Out with the Old, In with the New: Treasures Hidden in Your Home
As spring cleaning season sets upon us, it’s time to declutter and organize our abodes. But before you hastily donate or discard items, take a closer look—some of those old possessions gathering dust may be worth a fortune.
1. Kitchenware: Pyrex and Beyond
Your kitchen might hold hidden treasures. Pyrex, a renowned brand among collectors, can fetch hundreds to thousands of dollars for certain vintage styles. A Pink 2 Quart Casserole dish with Cover sold on eBay for a staggering $2,275.
2. Vintage Toys: Nostalgia and Value
If you’ve held onto your children’s old toys, you may be in luck. Furbys, those talking toys, can sell for $95 to over $200. Polly Pocket toys, especially those made in the 90s, can also bring in a few hundred dollars. A 1995 Polly Pocket Children’s Hospital sold for $132.87 on eBay, while a complete set of Polly Pocket 1992 Party Time Birthday Stamper went for a whopping $1,049.16. Don’t forget about Pokemon cards either. A 1999 Pokemon Base Set Charizard Holo Rare Vintage Card sold for around $626.86.
3. VHS Tapes: A Blast from the Past
Collectors are driving up demand for VHS tapes, with some paying as much as $25,000 for unopened, packaged videotapes. Blockbuster films from the late 1970s to 1980s, 1980s horror films, sealed tapes with a studio watermark, and early Disney copies from the early to mid-1980s are particularly valuable. A sealed VHS of Walt Disney’s Fantasia sold for $300 on Etsy.
4. Old-School Video Games: Pixels of Profit
Certain retro video games can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars from collectors. Dust off your old gaming console and check your collection. The rare Little Samson for Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) has sold for over $2,000 on eBay. Other valuable titles include Mario Kart 64 for Nintendo 64 ($450), Super Mario 64 for Nintendo 64 ($2,513.69), Futurama for Microsoft Xbox, 2003 ($199.99), and Chrono Trigger for Super Nintendo Entertainment System, 1995 ($175).
5. Vinyl Records: The Sound of Money
Your old LPs may be worth a lot, depending on the artist, album, and release date. The Beatles – Please Please Me sells for around £6,000, and Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin sold for £7,100 in 2013.
6. Boy Scout Memorabilia: Badges of Value
If you were a Boy Scout, you may have kept old badges and pins. These can be worth several hundred dollars. A collection of vintage Boy Scout medals, patches, and rings sold for $240, and a 1990s Boy Scouts eagle rank medal sold for $199.99. Rarer memorabilia can go for much more. A 1920s Boy Scout Eagle Scout medal sold for $2,826.00, and a collection of 1930’s Boy Scouts Eagle Scout medal, merit patches, and pins sold for $4,275.
7. Vintage Newspapers and Magazines: Stories Worth a Price
Before recycling old magazines or newspapers, check their value. Limited edition publications or those centered on major popular culture or historic events are sought-after collector’s items. Vintage magazines that once sold for around $1 are now selling for $20, $30, or even $50 on sites like eBay.
Remember, the value of these items can vary depending on their condition, rarity, and demand. Do your research and consult experts if you’re unsure about the worth of an item. Spring cleaning can be a profitable endeavor if you keep an eye out for hidden treasures in your home.