25 Items to Cash in on When Retirement Approaches
Retirement is the perfect time to have a Marie Kondo-style cleanout and boost your bank account at the same time. All that random stuff you’ve collected over the years can be turned into cash if you know what you’re doing. Here are 25 things worth selling before you move into your next chapter in life.
Your Home
If your kids have moved out and you’ve got more rooms than you use, selling your home and downsizing can be a huge win for everyone. You’ll free yourself from constant vacuuming, lower your utility bills, and put a nice chunk of cash in your account. Why not move states and go somewhere you’ve always dreamed of?
Your Work Clothes
Hey, it’s not like you need them anymore, and designer pieces sell very well online. Why not get an eBay account, or look into websites that specifically sell clothes? Maybe keep one or two really good pieces to save for special occasions, though.
Your Old Exercise Equipment
So many people buy exercise equipment swearing they’ll use it, and then they just don’t. It sits around collecting dust and getting in the way. So now that you’ve retired, it’s time to sell, sell, sell. Many folks pay good money for secondhand treadmills or exercise bikes.
Your Extra Cars
If you’re retired, chances are you don’t need multiple cars anymore, especially with rising insurance and maintenance costs. Selling a second (or even a third – lucky you) vehicle can save you thousands a year and give you a nice lump sum to use for travel or hobbies.
Your Furniture
That big dining table is no longer needed, and someone out there will pay big bucks for it. Local buyers love good-quality furniture, especially solid wood pieces. And it’s not just the cash you have to think about, but also getting around your home as you grow older.
Your Decorations
Were you one of those people who always went all out with Christmas decorations, but you don’t have the energy to do it anymore? You could sell those old decorations and potentially make yourself some money. Vintage ones are especially in demand during the holidays.
Your Old Computers
Even your ancient desktop might be worth something - either for parts or to collectors of vintage tech. Laptops, monitors, and accessories like the mouse often have resale value too. Just make sure to wipe your data thoroughly before selling.
Your Kids’ Toys
If your kids are long grown, their old toys could be worth a small fortune, especially if you’ve got vintage action figures, dolls, or games in good condition. Think about how many Barbie collectors there are out there! Just… ask your kid’s permission first?
Your Books
It’s time to really go through your bookshelf and see what’s hiding in there. First editions, signed copies, and complete series can be surprisingly valuable. You can also bundle books by theme - cookbooks, mysteries, or travel guides for example - for quicker sales on eBay.
Your Collectables and Antiques
People start collecting early in life and then realize they have no-one to pass them along to. Grandkids, if they have any, may not want them. So the solution is to sell. Try reaching out to antique experts in your area who will tell you how much your collection is worth.
Your Extra Luggage
When’s the last time you used all those suitcases? Travel habits change in retirement, and extra luggage often just takes up closet space. Good-quality or name-brand pieces are easy to sell, whether on eBay or to a private collector.
Your Old Handbags
A few lucky people have collected designer handbags over the years and maybe you’re one of them. But now that you’re older, you want the handbags to go away to good homes. Ebay can help a lot here, but you could also try just asking around.
Your Sports Equipment
Golf clubs, bicycles, skis - sports gear tends to take up a lot of space, and it’s not cheap to buy new. If you’re no longer playing sports as much as you used to, someone else will be thrilled to take it off your hands. Sports resale shops exist, so look out for them.
Your Old Cellphones
It’s amazing how many people have a drawer full of old phones. But even very outdated models can be worth something - either for parts, refurbishment, or recycling programs that pay cash. Selling them helps you out and might help the planet, as well.
Your Unused Electronics
That digital camera you haven’t touched in years? The Bluetooth speaker still in the box? Gadgets lose value fast, so the sooner you sell them, the better. People are always looking for affordable tech, and often don’t mind if it’s slightly used.
Your CDs and DVDs
Since streaming has taken over, rare or collectible CDs and DVDs - especially box sets or out-of-print titles - still have a market. Music lovers, collectors, and even resale shops may pay for them. Bonus points if you have a DVD containing scenes that were cut from the streaming release.
Your Kitchen Appliances
If you’re not baking for a family anymore or your cooking style has changed, selling unused appliances can earn you a nice pile of cash and make your kitchen feel clean and organized. People are especially keen on the colorful vintage appliances.
Your Glassware
Crystal bowls, wine glasses, or vintage tumblers are lovely—but if they never leave the cabinet, they’re just taking up space. Collectors and vintage lovers often pay good money for quality glassware. Sell them quick, before you accidentally break any of them.
Your Fine China
A complete set of fine china can be worth hundreds, especially if it’s from a desirable brand. If you’re no longer hosting large dinners or you simply prefer casual dining now, it might be time to pass it on. Try asking an antiques expert how much it’ll go for.
Your Old Jewelry
There’s always a market for gold and silver, no matter how the jewelry itself looks. If you have pieces you never wear or that don’t match your current style, a jeweler or resale shop can help you get a fair price.
Your Old Watches
Well done if you have a collection of classic watches, but it may be time to sell them. Luxury and vintage watches tend to hold their value, and sometimes even increase in price. Collectors are always on the lookout for Rolexes, to give just one example.
Your Musical Instruments
From guitars to massive pianos, quality musical gear sells quickly, especially if it’s from a reputable brand. If no one in your household plays anymore, selling them gives someone else a chance to enjoy making music while you enjoy the extra space and cash.
Your Power Tools
Good power tools can last for decades, and they’re always in demand. Just take a look at eBay! If you’ve scaled back on DIY projects due to getting older, selling the tools you don’t use frees up storage space and could net you quite a bit of money.
Your Lawn Equipment
Mowers, trimmers, leaf blowers - these things can be expensive when bought new, so people are always looking for good secondhand options. If you’ve hired lawn care or moved to a place with less yard work, sell them while they’re still in good shape.
Your Camping Equipment
Maybe you have a bunch of old tents and sleeping bags in the garden shed? It’s time to get rid of them. Outdoor adventurers will happily buy secondhand stuff, and it means you have more room to move about.
