanitize everything before selling to ensure they are in good condition. By selling these items, you can clear out space and make some quick cash.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of selling your items quickly and for a good price. Remember to stay organized, be patient, and have fun selling your items to make extra cash!

When searching through your house, anything goes. Leave no box unturned. You have treasure just waiting to be sold.

Bob Haegele

About the Author

Bob Haegele Bob Haegele

Bob Haegele, your personal finance guru, draws on years of experience to simplify complex financial concepts and offer actionable advice.

Dedicated to helping you achieve financial success, Bob is here to guide you through every step of your journey to financial freedom with expertise in areas such as investing, student loans, and credit cards. His work has appeared on Business Insider, CreditCards.com, and other nationally recognized outlets.

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