When you walk into an estate sale, you expect to find some hidden gems or useful items, but sometimes the offerings can be a little disappointing. Not everything at these sales is worth your time or money, especially when it’s clear some things should’ve been cleared out long ago.
Knowing which items to skip can save you frustration and help you focus on what really matters. This guide will point out the estate sale items that honestly should’ve been donated ages ago instead of cluttering up the sale.
Worn-out bed sheets
You might spot bed sheets at estate sales that look like they’ve seen better days. When sheets are thin, faded, or have stains, they’re usually not worth buying.
Using old sheets can be unhygienic and uncomfortable. You’re better off skipping these and saving your money for items in better condition. If you want to donate, make sure your sheets are clean and gently used. Otherwise, they’ll just end up tossed out.
Old VHS movie tapes
You probably have a box of old VHS tapes lying around. Most people don’t use VHS players anymore, so these tapes usually just collect dust.
If you want to get rid of them, donating is a good option. Some places even accept them to convert into DVDs or repurpose the tapes into crafts like bags.
Selling them can be tricky since most aren’t worth much, but occasionally rare titles do have some value. Just don’t expect to make a fortune from them.
Used stuffed animals
If you come across used stuffed animals at an estate sale, think twice before buying. They often carry stains, odors, or wear that make them less appealing.
These items usually don’t hold much resale value. Plus, many people prefer new ones for hygiene reasons.
Donating gently used stuffed animals to a local charity or shelter is often a better option than letting them clutter sales.
Broken computer keyboards
If you come across a pile of broken computer keyboards at an estate sale, they usually don’t hold much value. Most people won’t want to deal with repairing them or sorting through broken keys.
You might consider recycling them instead of trying to sell or keep them. Unless you have a creative plan like making art, these keyboards are better off donated or discarded. Hoarding stacks of them rarely pays off.
Outdated printer cartridges
If you come across old printer cartridges at an estate sale, they’ve probably been sitting unused for years. Most cartridges have a shelf life, and beyond that, the ink often dries up or clogs.
You might think they’re valuable, but many places won’t accept expired cartridges for recycling or reuse. It’s usually better to donate newer cartridges or recycle old ones properly instead of holding on to the outdated ones.
Torn or stained towels
When you spot torn or stained towels at an estate sale, it’s usually best to skip them. Towels like these don’t hold much resale value and won’t be very useful around your home either.
Instead, consider donating old towels to animal shelters or cleaning facilities. That way, you help out where they can actually be put to work without cluttering your space.
Cheap costume jewelry
You’ll often find piles of cheap costume jewelry at estate sales. Most pieces look flashy but hold little real value.
If you’re hoping to score something special, be ready to sift through a lot of pieces that were probably meant to get tossed or donated long ago.
Sometimes it’s better to skip these unless you want them for fun or craft projects. Just don’t expect any hidden treasures here.
Dried-up pens and markers
You’ve probably seen those old pens and markers that have long lost their ink. They sit in drawers or boxes, taking up space but not writing a single word.
At estate sales, these dried-up pens rarely have value and are better off donated or tossed. Holding onto them only adds clutter with no real use. If you want to keep writing tools, fresh ink works better and saves frustration.
Expired cleaning products
If you find cleaning products at an estate sale, check the expiration date. Using old or expired cleaners can be ineffective or even unsafe.
You might think they’re a steal, but expired products could cause damage or leave residue. It’s better to stick with fresh supplies for your home.
Don’t bring expired cleaners home. Toss them instead to avoid wasting time and effort on something that won’t work.
Rusty lawn tools
You know those old gardening tools covered in rust? They often show up at estate sales, but they’re usually past the point of being useful.
Unless you’re really into restoration, rusty lawn tools just take up space. Donating or recycling them is a better move since most people won’t want to buy gear that needs serious work.
Holding onto them hoping to fix them later usually just ends with frustration and clutter.
Faded patio furniture cushions
You know those old patio cushions that have seen better days? If the colors are washed out and the fabric feels rough, it’s time to let them go.
Holding onto cushions like that doesn’t add value, and they won’t be comfortable for anyone. Donating is better if they’re still in decent shape, but often, faded cushions just end up as clutter.
Cracked ceramic mugs
If you find cracked ceramic mugs at an estate sale, they’re usually not worth keeping. Cracks can harbor bacteria and make the mug unsafe to use.
You might feel attached, but these mugs often end up unused or just collecting dust. It’s better to donate or recycle them instead.
Sometimes, mugs have sentimental value, but for practical purposes, cracked ones should be passed along rather than kept.
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