Before you start decluttering and tossing things out, pause for a moment—some of the stuff you’re about to get rid of could actually be worth a lot of money. Many people unknowingly throw away vintage, collectible, or highly sought-after items without realizing their value.
Whether it’s an old toy, a forgotten piece of jewelry, or even something as simple as vintage Tupperware, you might be sitting on hidden treasure. Here are 9 surprisingly valuable items in your home that you should never toss without checking their worth first.
1. Vintage Pyrex Dishes
If you’ve inherited a set of colorful Pyrex bowls or casserole dishes from your parents or grandparents, don’t toss them! Collectors are willing to pay hundreds of dollars for rare pieces, especially those in limited edition colors or patterns.
- Value: Some sets sell for over $500, with rare patterns like “Lucky in Love” fetching even more.
- Where to sell: eBay, Etsy, or specialized vintage kitchenware groups.
Before donating or tossing those old Pyrex dishes, check to see if they could bring you extra cash.
2. First Edition Books
If you’ve got old books gathering dust, take a closer look—first editions of classic novels can be worth thousands.Books by authors like J.K. Rowling, Ernest Hemingway, and F. Scott Fitzgerald are highly collectible if they’re first prints.
- Value: A first edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone has sold for over $100,000.
- How to check: Look inside the copyright page for a “first edition” label or low print number.
Even lesser-known books can be valuable, especially if they’re signed by the author.
3. Old VHS Tapes (Yes, Really!)
You might think VHS tapes are worthless, but some rare ones are surprisingly valuable—especially Disney Black Diamond editions and horror films that were never re-released on DVD.
- Value: Some VHS tapes sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
- What’s valuable: Disney “Black Diamond” releases, rare horror films, and obscure out-of-print movies.
Before tossing that box of old tapes, do a quick search on eBay—you might be surprised.
4. Mid-Century Modern Furniture
That old dresser or coffee table from the 1950s or ‘60s might look outdated to you, but Mid-Century Modern (MCM) furniture is highly desirable right now.
- Value: A simple MCM dresser from brands like Lane, Heywood-Wakefield, or Eames can sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars.
- Where to sell: Facebook Marketplace, Chairish, or local antique dealers.
If you were planning to give it away or send it to the curb, check its value first.
5. Vintage Video Game Consoles & Cartridges
Retro gaming is huge right now, and old consoles and games from brands like Nintendo, Sega, and PlayStation are worth serious money—especially if they’re in working condition.
- Value: An original Nintendo 64 console sells for around $200–$300, while rare games like Super Mario 64 or Pokémon Red can fetch $1,000 or more.
- Where to sell: eBay, GameStop trade-ins, or gaming collector groups.
Even if they’re a little dusty, don’t toss those old game cartridges just yet!
6. Vintage Tupperware
Yes, the bright orange or avocado green Tupperware sitting in your kitchen cabinets could actually be worth money!Certain retro pieces are highly collectible, especially complete sets or rare colors.
- Value: Some Tupperware sets sell for $50–$300, with rare ones fetching even more.
- Where to sell: eBay, vintage kitchenware Facebook groups.
Instead of throwing it out, check to see if it’s worth selling!
7. Old Coins & Paper Money
If you’ve ever found an old coin or stack of vintage bills, don’t assume they’re only worth face value. Many older coins and rare bills are valuable to collectors.
- Value: A 1943 steel penny can sell for up to $85,000, and older $2 bills can be worth more than their printed value.
- How to check: Look for silver coins (pre-1965 quarters and dimes) or any paper money with printing errors or misprints.
Even if it’s not worth thousands, it’s still a good idea to check before spending old currency.
8. Costume Jewelry from the 1940s–1980s
That box of old costume jewelry from your grandma might seem like junk, but many vintage brands like Trifari, Weiss, and Miriam Haskell are highly collectible.
- Value: Some pieces sell for $50–$500, depending on rarity.
- Where to sell: Etsy, eBay, or vintage jewelry collectors.
Even if it’s not real gold or diamonds, it could still be worth something.
9. Vinyl Records
Vinyl records are making a huge comeback, and certain original pressings are highly sought after by collectors.
- Value: Some classic rock and jazz albums sell for hundreds or thousands of dollars.
- What to look for: First pressings of The Beatles, Pink Floyd, or Elvis Presley records.
Before donating or tossing those old records, check their value—they could be worth more than you think.