22 Best Things To Sell To Make Money (Lying Around Your House!)

One person’s junk can be another person’s treasure. And that’s the beauty of finding things to sell to make money — you never know what kind of gold you might uncover!

Whether you’re looking to empty your closet, declutter your living room, or clean out your cabinets, selling items that are lying around your home is a quick and easy way to pull in extra cash.

You might not hit the jackpot on every item. But the more things you sell, the more winners you will come across. So, to help you speed up this discovery process, I compiled a list of the best things to sell to make money that you already have at home.

Ready? Let’s do it!

1. Designer Clothing

There’s an old saying, “Fashion is fleeting, but style is forever.”

The world of high-end fashion is always in demand, with certain pieces retaining or even increasing their value over time. From rare, iconic designs to timeless classics, your old designer pieces could be the treasure that fashion enthusiasts are looking for.

And the secondhand clothing market isn’t going anywhere. According to ThredUp’s 2023 Resale Report, “resale is expected to grow 9x faster than the broader retail clothing sector by 2027.”

To sell your items, check out marketplaces like Poshmark or Depop.

2. Sneakers

The shoe resale industry has been gaining traction thanks to the sneaker culture and demand for sustainable fashion. Gently used shoes, especially limited-edition sneakers or high-end designer pairs, can fetch a pretty penny.

StockX and GOAT are two popular marketplaces where you can sell sneakers for cash. And as retro and classic looks from Nike, Adidas, and Jordan continue to make a resurgence, you may just find a few profitable pairs in your closet.

I even connected with a side hustler who paid off $1000s of dollars in debt by flipping shoes!

3. Vintage Jewelry

Every piece of vintage jewelry has a story to tell. And oftentimes, collectors and enthusiasts are willing to pay to be a part of that narrative.

While the exact value of vintage jewelry can vary based on factors like age, craftsmanship, and the presence of precious stones, even costume jewelry can be quite profitable.

For instance, a piece of vintage Chanel costume jewelry can sell for hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. If you decide to liquidate some jewelry to make money, check out the likes of Worthy, The RealReal, and Circa before visiting your local pawn shop.

4. Vinyl Records

Despite the digital age, or perhaps because of it, there’s a thriving market for physical music media. A rare vinyl record can sell for thousands of dollars, depending on the artist, the rarity of the release, and the condition of the item.

According to Billboard, vinyl album sales in the United States have grown for 17 consecutive years. So, dust off your old records and snap a quick picture—they might just strike a chord with music enthusiasts!

5. Children’s Toys

Surprisingly, some of the most valuable items that could be lying around your house are children’s toys. Classic toys, especially if they’re in good condition or still in the box, can fetch high prices from collectors.

In 2022, a rare Star Wars figurine sold for over $200,000! Look out for brands like:

LEGO
Star Wars
Barbie
McDonald’s Happy Meal toys

Selling platforms like eBay, Mercari, and specialist collector’s sites are your best friend here.

6. Fitness Equipment

Weights, mats, treadmills, and stationary bikes are some of the easiest things to sell to make money. Fitness equipment is in high demand, and home gyms are becoming increasingly popular.

If you have a single piece of equipment or an entire set, there’s a market for it. To avoid dealing with shipping, Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are the best places to sell these larger items.

7. Sports Jerseys or Memorabilia

Passionate sports fans are always on the lookout for unique and meaningful memorabilia. Autographed items, game-worn jerseys, rare trading cards, or even ticket stubs from significant games can fetch a hefty price.

In July 2021, a Stephen Curry rookie card sold for $5.9 million at auction, setting a record for the most expensive basketball card ever sold. This goes to show the incredible potential of what could be lying in your old items.

I’ve got a box of early-90’s baseball cards I keep meaning to go through! All they’ve been doing is collecting dust for decades 🙂

8. Kitchenware

Kitchen appliances and utensils, particularly iconic styles and those from premium brands, can be surprisingly valuable. Coffee machines, mixers, or even an old fondue set could be a hot commodity for a food enthusiast or a professional chef.

For example, we’d been gifted a fancy espresso machine we rarely used. After cleaning it up, it sold on Facebook Marketplace for $300. 

So if you have an old appliance taking up space, consider listing it for sale. You can easily flip your vintage pieces on Etsy or more modern items on eBay or Amazon.

9. Tech Gadgets

Don’t leave your old smartphones, tablets, or laptops collecting dust. Even older models can be worth selling, and companies like Gazelle, Swappa, and Decluttr make it easy.

