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You don’t have to be a collector or hoarder to have several valuable things in your home. We all accrue many items over the years, some of which could be worth money. Even some everyday household items can be valuable, especially to collectors.
To help determine whether any of your household items are valuable to collectors, we’ve assembled a list of 18 everyday items you likely have in your house. Check out this list and see if any of your items are ready to be turned into money.
Original Tupperware
Tupperware has had a dedicated following for many years. Many Tupperware collectors search thrift shops and auction sites for vintage pieces today. You won’t become a millionaire selling vintage Tupperware, but some original pieces can sell for $50 or more.
Old Watches and Clocks
Even if they no longer work, old watches and clocks may be valuable to collectors. People often look for specific brands, and, of course, some brands are worth more than others. Watch and clock makers may also be interested in purchasing vintage pieces to repair, sell, or use for parts.
Silverware
Many families have silverware only used during special occasions or kept in a china cabinet. Many pieces of silverware are passed down through generations, and vintage silverware can be worth a lot of money.
Porcelain Tableware
You may find some vintage porcelain dinnerware gathering dust in a china cabinet or kitchen cupboard. But those fancy old plates and cups can be worth thousands of dollars. If you aren’t sure if you have anything of value, do some research online or take it to an antique shop for an appraisal.
Depression Glass
Specific colors and patterns of depression glass are more valuable than others, but all depression glass has some value. One precious pattern is the American sweetheart pattern in cobalt blue or ruby red. A single piece can sell for up to $75, and complete sets can sell for $400 or more.
Old Mobile Phones
Almost everyone has at least one or two old mobile phones buried in a drawer somewhere. But did you know they could be worth some money? Old mobile phones usually contain precious metals like copper, silver, and even gold. Some companies will buy them to recover the metals.
Cookie Jars
Many people collect cookie jars, and some are worth a lot of money. Some of the most collectible are jars from the 1940s and 50s. But jars shaped like popular figures, like cartoon characters, are also highly collectible.
Vintage Crayola
If you have an old box of Crayola crayons or markers, it could be worth some money. Discontinued items like the Crayola OverWriters markers are worth more than items you can still purchase, but any box of vintage Crayola in good condition may have some value. You can even get a book about it titled A Century of Crayola Collectibles.
Christmas Ornaments
Vintage Christmas ornaments in good condition can be worth hundreds. Some of the most valuable are hand-blown glass balls from Germany, created around the mid-1800s. More recently, Hallmark Keepsake ornaments from the 1970s and 80s are also highly collectible.
Vintage Cereal Boxes
If you find a stack of old cereal boxes in the basement, don’t throw them away. Believe it or not, some collectors will pay a lot of money for them. A vintage, 2004 Kellogg’s SpongeBob SquarePants Movie cereal box sold on eBay for $1,000..
Old Bottles and Jars
The value of old bottles and jars varies greatly depending on their condition. Some pieces may only be worth a few dollars, but others could be worth thousands. The older and rarer the items, the more they will be worth.
Cassette Tapes
Cassette tapes lost their popularity when CDs were introduced, and nobody thought they’d regain it. But as they become rarer, they are also becoming more collectible. A tape of Prince’s The Artist recently sold for over $4,000.
Old Jewelry
Outdated or broken jewelry can still hold some value. Precious metals like silver and gold can be sold for their weight, and the gemstones can be reused. Even costume jewelry can be collectible and worth some money. So before you throw away that old jewelry, have it appraised to see if it’s worth anything.
Jadeite Kitchenware
Characterized by its beautiful sea-foam green color, Jadeite kitchenware from the 1940s has become very collectible. Rarer pieces, like a salt and pepper shaker set or a bread loaf pan, can sell for $200 or more, and complete sets can sell for much more.
Vintage Rocking Chairs
Rocking chairs were first made in the 1700s to help put babies to sleep, and modern versions are still used by moms today for the same reason. If you’re lucky enough to have a vintage rocking chair at home, it could be worth a few thousand dollars depending on age, make, and manufacturer.
Gibson and Fender Guitars
Vintage guitars from Gibson and Fender can be worth some serious money. They are, by far, the two most recognized brands, which helps fuel their popularity. Value will vary depending on factors like age and condition, but some pieces, like a vintage Gibson Les Paul from the 50s, can be worth hundreds of thousands.
Old Microphones
Musicians, music producers, and other collectors may be interested in vintage microphones, even if they don’t work. Rare pieces, like the 1940s Neumann U-47, are worth thousands of dollars, but more common models can still be worth around $50.
Vintage Luggage
Vintage luggage made by designers like Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Hartmann, Goyard, and many more is highly collectible and keeps its value well. Of course, its value will depend on more than the designer. Style, rarity, condition, and age also affect the value.
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