Whether it’s helping ends meet, saving for a vacation, or paying off some debts, many of us are looking for ways to make a little extra cash, and there’s no better place to look than in our own homes. Basements, garages, and attics are often used for storage, and many things are forgotten. You may even have some things around the home that are worth money, which you see or use every day.
Some of these items may be in our attic, a storage unit, or a closet. If you haven’t taken inventory of these for some time, now would be a good time to do so. There could be some hidden gems there that you never thought could be worth anything when the reverse may be true.
With this in mind, we put together a list of 16 surprising items in your home that could be secret gold mines. Check them out and see if you have any of these items tucked away.
Typewriters
Many homes had a typewriter at some point; if you’re lucky, one may still be in storage somewhere. Old typewriters are highly collectible, and some can be worth a good amount of money, especially pre-1940s models in good condition.
Kitchenware
Have you inherited some hand-me-down kitchenware from your grandparents? If so, it could be worth a lot of money. Pyrex is a popular brand with a following of collectors, and some vintage pieces could sell for $2,000 or more.
Toys and Games
Vintage board games and toys, especially those in their original packaging, are highly collectible, especially those from the 1970s through the 1990s.
Vinyl Records
Not all vinyl is worth a lot of money, but limited editions, first pressings, and albums with printing errors can be extremely valuable.
Vintage Furniture
Home decor trends come and go, much like fashion. Popular furniture from the ’60s and ’70s is now making a comeback.
Old Cameras
If you have an old camera lying around that you can’t buy film for anymore, don’t throw it away. Clean it up and get it appraised. Photography enthusiasts often look for rare vintage models to use as decor.
First Edition Books
Not every first edition will be valuable. Classics and rarer finds sell for the most. But, if you have a stack of books in the attic, check the copyright pages to see if they are first editions, and if they are, get them valued.
Vacuum Cleaners
Yes, even vintage vacuum cleaners can fetch a few dollars. Of course, it depends on the make and model. For example, the proudly pink Hoover 738 from the 1960s is considered highly collectible.
Magazines & Other Printed Media
Printed media like magazines, programs, and newspapers can be worth a lot of money depending on factors like age, condition, rarity, and number of issues. Look for ones that have been around for decades or are no longer printed.
Beanie Babies
Remember the Beanie Baby craze in the 90s? Today, they may not be worth thousands of dollars, but a rare Beanie Baby like the Princess Diana bear, in good condition with the tag, is still worth a decent amount.
VHS Tapes
Of course, it depends on the film and the condition, but the number of people collecting VHS tapes is booming. Unopened videos in pristine condition can sell for a high price, especially titles like Rambo, Superman, The Goonies, and Star Wars.
Old Currency & Coins
Vintage currency and rare coins are highly collectible. Especially if they are in mint condition or are from years of historical significance.
Retro T-Shirts
Old t-shirts, especially advertising and concert shirts and those with cool designs, are back in fashion and could be worth much more than you originally paid for them. For example, a Prince shirt sold for over $300 on Poshmark.
Old Stamps
I remember collecting stamps as a child, and believe it or not, stamp collecting is still popular. Hundreds of rare stamps are listed on eBay and other auction sites. So, if you have any old letters, look at the stamp and see if it’s worth anything.
Old China
Old china, pottery, and dinnerware usually have an embossed sign underneath, which could indicate their collectibility. Fine bone china by designers such as Wedgewood, Shelley, and Royal Doulton is very collectible.
Flip Clocks
Do you remember the old clocks where the numbers flipped? Believe it or not, they are highly collectible today. These clocks pre-date digital models, and some models include radios.
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Source: 16 Surprising Items in Your Home That Are Secret Gold Mines
