18 Best Things To Sell To Make Money

Remember that closet you avoid opening because stuff might fall out? Your untidy garage filled with “someday I’ll use this” items?

Those forgotten corners are actually goldmines waiting to be discovered. Things to sell to make money literally surround you every single day.

Last spring, I challenged myself to find $500 worth of sellable items in my house. Three weeks later, I had $847 in my PayPal account from selling stuff I’d forgotten I owned.

The best part? My house looked amazing afterward, and I finally found my dining table under all those old magazines.

Turning clutter into cash requires shifting your perspective from “worthless junk” to “someone else’s treasure.” Ready to discover which everyday items sitting in your home could fund your next vacation?

18 Best Things To Sell To Make Money

Your home contains more valuable items than you realize. These proven sellers consistently generate cash for people who recognize their hidden worth and know where to find buyers.

1. Cell Phones

Old smartphones retain surprising value even when you upgrade to newer models. Tech-hungry consumers constantly seek affordable alternatives to expensive retail prices.

Trade-in programs at Best Buy accept devices in various conditions, offering store credit or cash depending on model and functionality.

Online marketplaces like Gazelle, Swappa, and eBay connect you with buyers seeking specific phone models and brands.

Condition assessment dramatically affects value. Working phones with minimal scratches command premium prices, while broken devices still offer parts value to repair shops.

Data wiping becomes crucial before selling. Factory reset your phone and remove all personal information to protect privacy and prepare devices for new owners.

2. Clothes And Accessories

Brand-name clothing maintains resale value far longer than fast fashion pieces, especially designer jeans, luxury handbags, and vintage items from recognizable labels.

Seasonal timing affects sales success. Market winter coats in fall, swimwear in spring, and holiday party dresses before December celebrations.

Platform selection depends on item value and target audience. Poshmark suits trendy fashion, TheRealReal handles luxury consignment, and ThredUp accepts everyday brands.

Presentation quality influences selling prices significantly. Clean, pressed, and professionally photographed clothing sells faster and commands higher prices than wrinkled items in poor lighting.

Authentication matters for designer pieces. Buyers scrutinize luxury items carefully, so provide detailed photos, original receipts, and authenticity cards when available.

3. Jewelry

Precious metals like gold and silver maintain inherent value regardless of style or age. Current metal prices determine base values for jewelry pieces.

Diamond jewelry requires professional appraisal for accurate pricing. Factors like cut, clarity, carat, and color significantly impact resale values.

Vintage pieces from recognizable designers or specific eras often exceed their metal value due to collector interest and historical significance.

Local jewelers provide immediate cash offers but typically pay wholesale prices. Online platforms like Worthy auction jewelry to multiple buyers for potentially higher returns.

Documentation importance includes original receipts, certificates, and appraisal reports that verify authenticity and quality grades for potential buyers.

4. Furniture

Solid wood furniture holds value better than particle board pieces. Mid-century modern, antiques, and designer brands command premium resale prices.

Refinishing potential transforms damaged furniture into profitable projects. Sand, stain, and update hardware to create attractive pieces buyers desire.

Local sales through Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist eliminate shipping costs while allowing buyers to inspect items personally.

Staging photos in attractive settings help buyers visualize furniture in their homes. Clean backgrounds and good lighting showcase pieces effectively.

Pricing research through sold listings reveals realistic market values for similar pieces in your area and condition grade.

5. Books

College textbooks represent goldmines for students and recent graduates. Specialized, current edition textbooks often sell for hundreds of dollars.

First editions and rare books appeal to collectors willing to pay premium prices for specific titles in excellent condition.

Platform comparison shows Amazon offers broad reach, AbeBooks targets collectors, and campus bookstores buy current textbooks.

Condition standards vary by platform and book type. Academic texts focus on content completeness while collectibles demand pristine condition.

ISBN lookup tools quickly identify valuable books in your collection by scanning barcodes and checking current market prices.

6. School Supplies

Quality backpacks from brands like JanSport, North Face, and Patagonia maintain strong resale values throughout their useful lives.

Specialty supplies including graphing calculators, art materials, and scientific instruments retain value due to high original costs.

Back-to-school timing creates peak demand during summer months when parents shop for upcoming school years.

Bundle selling combines related items like binders, pencil cases, and supplies for higher total values than individual sales.

Age appropriateness matches supplies with target grade levels for maximum appeal to parent shoppers seeking specific items.

7. Crafts

Handmade items tap into consumers’ desires for unique, personal products unavailable in mass retail stores.

Material costs should represent no more than 30% of selling prices to ensure profitable crafting ventures.

Market research through Etsy reveals popular trends, pricing strategies, and successful product categories in handmade markets.

Photography skills become essential for craft sales since buyers can’t examine items physically before purchasing online.

Production scaling requires systems thinking to create multiple items efficiently while maintaining quality standards customers expect.

8. Holiday Decorations

Seasonal storage challenges make many people willing to buy decorations rather than storing items year-round in limited space.

Quality decorations from department stores retain more value than dollar store items, especially outdoor lights and animated figures.

Post-holiday timing offers buying opportunities when retailers discount inventory, creating resale opportunities for next season.

Theme collections sell better than random individual pieces. Complete sets of matching ornaments or coordinated decorating schemes attract buyers.

Storage solutions become selling points when you include original boxes or storage containers with decoration purchases.

9. Bedding Sets

Thread count and fabric quality determine bedding values. High-quality cotton, bamboo, and linen bedding maintains resale appeal.

Complete sets including sheets, pillowcases, and comforters sell better than individual pieces missing components.

