Ever wondered what treasures could be hiding in your basement? Most of us have a tendency to throw items we no longer use or have outgrown into the basement, only to forget about them completely. However, what you may not realize is that some of these items could be worth a pretty penny.
If you’re in need of some extra cash or just want to declutter your life, it might be time to venture into your basement and see what valuable items you can find. Here are 12 things I found in my basement that turned out to be worth selling.
1. Vintage Electronics
Vintage electronics, especially gaming consoles, can be worth a considerable amount of money to collectors. The Atari 2600, for instance, can fetch up to $500 if it’s in working condition and you have some of the original games.
Not only does this bring back a wave of nostalgia for many, but it is also a part of gaming history, making it a unique piece for collectors. If you have any old gaming consoles, computers, or electronics lying around, it’s definitely worth checking their value online.
2. Vinyl Records
Vinyl records have made a massive comeback in recent years, and some can be worth a lot of money. If you have a collection of old records gathering dust in your basement, you could be sitting on a goldmine.
The worth of a vinyl record depends on several factors including rarity, artist, and condition. For instance, a mint condition, first press of The Beatles’ “White Album” could sell for thousands of dollars. Even if you don’t have any rare gems, selling your old records could still bring in some extra cash.
3. Vintage Toys
My old original Star Wars action figures made my list of items worth selling. As it turns out, vintage toys, especially those tied to popular franchises, can be incredibly valuable.
If you have kept your toys in good condition and still have the original packaging, you could be looking at a significant payout. For example, an original 1978 Luke Skywalker action figure recently sold for over $25,000! Whether it’s Star Wars, Barbie, or Hot Wheels, your old toys could be worth more than you think.
4. Old Books
In my basement, I unearthed a box of old books that I had inherited from my grandmother. Old books, especially first editions or those by well-known authors, can be worth a lot of money.
For instance, a first edition of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” recently sold for over $300,000. Even if your books aren’t that valuable, they could still fetch a decent price. If you have old books lying around, it’s worth checking their value.
5. Antique Furniture
When I moved into my current home, the previous owner had left behind some antique furniture in the basement. Antique furniture, especially pieces in good condition or from well-known manufacturers, can be worth a lot of money.
For instance, a piece of Stickley furniture can fetch thousands of dollars. If you have any old furniture, it’s worth getting it appraised.
6. Comic Books
My childhood comic book collection was another item I found in my basement that was worth selling. Old comic books, especially those that feature the first appearance of popular characters, can be worth a lot of money.
For example, a pristine copy of “Action Comics #1” – the first appearance of Superman – recently sold for over $3 million. Even if your comics aren’t that valuable, there’s still a healthy market for old comic books.
7. Stamps and Coins
Stamps and coins might seem like insignificant items, but they can be worth a lot of money. I found an old stamp album and coin collection in my basement that turned out to be quite valuable.
Rare stamps and coins can fetch a high price among collectors. For instance, the rare 1856 One Cent Magenta stamp sold for a whopping $9.5 million in 2014. Even common coins and stamps can be worth more than their face value if they’re old or rare.
8. Vintage Clothing
While digging through the basement, I found a box of my mother’s old clothes from the 1960s and 70s. Vintage clothing, especially designer pieces or items in good condition, can be worth a lot of money.
For instance, a vintage Chanel dress can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Even if you don’t have designer clothes, vintage items from popular eras like the 60s and 70s can still be quite valuable.
9. Musical Instruments
An old guitar that I had forgotten about was discovered in my basement. Musical instruments, especially if they are vintage or rare, can be worth a lot of money.
For example, a 1959 Gibson Les Paul guitar can fetch up to $300,000. Even if you don’t have a rare instrument, selling your old musical gear could still earn you a decent chunk of change.
10. Sports Memorabilia
My old baseball card collection was another item I found in my basement that was worth selling. Sports memorabilia, especially rare or signed items, can fetch a high price.
For example, a baseball card featuring Honus Wagner, a Hall of Fame shortstop from the early 20th century, recently sold for over $3 million. Even if your memorabilia isn’t that valuable, there’s a healthy market for vintage sports items.
11. Old Magazines and Newspapers
While cleaning out my basement, I found a stack of old Life magazines and newspapers from significant dates. Old magazines and newspapers can be worth money, especially if they feature important events or popular figures.
For instance, an original New York Times paper from the day after the sinking of the Titanic can fetch up to $500. If you have any old publications lying around, it could be worth seeing what they’re worth.
12. Old Tools
Last but not least, I found a set of old woodworking tools in my basement. Old tools can be worth a significant amount, especially if they’re in good working order or are from a desirable era or maker.
For example, antique Stanley planes can sell for hundreds of dollars each. Even if you don’t have any rare tools, selling your old equipment could still earn you some extra cash.
So, next time you’re wondering how to make a little extra money, consider raiding your basement. You never know what treasures you might find!