30 Valuable Items Around Our Homes That Are Probably Collecting Dust

James Loftus - June 29, 2021
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Believe it or not, it is possible to get rich without having to work hard. No, we’re not fooling you. No this is not clickbait. Many of us have an inherent desire to collect possessions, often forgetting what we have gathered or the items scattered around the house. Countless articles lie neglected in households worldwide, covered in layers of dust, seemingly devoid of purpose. Yet, unbeknownst to us, some of these seemingly worthless objects could hold significant monetary value. Maybe what used to be special to use as a child or teenager is now an extremely valuable collector’s item. Don’t believe us? Allow us to present a compilation of 30 items that are likely gathering dust in your home, but can be sold to generate some extra cash!

Yep, Perfume Bottles Can Have Value!

Have you ever wondered what to do with your old perfume bottles? Typically, they end up in the garbage for most people. However, you might be surprised to learn that these bottles can hold significant value, depending on their size and material. Yes, that’s right. There’s a high demand for empty perfume bottles. Perfumes usually run for years.

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In fact, a 100ml bottle can stay for up to two years. While standard perfume bottles may not fetch much value, it’s worth noting that custom-made or rare bottles have the potential to earn you up to $200 each. You can check on the International Perfume Bottle Association to find out how much your perfume bottle is worth.

Books

If you have access to a public library, it might be worthwhile to pay a visit and direct your attention to the section housing rare books that have garnered a dedicated fan base or a cult following. Believe it or not, the first edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is claimed to be worth $6,500 today… Talk about an expensive read! However, don’t get too excited about these rarities.

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Typically, books and first editions with significant value are often purchased by affluent collectors and museums. If you happen to possess such a valuable item, consider listing it for sale on platforms like Amazon or eBay to attract potential buyers. If you market it properly, you will be able to make a decent amount of money.

Video Games

Streaming games has become a lucrative endeavor for many individuals, with some earning thousands of dollars through this platform. Additionally, participating in and winning tournaments can also be financially rewarding, with successful players often taking home hundreds of dollars as their prize. You don’t have to do all this if you want to make money. You can potentially earn money in various ways by exploring the world of video games, starting with searching for old game titles that might be lying around your home.

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Certain games, such as Marvel Vs Capcom, Doom, and XBAND, are rumored to be worth over $200 each, presenting an opportunity for you to turn these forgotten treasures into cash. You will find some of these games on the internet, the demand for real CDs or DVDs is still pretty high.

Quarters

Many don’t know that old coins have more value than they are originally worth. Take quarters for instance. Take a moment to inspect your loose change and see if you’re fortunate enough to come across any Kansas quarters. These quarters were deemed illegal in 2005 and are rumored to be worth $100 today. Identifying these valuable coins is relatively straightforward, making it easier for you to spot them among your collection.

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Funny story actually: A coin pressing machine malfunctioned, causing the machine to print ‘In God We Rust’ instead of ‘In God We Trust’ on the coins. In addition to Kansas quarters, there are other rare coins that are sought after by collectors. Take a closer look around for old quarters and see if you stumble upon any hidden treasures that could potentially turn the tables in terms of their value.

Don’t Forget Your Old Gaming Consoles

A new version of PlayStation hit the market in 2020 selling for just under $600. While the PlayStation 5 is widely known as one of the priciest gaming consoles available, it’s worth noting that there are vintage consoles from the past that can fetch you over $1,500 in value, even if they are no longer functional. It’s astonishing how these older gaming systems hold such significant worth in the eyes of collectors and enthusiasts. Yes, you read it right. A special Xbox, One Titanfall Development Team Edition, was recently sold to a lucky user on eBay for around $5,100.

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While it may be quite rare to possess limited consoles like the one you mentioned, such as the Commodore 64 GS, there are still other consoles from the past that can potentially earn you a decent amount of money. So, even if you don’t have the exceptionally rare ones, it’s worth exploring the value of other vintage consoles that could prove profitable for you.

Typewriters

Typewriters may look good, but the fact remains that they are extremely inefficient and do nothing but take up space. If you happen to have an old typewriter model gathering dust, it might be a wise decision to consider selling it. Depending on the specific model you own, you could potentially earn anywhere between $300 and $600 by finding the right buyer.

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Many individuals seek out vintage typewriters for their unique aesthetic appeal and nostalgic charm, making them valuable commodities in the market. You can easily auction one off online on websites such as eBay. Other than this, consider visiting the nearest antique shop, and figure out the true estimate of your typewriter.