Size accuracy becomes crucial since bedding must fit specific mattress dimensions. Verify measurements before listing items for sale.

Cleanliness standards require professional cleaning or thorough washing before selling to ensure items appear fresh and hygienic.

Brand recognition helps bedding from companies like Pottery Barn, West Elm, and Restoration Hardware command higher resale prices.

10. Lamps

Unique designs stand out in resale markets where mass-produced items compete primarily on price rather than style.

Working condition verification prevents customer disappointment and returns. Test all electrical components before listing lamps for sale.

Style matching helps buyers envision lamps in their decorating schemes. Describe style categories like modern, traditional, or industrial clearly.

Safety considerations include checking electrical cords, plugs, and switches for damage that could create hazards for new owners.

Local pickup eliminates shipping damage risks while allowing buyers to examine lamp condition and operation personally.

11. Dishes

Complete sets command higher prices than individual pieces due to replacement difficulty and aesthetic coordination requirements.

Pattern research identifies discontinued or collectible patterns that appeal to specific buyer groups seeking matching pieces.

Condition grading should note chips, cracks, or staining that affects both function and appearance for potential buyers.

Packaging expertise prevents damage during shipping while keeping costs reasonable for both sellers and buyers.

Market segments include everyday users seeking affordable dinnerware and collectors pursuing specific brands or patterns.

12. Artwork

Original pieces hold more value than mass-produced prints, especially when you can document the artist’s identity and background.

Local art scenes provide markets for regional artists and themes that resonate with area collectors and decorators.

Framing quality affects presentation and perceived value. Professional framing increases appeal but adds to initial costs.

Authentication challenges require documentation for valuable pieces, while amateur art focuses on aesthetic appeal rather than investment potential.

Online galleries like Saatchi Art and Artfinder connect artists with global buyers seeking original artwork.

13. Game Consoles

Retro gaming markets appreciate older consoles from Nintendo, Sega, and Sony that younger gamers want to experience.

Complete systems including controllers, cables, and popular games sell for higher total values than consoles alone.

Working condition verification prevents returns and negative feedback from buyers expecting functional gaming equipment.

Cleaning importance makes consoles more appealing while ensuring proper function of disc drives and cartridge slots.

Market timing around holidays and new console releases creates opportunities as parents seek affordable gaming options.

14. Scrap Metal

Metal identification helps you separate valuable copper, brass, and aluminum from less valuable steel and iron materials.

Scrap yards provide immediate cash for metal materials but require sorting and cleaning for best prices.

Price fluctuations in metal markets affect scrap values, so timing sales during price peaks maximizes earnings.

Transportation considerations include vehicle capacity and fuel costs when hauling heavy materials to recycling centers.

Safety protocols require proper handling of sharp edges, heavy materials, and potentially contaminated items.

15. Old Cars

Running vehicles obviously command higher prices than non-functioning cars, but even non-runners have parts and scrap value.

Documentation importance includes titles, maintenance records, and registration information that facilitate legitimate transfers.

Market research through Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds provides realistic pricing expectations based on make, model, year, and condition.

Preparation efforts like cleaning, minor repairs, and detailing can significantly increase perceived value and buyer interest.

Sales platforms include AutoTrader, Cars.com, and Carvana for broad market exposure.

16. Appliances

Working condition remains the primary factor affecting appliance values since buyers need functional replacements for broken units.

Energy efficiency ratings appeal to cost-conscious buyers seeking lower utility bills from newer, efficient models.

Size measurements prevent buyer disappointment when appliances must fit specific spaces in kitchens, laundry rooms, or other areas.

Local sales avoid shipping damage and costs while allowing buyers to test appliance operation before purchase.

Age considerations affect warranty coverage and expected remaining lifespan that influences buyer willingness to pay asking prices.

17. Sports Equipment

Seasonal demand creates opportunities to sell winter sports gear before ski season and summer equipment before warm weather activities.

Brand recognition helps equipment from Nike, Adidas, and specialized sports companies maintain higher resale values.

Size accuracy becomes crucial for equipment like bicycles, skis, and golf clubs where proper fit affects performance and safety.

Condition honesty prevents returns and builds seller reputation by accurately describing wear, damage, or needed repairs.

Local sports communities provide targeted markets through team parents, league organizers, and sporting goods stores.

18. Musical Instruments

Quality instruments from recognized manufacturers retain value better than beginner models or unknown brands.

Playable condition ensures instruments function properly for musicians seeking affordable alternatives to new equipment prices.

Accessories value includes cases, stands, sheet music, and other items that complement instrument sales.

Local music scenes connect sellers with students, teachers, and performers actively seeking specific instruments.

Online markets like Reverb specialize in musical instruments and reach dedicated musician audiences worldwide.

Ever wonder why some people consistently profit from selling while others struggle? The difference lies in understanding buyer psychology and market dynamics rather than just posting items randomly.

Final Thoughts

Things to sell to make money exist throughout your home, waiting for you to recognize their value and find the right buyers.

Success requires market research, honest condition assessment, and strategic platform selection rather than wishful thinking about unrealistic prices.

Consistency beats perfectionism when selling household items. Start with obvious candidates like unused electronics or outgrown clothing rather than paralyzed by endless possibilities.

Documentation and presentation separate successful sellers from frustrated amateurs. Invest time in quality photos, accurate descriptions, and proper packaging for professional results.

It funded a weekend getaway that created memories worth far more than the stuff gathering dust in my closet 🙂

What item will you start with? Choose something easy to photograph and ship, then build your selling skills and confidence from that first successful transaction.