Besides the more widely known old baseball cards, there might be many valuable things in your family storage. These items could be worth a small fortune.
Throughout our lives, we accept gifts we never used or bought toys that ended up in storage. The worth of some of these items - which we likely do not know the value or put much effort to preserve - may have increased over the years. Fond memories by people who use this item in the past have led to a niche market for old items including iPods and cell phones. It's possible that you are in possession of some of these valuable items and they can fetch you money. They include
Vintage electronics
You might want to search your basement or attic to dig up old computers, cameras, record players or televisions which are wasting away. Such items could easily be sold for a substantial amount of money. If they are still operational this amount could skyrocket and the money could be put to better use instead of the item getting a new coat of dust in your storage.
Antique musical instruments
Although a lot of us upcycle our old musical instruments so we can use them as ornamental pieces for our living areas, if you have no desire to do such you might as well put them up for sale to people who can put them to their best use.
Old perfume bottles
Perfume bottles from high-end and affordable brands, in the past were usually embellished with artistic and complicated designs. These tend to fetch a good price on the market these days.
First edition books
Over the years, books are re-published into the newer additions but many bibliophiles would easily shell out a good amount for the original copy of a classic literature work. This is because for them, few things come close to owning a first print, authentic version of a classic work of literature. If you're in possession of such and have no use for it, you might consider showing a librarian or selling them at an antique store.
Autographed Books
Works of literature that had been signed by their authors, especially well known authors can fetch a lot of money if auctioned.
Paintings
Although great ornamental pieces for your home, paintings can be a wonderful piece of investment. If you have any old paintings in your home you might want to find an appraiser to ascertain its true value.
Old China or silverware
If you are not interested in making use of the old China that has been passed down from generation to generation in your family, you should sell them. Not only will you make some extra money, you also create more space for storage.
VHS tapes
You probably no longer watch films on VHS as technology has changed. This has created a large market for people who are interested in VHS tapes. There are some cult-classic films which were never sold in DVD or digital formats. These rare films can be worth a small fortune.
Rocking chairs
In some country another common furniture piece that fetches a lot of money is our antique rocking chair. If your family no longer has a sentimental value for that old rocking chair put it up for auction. It might shock you to find out how much your grandparents rocking chair costs.
Typewriters
Millennials have over the years become very interested in typewriters. If you have an old typewriter in your storage that is in good condition you should put it up for sale as it might be worth a lot of money.
Costume Jewellery
Old costume jewellery might seem worthless as it isn't made of precious metals such as gold. However, there is a market for vintage pieces of old costume jewellery . These people usually craft them to make new pieces or resell them to make a profit. It may be overwhelming selling the whole collection piece by piece so you may just put it all up for auction and watch the prices go up as people bid. Costume jewellery collections can easily exceed hundred dollars when put up for sale
Designer purses and clothing
Although this is pretty common knowledge, it is necessary we mention it for this article. The clothes and purses however have to be in pristine condition. People who have the money usually like to wear designer brands that are extremely rare. The prices are in all brackets. Mobile applications such as PoshMarks can be used to have a fair idea of what old designer clothes in your possession are worth.
Bell Portable Sewing Machines
Fondly called the micro bell, the 1950s Portable Bell Sewing machine manufactured in Freeland, Pennsylvania by Bell Manufacturing Corps is another gem. This handheld sewing machine is another extremely valuable item. The small machine weighs around 8 pounds and has dimensions of 4 x 9.5 x 14 inches and fits into a leather briefcase that was designed for sewing on the move. It was hardly used at home. According to appraiser Helaine Fendelman. All the necessary accessories are stored in tiny compartments beneath the machine’s blaize-lined, green briefcase. The value of the microbell has not increased much but it still works perfectly, which is why people love to collect it.
You need to be cautious if you have no experience in selling these items. Get all the help you need, from apps that will facilitate the sales to insurance to cover any potential loss. The more accurate information you have, the less likely you are to shortchange yourself in the market. Services like The RealReal have professional authenticators who can confirm the authenticity of your items.
Do you have any of these items just wasting away in your store? Dust them off, and make extra (and substantial in some cases) cash!