Vintage notebooks

If you happen to come across an old notebook that has been sitting idle for years, I encourage you to take a moment and check out its contents. Surprisingly enough, certain old notebooks can possess considerable value, determined by their contents and the materials they were crafted from. A few years ago, a man found a diary in a forest that contained the life story of the writer.

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The diary was sold for thousands and received immense attention and acclaim. Naturally, for a diary to fetch a high price in the market, it needs to possess inherent value. Furthermore, the story within must captivate the interest of potential readers. Therefore, it is crucial to search for a notebook that contains truly unique and original content, something that people would eagerly embrace and enjoy reading.

Really old phones

The world is experiencing a rapid transformation driven by technological advancements. Smartphones, in particular, continually evolve with improved cameras, storage, and performance. Despite this progress, vintage phones hold a higher market value due to their exceptional rarity. Companies use old mobile phones for study purposes, and museums like to keep ’em for obvious reasons.

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So, if any of you have the first generation of phones lying around somewhere, then consider putting it up for sale. In addition to that, your old, traditional wired telephone set might be in high demand. Interestingly, movie producers frequently seek out vintage phones to enhance the authenticity of their films, making your old phone a potentially sought-after item.

Postage Stamps Always Gain in Value

Stamp collecting is a popular hobby embraced by more than 20 million enthusiasts. These fanatics have a deep appreciation for rare postage stamps and are often willing to invest significant amounts, sometimes hundreds of dollars, to get ahold of these elusive treasures. If you have some old and vintage stamps lying around the house, then consider putting ’em up for sale. Most people usually want discontinued stamps or rare stamps that are issued on special occasions.

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We recommend exploring dedicated groups and pages catering to stamp collectors, where you can conveniently connect with potential sellers or buyers. The world of stamp collecting offers lucrative opportunities, as even an aged stamp can fetch you a handsome sum of up to $50, while certain exceptionally rare specimens are rumored to be valued at an impressive $500.

Photographs

Vintage photos are in demand, especially if they have a story to tell. On eBay, you can discover a dedicated section specifically catering to photographs taken before the 1940s. Take some time to delve into your personal collection and see if you possess any captivating snapshots that the world would appreciate viewing.

A few years ago, a man purchased a vintage photograph from a random antique shop for only $2. It’s one of the only two photos of Henry McCarty, popularly known back then as ‘Billy the Kid.’ In contemporary times, this particular picture is reputed to hold a value in the millions.

Greeting Cards

In the age of digital advancements, the majority of people now engage in sending and receiving digital greeting cards. However, there continues to be a significant demand for traditional cards, particularly vintage ones. Some people love to collect greeting cards that contain special messages. Plus, if they have been sent or received by someone famous, they are consider very valuable.

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An old Christmas card, which may not hold much monetary value for you presently, could easily fetch around $50 in the market. However, if the cards have sentimental value to you, we recommend holding onto them.

Old Bags

If you’re rich and own designer bags, such as Hermes Birkins, then you can easily earn over $20,000 just by selling it. There is a significant demand for vintage designer bags, with certain 20-year-old bags selling for higher prices than their original purchase value. Many women grow tired of using the same bag, resulting in them stowing it away in a corner to gather dust.

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Do not make this mistake. However, they need to be in good condition in order to sell well. Most people just purchase designer bags to wear ’em and flaunt ’em.

VHS Tapes. Who Knew?

This is the era of Netflix, yet VHS tapes are still worth a lot. The majority of children today are unfamiliar with VHS tapes, including their functionality and appearance. In fact, most households no longer possess a VCR. However, if you happen to possess a first edition of classic movies such as The Lion King, it can be quite valuable and potentially fetch a substantial amount of money.

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In fact, a 1991 special edition of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast just happened to sell for $1,000 on eBay. Other than this, rare and controversial titles also sell well.

Dolls

Nearly every household worldwide has at least one doll tucked away somewhere. While newer models may not yield much value, certain older and discontinued models can be highly sought after and carry significant worth. In fact, an ‘out of print,’ American Girl doll can fetch over $5,000. So, check your house, and see if you have old dolls collecting dust somewhere.

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Most people buy old dolls since they remind them of their childhood. Indeed, nostalgia often holds a powerful sway over us. So, embark on your search, list your old dolls for sale, and witness how much they can potentially bring you in terms of value.

