9 common household items worth selling rather than giving away

Take a second before you throw something into the ‘free’ pile because, it turns out, there are some regular household items that are actually worth selling instead. 

The one with the legs

To you, that old dresser in the spare room is old furniture, but to someone else, it’s way more valuable. It’s even better when it’s mid-century. Check out the details, like tapered legs and sliding doors, even warm wood. They’re a good sign.

That’s not to say every piece is worth something because, obviously, some of them aren’t. But it’s still worth looking at your chairs and nightstands. Credenzas have a value, too. Some people are looking specifically for those kinds of pieces, and mid-century modern’s still popular.

The one in the cabinet

Let’s get one thing straight. A random water bottle probably isn’t worth very much. However, a branded one, like YETI, Stanley, or Hydro Flask, in decent shape? That’s something else. There are so many people who want a bottle with a specific kind of lid or size.

It sounds silly, sure. But think about it. Some people are looking for an exact replacement for the travel mug they lost at work, and they’ll pay for one that fits the bill. Don’t assume it’s simple kitchen clutter. It’s not.

The fabric nobody measures

You fold up your old curtains. You forget about them for five years. It seems sensible, then, to give them away because they’re only curtains, right? No. Good ones can still be expensive, and blackout or lined ones are especially valuable. 

Just make sure they’re still a pair. They’re not simply dead fabric because many buyers are still looking for quality pieces. You know, like the ones made in the past. The ones that can last a while. 

The unopened little extra

The majority of unused candles are really small, and it’s easy to ignore them. Who’d want to buy them? A lot of people, actually, because your unused candles could have the exact scent someone’s been trying to find. They might just like the jar, too.

Let’s not forget that some people want candles to make a gift basket, and they’ll happily pay for the one that’s been untouched in your closet for years. It’s even better when the candles are from Yankee Candle or Bath & Body Works. As long as they’re not half-melted, they’re good.

The spare from the couch

A loose sofa cover’s worth nothing. Same with a random cushion cover. Actually, no, because sofa parts are pretty specific, and that’s where the money is. Someone who’s got an older IKEA couch might need the exact arm cover you’re throwing away. Or maybe that exact seat cover.

Theirs got ruined, and a replacement from the store is too expensive. Your furniture clutter could be what they’re looking for. Check the label. You could have something worth selling there.

The one from math class

Keep hold of any old school calculators until August rolls around. That’s when parents start desperately looking for one before school starts. Math stays the same, after all. Graphing calculators like the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 only get more expensive with time.

Used ones are way cheaper, and as long as yours turns on, it could be worth selling. Just make sure it’s one of the approved models for SAT and AP use. A four-function calculator’s not going anywhere.

The one in the drawer

Retro gaming is in. The consoles themselves are pretty expensive, yes, and the controllers aren’t exactly cheap, either. That’s where yours might come in handy. A dusty PlayStation, Sony, or Nintendo one may be sellable, as long as it still works.

People want extras for multiplayer and replacements. Just make sure you’re not overselling it because nobody’s paying for one with a broken joystick. Test the buttons. Clean the crumbs out. It should be as good as new, and that’ll make it great for selling.

The one hiding in the hall closet

You probably just want that vacuum gone. It’s bulky, after all, and the cord’s way too long for you to do anything with it, but don’t give it away. A working vacuum or carpet cleaner is still worth listing. 

You’d be surprised at how many people want to buy used ones to use or for parts. It’s even better when you’ve got a known brand like Shark or Hoover. Jackpot. People will buy them for their apartments and even for a quick deep clean, so you could still make a bit of cash.  

The thing on the wall

Mirrors can be so annoying. Just how are you supposed to move them without breaking anything? Dealing with them seems like a waste of time and effort. Hold that thought. Big mirrors can still fetch a pretty penny, especially when they’re full-length or arched.

They’re not only for looking in. They’re also great at making a room look bigger, and a buyer might not want to pay new-store prices for one. Mirrors just sit on a wall, after all. You’re better off finding a buyer instead of tossing it out.

Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.