We’ve all been there. In a fit of spring cleaning or overwhelmed by the urge to declutter, we purge our homes of all things unnecessary. We load up the car with boxes full of “stuff” and drop them off at the local charity shop with a sigh of relief. But, have you ever looked back and wished you hadn’t been so hasty? I sure have. This is my list of the items I regret donating and wish I could have a second chance with.
1. Vinyl Records
Who knew vinyl would make such a comeback? I certainly didn’t when I parted ways with my extensive collection of records. Now, with turntables becoming increasingly popular, I miss the warm, rich sound that only vinyl can provide.
Not only that, but some records have gone on to become collector’s items, fetching quite a price. For instance, the Beatles’ ‘White Album’ has been known to sell for thousands of dollars. So, if you are considering donating your vinyl, take a moment to assess their potential worth.
2. Vintage Clothes
In my early twenties, I owned an enviable collection of vintage clothing, from flapper dresses to 70s bell-bottoms. Regrettably, I donated most of them to make space in my wardrobe.
Vintage fashion is cyclical and what was once considered outdated can suddenly be the height of trendiness. Just look at the resurgence of 90s fashion trends! Plus, vintage clothes can be valuable. For instance, a classic Chanel suit can fetch a hefty price. So think twice before discarding that old-fashioned frock.
3. Old Magazines
Who would have thought that old magazines could be valuable? I certainly didn’t when I tossed out stacks of vintage Vogue and National Geographic.
Some editions of these publications are now worth a pretty penny to collectors. For instance, the first-ever issue of Playboy, featuring Marilyn Monroe, is worth up to $3,000! So, before you recycle those old glossies, it might be worth checking their potential value.
4. Classic Books
During a major decluttering spree, I donated a pile of old books which included first editions of some classic novels. I now wish I hadn’t been so hasty.
Classic books, particularly first editions, can increase in value over time. For example, a first edition of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” sold for over $300,000 at auction! So if you’ve got some old classics gathering dust on your bookshelf, it might be worthwhile to research their value before sending them off to the charity shop.
5. Vintage Toys
Childhood toys often hold sentimental value, but they can also hold monetary value. I donated quite a few of my old toys, including original Star Wars figures and Barbie dolls.
These toys can now sell for hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. For instance, an original 1978 Luke Skywalker action figure recently sold for over $25,000! So, if you’re thinking about donating your old toys, consider their potential value first.
6. Antique Furniture
I once owned a beautiful Art Deco armoire that I regretfully donated during a move. I now know that antique furniture can be worth a lot of money.
For example, a Chippendale-style chest of drawers recently sold for over $1 million. So if you’re considering donating antique furniture, it may be worth getting it appraised first.
7. Stamp Collection
Stamps were a big part of my childhood, and I had quite a collection. However, thinking they were of no value, I donated them.
Little did I know that some old stamps can be worth a fortune. For instance, the British Guiana 1c Magenta stamp sold for nearly $10 million in 2014! So if you have an old stamp collection, consider getting it evaluated before parting with it.
8. Vintage Cameras
I used to have an old Leica camera that I donated because I thought it was worthless. I now know that vintage cameras can be highly sought after by collectors.
For example, a rare Leica camera from 1923 sold for a staggering $2.8 million in 2018. So, if you have an old camera sitting in your attic, it might be worth more than you think.
9. Old Coins
Old coins can be worth much more than their face value. I once donated a jar full of old coins, not knowing their potential worth.
For instance, the 1913 Liberty Head nickel sold for over $3.7 million in 2010. So if you have a stash of old coins, it may be worth getting them appraised before donating them.
10. Comic Books
What I wouldn’t give to have my old comic book collection back. I donated them thinking they were just old pieces of paper.
I was wrong. Some comic books, like the first edition of Action Comics featuring Superman, can sell for millions. So before you donate your old comic books, check to see if you have any valuable ones.
11. Vintage Posters
I once had a collection of vintage movie posters that I donated. I didn’t realize that they could be valuable.
Original movie posters, especially those from classic films, can be worth a lot of money. For example, an original poster for the 1932 film “The Mummy” sold for over $1.2 million. So think twice before getting rid of old posters.
12. Antique Jewelry
I donated some old pieces of jewelry, thinking they were just costume jewelry. But some old jewelry can be worth a lot of money.
For instance, a brooch from the 19th century could be worth thousands of dollars. So if you have old jewelry lying around, it may be worth getting it appraised before donating it.
13. Old Letters and Postcards
I once had a box of old letters and postcards that I donated. I didn’t realize that they could have historical significance or value.
For example, a handwritten letter by Albert Einstein sold for over $2 million. So if you have old letters or postcards, consider their potential historical value before donating them.