Beyond phones and computers, consider your old smartwatches, drones, or home devices. And even if your gadget isn’t working properly, parts can often be harvested for repair purposes, making your seemingly ‘dead’ tech still valuable!

10. Comic Books

First-edition issues and comics featuring the first appearance of popular characters can be worth a fortune. But don’t forget about your less rare comics too! They can still be worth your time.

eBay remains the go-to for selling comics, but other platforms like ComicConnect and MyComicShop are also worth considering for their dedicated comic-collector user base.

11. Antique Home Décor

“Old is gold” still rings true in the market for antique home decor. But it’s not just about picture frames and light fixtures. Old pottery, antique rugs, and even garden decor can be a treasure trove too.

There’s a market for almost every era, from mid-century modern to rustic farmhouse. Websites like Etsy, Ruby Lane, and Chairish are perfect for connecting sellers of antique items with buyers who appreciate nostalgia and craftsmanship.

Bonus Idea: Could you help your neighbors get rid of their old furniture? Megan Church started an impressive consignment business to do just that!

12. Musical Instruments

Do you have a guitar, saxophone, or violin? How about a more unique instrument like a dulcimer or harp?

If so, websites like Reverb and Guitar Center are a great way to reach musicians and collectors. However, local sales through music schools or pawnshops can also be fruitful.

(I actually bought my gently-used podcast mic from Reverb!)

To maximize your sale price, ensure the instrument is clean and polished, in tune if possible, and presented with a detailed description, including brand and age.

13. Furniture

Furniture no longer has to be dumped or donated. In fact, pieces like antique sofa sets, dining tables, and bedroom furniture are some of the simplest things to sell to make money.

Local sales through apps like OfferUp or Facebook Marketplace can help you avoid shipping costs. But for designer pieces, you might get a better price at high-end online retailers like 1stDibs or AptDeco.

Whether it’s a mid-century modern desk or a vintage leather armchair, quality secondhand furniture can be lucrative.

14. Board Games

There’s a thriving secondary market for board games, particularly for out-of-print or collectible editions. Platforms like eBay or BoardGameGeek’s marketplace are great places to sell, and Facebook groups for board game enthusiasts can also be promising.

For example, a sealed, first edition of “Dark Tower,” for example, can fetch you an extra thousand dollars!

15. First Edition Books

Avid readers and collectors alike prize first-edition prints, particularly from famous authors or influential works. You might be surprised how much a worn, loved, but rare book could earn you.

Websites like AbeBooks and Biblio are dedicated platforms for selling rare books. But don’t write off less rare books – limited runs, signed copies, or books with interesting provenances can also be a hit. To protect the value of your books, take care to ship them correctly to prevent damage. And always verify their edition and any special features before you list them.

You can use the BookScouter app to scan barcodes and see what the books on your shelf might be worth. I even met a side hustler who turned flipping books into a $4,000 a month income stream!

16. Craft Supplies

Craft supplies might seem commonplace, but in the world of DIY, they can be quite valuable. Whether it’s a batch of unused yarn, a set of quality paintbrushes, or a stash of decorative paper, you can find buyers for almost all types of craft materials.

Platforms like Etsy or eBay cater to a large community of crafters and DIY enthusiasts. Even opened or lightly used supplies can sell well, especially if they’re from quality brands or are part of a niche craft.

To get rid of your whole stash, try grouping items into a bundle or convenient starter pack.

17. Collectible Stamps

Collectible stamps, especially rare, vintage, or commemorative issues, can be a gold mine. Stamp collecting, or philately, is a popular hobby worldwide, and collectors pay top dollar for pieces that fill a gap in their collection.

Selling these can be a bit specialized, so consider reaching out to professional stamp dealers for a valuation. eBay is also a good choice, or use specialist sites like StampWorld to connect directly with buyers.

Keep in mind that condition and rarity will greatly impact your stamp’s value.

18. Photography Equipment

Whether you’ve upgraded your camera or just have gear gathering dust, selling photography equipment can be quite profitable. Popular items include:

Camera bodies
Lenses
Tripods
Drones
Lighting
Studio backdrops

These items tend to retain their value remarkably well, especially when kept in good condition.

Specialized online marketplaces like Adorama and KEH Camera are perfect for reaching photography enthusiasts and professionals. But eBay and Facebook Marketplace also work well for reaching a broader audience, as well as local buyers who might be interested in inspecting the item before buying.

Alternative: Could you rent it out instead? Sharegrid is a popular site that lets you make money renting out your photography gear.

19. Video Games and Consoles

The market for video games, both retro and current-gen titles, is booming.

