Many Americans unknowingly throw away valuable items during spring cleanings or decluttering sprees. This list was curated based on resale data from platforms like eBay and WorthPoint, along with guidance from appraisers and antique experts featured in sources such as AARP and Martha Stewart Living.
These eight items made the list because they’re frequently discarded, commonly found in households, and have demonstrated real-world resale value in 2025. As inflation pushes more people to look for side income, recognizing overlooked value at home has never been more relevant.
1. Vintage Pyrex Dishes
Vintage Pyrex bowls and casserole dishes—especially those in discontinued colors or patterns—are often tossed as outdated kitchenware. However, eBay listings show sets like the “Gooseberry” or “Butterprint” patterns consistently selling for over $100. According to Martha Stewart, early models from the 1950s and 60s are prized by collectors due to their durability and nostalgic designs. These dishes are often hiding in cabinets or passed down without people realizing their value, making them one of the most commonly overlooked collectibles in kitchens today.
2. First-Gen Electronics
Old iPods, Walkmans, and early gaming consoles are often boxed up or thrown away during tech upgrades—but many now fetch impressive resale prices. A 2024 eBay search reveals that an original iPod Classic in working condition can sell for over $200, and first-gen Nintendo Game Boys often list for similar or higher. According to GWI, the nostalgia factor among Millennial and Gen Z buyers drives this mini tech-boom. Working electronics with original packaging are especially valuable.
3. Costume Jewelry from the 1950s–1980s
Many people dismiss old costume jewelry as junk, but brands like Trifari, Monet, and Sarah Coventry often resell for $20–$100 per piece. According to a 2024 roundup by Veranda, rhinestone necklaces and vintage brooches from mid-century lines are hot with collectors. These items are commonly found in estate sales or tucked in drawers and are often donated or tossed by those unaware of their brand history or demand. Look for designer stamps on clasps or the backs of pieces to identify resale-worthy items.
4. Old LEGO Sets
LEGO sets from the 1990s and early 2000s—especially complete sets—have soared in resale value. According to resale tracking site BrickLink, discontinued Star Wars and Harry Potter sets can fetch $100–$500 or more, depending on condition. What’s surprising is how many of these sets get tossed during basement cleanouts or when kids move out. Even loose bricks in bulk can command high prices on eBay. The key is original manuals, boxes, and specialty minifigures, which significantly increase value.
5. Typewriters
Manual typewriters from brands like Royal, Underwood, or Smith-Corona are often seen as obsolete and tossed during attic or garage purges. However, collectors and design enthusiasts are bringing them back. According to data from WorthPoint, a well-preserved vintage typewriter can sell for $100–$400, depending on condition and rarity. In particular, colorful models and those with original cases are in high demand. They’re often overlooked by homeowners who consider them outdated office junk.
6. Vinyl Records (First Pressings)
While many people know vinyl is back, they may not realize that first pressings of albums can be worth hundreds—even thousands—of dollars. AARP notes that early releases from artists like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd are heavily sought after. According to eBay’s vinyl category, sealed or near-mint first editions frequently command premium prices. Albums stored in attics or garages are often tossed due to dust or warping, but a quick online check before discarding can prevent losing serious money.
7. Vintage Kitchen Canisters and Tins
Metal flour and sugar tins from the 1940s–70s, often featuring floral or retro patterns, are widely collectible. According to antique guides on Spruce Crafts, sets in good condition can fetch $30–$100, especially if the branding is intact. These items are commonly tossed during kitchen remodels or estate cleanouts. Brands like Nestlé, Folgers, and retro advertising tins are especially valuable for vintage-themed decor buyers and collectors alike.
8. Rotary Phones
Rotary phones, once discarded as outdated, have become retro décor favorites and functional collector’s items. According to listings on eBay, brightly colored rotary phones—especially in pink, turquoise, or red—can sell for $50–$200 depending on model and condition. Some buyers even look for working dial tones for landline restoration projects. These phones often end up in donation bins or trash piles without a second thought, making them one of the most overlooked valuable throwaways.