Musical instruments

If you happen to have a musical instrument, such as a guitar, that has been played or used by a renowned artist, then prepare yourself for a potentially lucrative outcome. Such instruments can fetch you thousands of dollars, surpassing your initial expectations by a significant margin. Get ready to enjoy a rewarding financial windfall.

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Pink Floyd’s, David Gilmour, was recently highlighted for selling his $21.5 million dollar guitar collection. If you own rare guitars, then you’re in luck. In addition to that, classic pianos are also highly sought after due to their aesthetic appeal and ability to enhance the value of a room.

Comics

Whether you’re a Marvel fan, or a DC fanatic, you need to be aware that old comics are a hot item and can earn you thousands. When we refer to “old” comics, we are specifically talking about those originally introduced in the 1970s or 1980s. Comics featuring popular characters like Spider-Man and Batman can command significant prices in the market.

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For instance, the comic that first introduced Black Panther to the world is rumored to be valued at $1,000 today. Its worth escalated following the success of the Black Panther movie when it captivated audiences and became a blockbuster hit. The market for comics is huge, and most old comics are not even available online, hence their high demand.

Look Out for Those Autographs

This is the era of selfies and filters, and very few people actually take out a pen to ask for autographs, making them a pretty rare sight to see today. If you happen to possess an autographed item, it could potentially hold significant value, potentially amounting to hundreds of dollars.

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Collectibles bearing the signatures of iconic figures like Michael Jackson and John Lennon hold considerable worth, as they attract devoted enthusiasts ready to invest substantial sums to acquire a personally signed memento from their beloved idols. We suggest you sell these items on fan clubs belonging to the star they have been signed by.

Pokémon Cards

Remember the time when we used to invest a lot in Pokémon cards? They may not be as popular today, but they’re definitely worth more than they used to be. If you possess complete sets of collectible items in excellent condition, you have the potential to earn a substantial amount, possibly a few hundred dollars. Still skeptical?

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Allow us to recount the tale of a fortunate individual who managed to sell a holographic Charizard card for an astounding $11,999. However, it’s crucial to note that such rare cards need to undergo expert scrutiny to verify their authenticity. If you’re lucky, and your cards are rare and in good condition, then you can earn thousands.

China sets

If your mother loved collecting China sets, then you may have a reason to thank her. While you may not be fond of vintage China gracing your dining table, it’s important to recognize that there are individuals willing to invest significant sums in what you might consider unimportant. To determine their value, it’s advisable to consult an antique dealer who can assess your items.

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It’s worth noting that certain China sets possess remarkable longevity, with some dating back over a hundred years, thanks to their durability. If you have vintage sets such as these, then expect them to make you a few thousand dollars.

Action figures

The world is crazy for action figures, and most production companies have realized this very early on. However, when the first Star Wars movie came out, there were no toys ready for sale. Nobody expected the movie to be the kind of hit it turned out to be.

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Kenner had to quickly start production, so the toys finally hit the shelves a few days after the movie’s release, and they sold like hotcakes. If you have one of these lying around, then expect to earn up to $10,000. However, it’s not just Star Wars, other rare action figures may also sell amazingly well.

Vinyl Records Hold Great Value

Some people love to collect vinyl records, and they’re willing to spend thousands on some real gems. Check Amazon, and you will come across dozens of sellers selling vinyl records. A fortunate seller once achieved an impressive sum of $13,750 for a self-titled Beatles rarity. The value of a vinyl record is contingent upon both the condition of the record itself and the significance of the artist.

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Unlike other items mentioned, a vinyl record must be in functional condition to command a substantial price in the market. So, search around and see if you have some vinyl records lying around. They’re obviously more useful than you thought they were.

Paintings

We all know that old paintings by the likes of da Vinci are worth millions; we can’t even touch them. But some classics designed by some lesser-known names can also fetch good numbers. Engaging in the art market can be challenging due to the prevalence of art piracy, particularly with paintings being a prime target. To ensure the authenticity of a painting, it is crucial to have it thoroughly examined by experts, preferably multiple, before considering it for sale.

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This step is essential to safeguard against counterfeit or fraudulent artworks. The artist doesn’t have to be recognized for a painting to sell well. He or she only has to be a prominent figure.

