Emily Flores
We’ve all been there—standing in front of a cluttered drawer or a forgotten box in the attic, ready to toss everything in the trash without a second thought. But hold up! Some of those dusty old items might be worth more than you realize. Here’s a list of things you should definitely keep around.
Military Memorabilia
Grandpa’s old medals and faded uniforms might seem like sentimental clutter, but collectors go wild for military memorabilia. So, before you chuck it in the bin, maybe Google it first—you might be sitting on a piece of wartime gold (not literally, but close enough!).
Light Fixtures
Ever noticed those funky, retro light fixtures hanging out in older homes? Well, it turns out they’re back in style! Mid-century modern lovers and antique collectors will gladly pay top dollar for a chandelier that looks straight out of “The Jetsons.”
Cast Iron Items
Step away from the trash can! That rusty cast iron pan? Yeah, the one that’s been hiding in the back of your kitchen cupboard since who-knows-when—it’s a keeper. Cast iron lasts forever, and with a little TLC, it can look as good as new.
Copper Pipes
So, you’ve finally gotten around to that bathroom remodel, and now you’ve got a pile of old copper pipes lying around. Don’t let them go to waste! Copper is one of those sneaky metals that people will happily pay for, whether it’s repurposed into trendy home décor or sold for scrap.
Vintage Appliances
That old toaster you inherited from your parents? It’s probably valued above your modern one! Collectors love classic appliances, especially if they’re still functional. They just don’t make them like they used to, and that retro flair is in high demand.
Artwork
Before you write off that weird painting you found in your grandparents’ attic as “not my style,” take a closer look. Art is one of those things that appreciates in value, especially if the artist turns out to be someone famous or their work becomes trendy again.
Leaded Glass
Those colorful, leaded glass windows you’ve been thinking about replacing? Hold your horses! Leaded glass is a big deal in the world of antiques and home restoration. It brings that old-world charm that’s hard to recreate with modern glass. Check with a local antique shop before you toss it out.
Vintage Bath Fixtures
If you are considering updating your bathroom with some sleek, modern fixtures, that’s cool—but don’t throw the old ones away just yet. Timeless bath fixtures, like clawfoot tubs and ornate faucets, are hot commodities for home renovators looking for that retro charm.
Jewelry and Watches
Okay, this one’s a no-brainer, but it’s still worth mentioning. Don’t write off grandma’s old jewelry as a pile of costume bling. Antique jewelry and watches, especially anything with gold, silver, or precious stones, can cost a small fortune.
Coins
Got a jar of old coins somewhere? Don’t spend them just yet! Some coins, especially older ones or the ones with rare mint marks, can be estimated much more than their face value. Those strange foreign coins you picked up on vacation could also be valuable to an enthusiast.
Silverware
Sure, your grandma’s fancy silverware set looks like a pain to polish, but don’t be so quick to get rid of it. Sterling silver flatware is a hot item for aficionados and can bring in some serious cash. Even if it’s not pure silver, the set’s retro charm might make it priced higher than you think.
Vintage Toys
Classic toys, especially the ones in good condition or original packaging, can fetch a pretty penny at auctions or online. From action figures to board games, your childhood clutter might be someone else’s treasure.
Old Stationery
We know what you’re thinking—who wants old pens? But vintage stationery, particularly fountain pens, has a surprising following. Those old pens and pencils made before the invention of the ballpoint pen fetch a fort,une and some fountain pens also come with gold nibs.
Old Smoking Pipes
Even if you’ve sworn off smoking, that old pipe collection from your great-uncle might still be valuable to hold onto. Antique pipes, especially ones made from meerschaum or briar wood, are sometimes more valuable than novel pipes—and people love to collect them.
Photography Equipment
If you’ve got a dusty old camera sitting around, don’t assume it’s valueless. Dated photography equipment, from old film cameras to lenses, can cost a lot of money to the right buyer. In a world where everything’s gone digital, people love the charm of analog photography.