10 Old Household Items You Can Sell (and How to Maximize What You Make From Them)

It’s sometimes hard to believe that the things collecting dust in our homes are actually worth a lot of money. In fact, your old toys, books, and appliances could net you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. But to maximize what you make from them, you’ll need some advice.

The used market has exploded in popularity over the last decade, and you can take advantage of that by selling your household items. Here are 10 old items you can sell for a decent profit.

If you have a collection of video games, sell or trade them at a local gaming store or through online sites like eBay and Gameflip. Be sure to research what similar titles have sold for recently, as this ensures your games are consistent with the market and sell for much more. 

Many of us use fashion to feel like our authentic selves, but eventually, we’ll rotate old pieces for something new. Used clothing is becoming increasingly popular online, and sites such as Depop allow users from around the world to buy and sell fashion items in an easy-to-use app format. 

Whether they’re serious readers or casual book lovers, there are plenty of people who purchase used novels. Consider using sites like Decluttr, where customers look specifically for used books they can't find anywhere else. This can maximize the amount of money you can get. 

Have some old appliances lying around? Instead of tossing them, you can use their spare parts and sell them for scrap metal. There are plenty of ways to maximize the value of your scrap metal, including taking your appliances to the right shop and cleaning each part carefully.

If you have a couple of musical instruments lying around the house that aren't being used anymore, they can be sold for a profit. Avoid selling your instruments at a pawn shop or thrift store, as you’ll probably lose money. Stick to used sites like eBay, Craigslist, or Reverb instead. 

Used furniture is quite easy to sell online, as there are countless websites that specialize in home decor. Offer Up and eBay are great places to start, but Facebook Marketplace may be your best bet. All options will help you get more out of that last season’s coffee table or couch! 

Selling barely used kitchen appliances and gadgets can be a great way to start clearing out your cabinets. Consider checking out classified sites in your area. There, you can list large items, like mixers or toaster ovens, and smaller utensils, like whisks, graters, or a fork and knife set! 

It can sometimes be difficult letting go of sentimental items, but there are still many people who are willing to invest in quality toys. Websites such as Amazon are perfect for selling old Barbies, Pokemon cards, Lego, Star Wars action figures, Beanie Babies, and My Little Pony toys.

Used electronics are always in high demand, from cameras to cell phones to computers to tablets. However, not all used electronics are worth selling online. Some items that frequently sell include CRT televisions, older game systems, boomboxes, iPhones, Walkmans, and VCRs. 

Local artist markets may be looking for unique pieces that are either difficult to find or unique. Art galleries often offer fair commission rates for artwork featured on their walls, so keep your eye out for pop-up art events! If you’re artistic, this could be used as a passive income stream.