Old computers

Two distinct types of individuals exist: those who throw away unnecessary possessions and those who retain seemingly worthless items, stashing them away in vacant rooms where they remain untouched. If you belong to the latter and have old computers lying around or stored somewhere in your house, then it’s time to get moving. If you own a first edition computer from a known manufacturer, then keep your fingers crossed.

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It may come as a surprise, but computers from renowned brands such as Apple can fetch prices nearing $900,000. However, it’s important to note that such exceptional treasures wouldn’t be found neglected or abandoned; they are typically carefully preserved and attended to by collectors or enthusiasts.

Wine

Now, this is a tricky one. While it’s uncommon to find individuals courageous enough to leave old wine untouched, if you happen upon a collection of aging bottles and have no desire to indulge in their consumption, it may be worth considering selling them. In the world of wine, the adage “the older, the better” holds true. It’s not unusual for people to acquire wine and inadvertently forget about it, leading to potential hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.

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Most people keep wine bottles in the cellar, hence it may be a good idea to have a look at your cellar and see what you have there.

Weapons Always Grow in Value

The market for antique firearms is pretty big, especially since most states do not require the buyer to own a license in order to purchase antique guns and other weapons. We recommend reaching out to your grandfather to inquire about any items he may have stored away. Surprisingly, objects ranging from an antique rifle to a vintage bow and arrow can hold considerable value, even if they are no longer functional.

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However, it’s important to note that firearms typically need to be exceptionally old, surpassing the century mark, to fetch a desirable price in the market. Some well-known models can earn up to $50,000.

Ornaments

If you’ve got old Christmas decorations lying around somewhere in your house, then it’s time to rip open the boxes and see what you have collecting dust. A wide range of items, including wind chimes, antique ornaments, and hand-blown glass ornaments, can have great value. Moreover, antique pieces utilized for decorating your home might have increased in worth over time.

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If you happen to have such items, it is advisable to consider visiting a specialist who can appraise them and provide an estimate of their monetary value. This way you’ll know where to turn to if you ever need money.

Watches and clocks

The opinion on vintage watches appears to be unclear, but we can’t deny the fact that they are worth thousands, especially if they belong to valuable brands such as Rolex and Hublot. In addition to the previously mentioned items, vintage clocks hold remarkable value and are eagerly sought after. The fact that clock museums attract thousands of visitors is a testament to the enduring appeal of these timepieces.

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It comes as no surprise that individuals are willing to invest substantial sums to acquire a piece of history and own these exquisite artifacts. However, when it comes to watches, people usually opt for rare gems that hold some history. So look around your house and see what you may have.

Board Games

Every family has a collection of board games in their house. Take the time to search through your belongings and identify items that may pique the interest of potential buyers. Pay particular attention to antiques, as they tend to attract a significant market. When it comes to old games, collectors are often interested in those that are in good condition. As a testament to their value, a few years back, a meticulously preserved Monopoly game set, centered around Atlantic City, fetched a staggering sum of nearly $146,500 at an auction.

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Some other board games that are heavily in demand include Fortune, Swift Meats Major League Baseball Game, Coromandel Games Compendium, Be a Manager, Fox and Geese, and The War of the Ring Collector’s Edition.

Paper Money Might be More Valuable Than You Thought

While we previously mentioned quarters in this article, don’t fret if you can’t locate any lying around your house. Old paper bills can be equally valuable and worth exploring. Antique money bills, with their historical significance and rarity, can hold considerable worth in the eyes of collectors and enthusiasts. So, keep an eye out for any old money bills you may come across, as they might be more valuable than you think. Old American currency and notes from other countries should not be overlooked.

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In fact, an old, $10 bill can earn you over $100 depending on its condition, year, and country. Finding a buyer for old currency notes can be difficult, but if you have some lying around, then consider posting an ad on eBay and other such websites and wait for your phone to buzz.

Stickers and labels

To the surprise of many, vintage stickers can command a considerable price in the secondary market. It’s not unusual for individuals to purchase a pack of stickers with the intention of using them, only to leave them untouched. This contributes to the scarcity of certain stickers, making them valuable among collectors and enthusiasts seeking nostalgic treasures. If you have some vintage stickers lying around, then it’s time to go through the pile and see what you have.

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Stickers from the ’80s can earn around $50, which may not be much compared to other items on this list, but something is better than nothing. Unlike many other items mentioned on this list, stickers must be in new or unused condition in order to be eligible for sale. The value of stickers lies in their pristine state, as collectors and enthusiasts seek unblemished and untarnished examples of these adhesive artworks.

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