15 Things in Your Basement That Could Be Worth a Lot of Money

For most of us, our basement is a garbage dump, filled with dry old paint cans, moldy cardboard boxes, and old chargers that have long belonged to electronics. There’s no denying that it feels excellent to dump all that debris and give your basement a clean slate, or at least a messy one. But before talking to Marie Kondo about that mess, you might want to think about what you don’t want to throw away. Whether it’s because your old stuff can make you cash or because it has sentimental value, here are 15 things in your basement that you definitely shouldn’t get rid of.

1. Athletic Shoes

You’re in luck if you have a pair of 1972 Nike Waffle Racing Flat “Moon” sneakers tucked away in your basement. In July, a couple sold for a hefty $ 475,500, making them the most expensive sneakers ever auctioned. But even if his kicks aren’t worth money, they still have value; Consider donating them to an organization like Give Your Sole, which will take them to someone in need.

2. Games

Speaking of childhood, vintage board games and handheld video games are a hot market. An original copy of the beloved Super Mario Bros was recently sold at auction for $ 100,150, while one of 5,000 copies of a 1933 edition of Monopoly Atlantic City sold for a whopping $ 146,500. If you come across the Atlantic City game, you will recognize the version by its round shape.

3. Vacuum Cleaners

Who would have thought that a forgotten old street sweeper in the corner of your basement could be worth anything? Depending on the make and model, he could contribute money. The proudly pink ’60s Hoover 738 sells for $ 499 on eBay.

4. Flip Clocks

There is a whole world of collectors who go crazy for pre-digital watches with changing numbers. Check your basement for a French Bodet clock. There is one that is sold on Etsy for $ 544.

5. Gold Jewelry

No matter what mess old jewelry is in your basement, take the time to see if there are pieces of gold mixed in it. Even if you don’t want to use it, you can always sell gold at a pawn shop.

6. Favorite Toys

It is pure sentimentality. If you find a treasure trove of old childhood memories, don’t throw them all out, no matter how serious you are about making your way through your basement parts and bobs. Put away the toy that means the most and keep your childhood close.

7. Books

Despite the rise of e-readers, some print books can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few million dollars. Generally, the first edition of a popular book in good condition with a dust jacket (20th century or later) will bring in the most money. A signed copy is worth even more. Use a rare book search engine to find out if you’ve unearthed a valuable tome.

8. Dresses

Money can be made on those vintage dresses kept in your basement, especially from the 80s and earlier. Designer rags are more valuable and everything should be in good condition, but fancy dresses from the 60s, for example, can fetch more than $ 100 on Etsy.

9. Computers

It might seem ridiculous now, but that former colossus squatting in your basement might bring the Benjamins, especially if it’s an Apple 1 or Apple II worth thousands of dollars. The Apple 1s are especially appreciated – one sold in 2019 for more than $ 470,000.

10. Cereal Boxes

If your basement clutter includes cereal boxes, take a closer look before tossing them in the recycling bin. Not only are people going crazy for Cocoa Puffs, but they’re also paying over $ 1,500 on eBay for vintage boxes from a variety of brands.

11. Jeans

No matter the brand name, the style, or when it was made, denim clothing is probably worth it. Get out your vintage jeans and other denim garments (Levi’s mid-century jackets are in special demand right now, with some selling in the thousands) and start counting the cash.

12. Handmade Quilts

If you have your great-grandmother’s quilt in the basement, what a shame! Take it upstairs and air it early, because you can sell this part of your family history if you don’t want to use it. Old perfect quilts with a verified track record can be worth a lot of money. You can find an appraiser through the American Quilter’s Society.

13. Cowboy Hat

If you have an old cowboy hat from the “Urban Cowboy” era or earlier, it could sell for up to $ 150 on eBay if it’s in good condition, with its original band.

14. Worn Out Clothes

Undamaged clothing that cannot be sold can always be donated to nonprofits like Goodwill, and you can usually deduct the contribution from your taxes. But even the most worn soft products – like T-shirts, towels, tablecloths, and more – can be reused and used for cleaning and home renovation projects.

15. Photos

Unless it’s your Beyoncé, chances are no one will pay for old photos of you, but that doesn’t mean they’re worthless. Delete poor-quality or damaged images, but keep the rest. They are irreplaceable.