Old classics like Super Mario Bros, rare editions, or even cherished consoles themselves can command top dollar in the resale market. Much of their value depends on their condition and whether you still have the original packaging, manuals, or any special inclusions like maps or posters.

Consider selling these on game-specific platforms like Gameflip, which cater specifically to video gamers. Retro game shops and video game conventions are also great places to connect with enthusiastic buyers who appreciate the value and nostalgia of old-school classics.

20. Watches and Clocks

From luxury wristwatches to antique grandfather clocks, timepieces can often hold their value incredibly well.

Items from prestigious brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, or Cartier can sometimes fetch tens of thousands of dollars, while more modest clocks like mantel pieces or wall pendulums can still be worth hundreds of dollars.

Watchuseek and Chrono24 are frequented by enthusiasts and collectors who might be willing to pay a premium for the right piece.

21. Handbags and Purses

There’s a thriving market for second-hand bags, ranging from high-end designer bags to unique vintage purses. Whether it’s a Coach or Louis Vuitton that’s no longer in production or a leather satchel from the ’70s, these bags can have great resale value.

Popular sites for selling name-brand pieces include:

(Local thrift stores can also be an option.)

Just make sure to take high-quality pictures and videos that highlight any unique details, and provide a detailed description of its condition before listing

22. Artwork and Prints

The world of art is vast, and there’s a buyer for almost every style, era, and medium out there. Whether you have original artwork, custom prints, or limited-edition posters, they can all bring in significant cash.

Online platforms like Artsy can connect you with buyers from around the world. If you believe you have a highly valuable piece, consider reaching out to an art appraiser or auction house like Christie’s or Sotheby’s.

The 3-Step Guide To Selling Things for Profit

1. Understand Your Audience

No matter what business you’re in, the first step in the sales process is to know your target audience.

Every product has a different end customer with unique preferences and budgets. Familiarize yourself with who’s likely to purchase what you’re selling. Know their needs, their preferences, and if any substitutes exist.

And this doesn’t have to mean reading a 73-page research report. Just do a quick scan of the web to see who’s buying what and where. Look for trends, emerging demands, and gaps in the market.

This may include browsing through online forums and social media groups and reading reviews on Amazon. Your goal is to uncover items that are in high demand (and ideally with limited supply).

2. Price Your Items Competitively

Each item you sell holds a distinct value, and there’s no hard-and-fast rule for what that value might be. Many variables can affect an item’s worth, from its condition and rarity to its sentimental value and demand.

While price guides can provide a general ballpark, remember that they’re not the gospel truth. Ultimately, the real value of an item is only defined by what someone is willing to pay for it. The aim here is to balance a high price and a quick sale.

To do this, look for comparable products across platforms. Then, set your price competitively, ensuring you will make a reasonable profit margin after fees and shipping (if applicable).

3. Choose the Right Platform to Sell On

Don’t treat all ecommerce platforms equally. The same item can see very different outcomes from place to place, depending on the audience that frequents the site.

For example:

eBay tends to be a great option for rare items and collectibles.
Depop is for vintage apparel.
Etsy is for homemade goods.
Facebook Marketplace and Craiglist are your best bet for furniture, cars, and other larger items.
And, of course, Amazon can’t be beaten for anything with an existing listing.

Don’t try and reinvent the wheel or limit yourself to one platform. Instead, go wherever your buyers are.

The Next Step: When You Run Out of Things to Sell

While selling things around the house can make money quickly, you’ll eventually run out of inventory!

When that happens — and you like the simplicity of buying low and selling high — it’s time to start looking for more items to flip for a profit.

Some common places to start include:

If you love the thrill of the treasure hunt, this is a great side hustle.

For example, my friends Rob and Melissa Stephenson consistently earn thousands of dollars a month, flipping items part-time!

They put together this free training on how to get started and make your first sales in as little as 2 weeks.

Final Thoughts on The Best Things to Sell to Make Money

Selling things you already have is one of the fastest ways to make extra money.

Dig through your garage, take a hard look at your closet, and explore every nook and cranny of your attic. You might be surprised at the treasures that you have tucked away!

But remember, it takes more than just finding valuable things to sell to make money. You also need to know your audience, set competitive prices, and list your items on the appropriate platforms.

Still, it’s a rewarding way to declutter, make some extra cash, and maybe even start a new side hustle!

*************Big thanks to Daniel Anderson for helping research and draft this post. Daniel’s a marketing expert who writes about building, buying, and scaling businesses. Learn how to turn ideas into income and plan for financial freedom with the step-by-step guides at TheMoneyManiac.com.