A lot of people are looking to make some quick cash right now due to the economic crisis COVID-19 caused. Whether you’re waiting for the overwhelmed unemployment office to send you your check, in between jobs because you were laid off or furloughed due to the coronavirus, or took a salary cut that’s left money a bit too tight for comfort, you may want a fast way to put money in your pocket until things get settled.
Humans are sort of pack rats, and we tend to collect things that we don’t necessarily need. Furthermore, when you were making good money, you probably spent differently than you would now, buying things that are actually a bit of a luxury, and telling yourself they were a necessity—rich brain will do that to you. Now, when you wish you had more money in the bank than things in your home, you may find yourself looking at some of your purchases and thinking, “I really didn’t need that.” Well, maybe somebody else does.
Many of us don’t realize what treasures we have in our home—treasures to others, and perhaps trash to us. There are some items that are just so pricey new, that a lot of individuals first go searching through yard sales, Craigslist, Facebook marketplace, and the like before buying them new. And you may have some of those, lying around, ready to be turned into cash. Here are items you may have at home that you can sell for good money.
Sports equipment
When parents put their kids in a new sport, they face a lot of expenses. Lacrosse sticks. Tennis rackets. Boxing gloves. Shin guards. Baseball bats. The expenses add up quickly, and they’re often looking for a way to save. If you’re ready to admit that you’re never going to pick up that racket again for a game of tennis, and it’s in good shape because you barely touched it in the first place, sell it.
AC unit
With summer coming, a lot of individuals who don’t have central air conditioning are desperate for a way to cool down their homes. Box fans just won’t cut it. Brand new AC units can easily be $400. If you have a home with central AC and old floor or window units sitting around, sell them. Or, even if you don’t have central AC, maybe you can tough it out this summer with some fans and cooling pads, and sell your unit.
Furniture
Any time somebody moves, they typically need new furniture. They either realize their old stuff is just too darn old, or it doesn’t match their new home, or it physically doesn’t fit into their new home. Do you have some furniture in good condition you could do without? A reading chair? Nightstand? End table? Coffee table? There’s somebody who will want it.
Designer bags
If you have designer bags that are in good condition, you could easily sell these for some good money. Ask yourself what you need more: the $400 you could get for selling that $1,000 bag? Or…that bag? The answer is probably obvious. The online market loves a good used designer bag. If the manufacturer no longer makes it, even better—now that’s a limited edition.
Kitchen appliances
Have a blender you barely touch? A hot plate? An old microwave? An electric kettle? Toaster? Crock pot? Fancy coffee machine? Electric food scale? You had dreams of becoming a gourmet chef, but if it didn’t happen, maybe it’s time to sell that fancy or unused appliance for a buck. Besides, these items take up a lot of counter space.
Kids’ toys
Don’t forget that some kids’ toys are collector’s items. Perhaps you even still have some toys you played with as a child. Look them up. You may find that they go for a pretty penny now. And even your children’s toys could get some resale value, as toys can just be so expensive—especially the new ones with all of the advanced technology. There might be a parent out there looking to make their kiddo happy, but hoping not to spend much.
Bicycle
How often do you ride your bike? Really now. Or what about your kid—is she taking that bike out for a spin that she already outgrew two years ago? If you’ve been saying for years that you’d become avid bikers but you go out more like…once every two years…maybe it’s time to hang up the helmet (figuratively—literally sell that thing) and sell the bike.
Workout equipment
Putting our pride aside can be a big part of this selling-off-items thing. Like your pride around that super fancy, $2,000 at-home workout equipment. You bought it to save money on a gym membership, but now it’s collecting dust and has become a coat rack. But somewhere out there, is an ambitious somebody who would like to take that thing off your hands…and possibly also never use it, but that’s their problem.
Printer
Have an old printer sitting around that you don’t touch because you got a new, sleek one? Or maybe you just never print anything at home. You use the printer at the office for that. You can turn that printer over for some good cash.
Gift cards
It’s time to empty out the old wallet. What do you have in all of those card slots? Couple credit cards. ID. Grocery store rewards card and…oops…several gift cards you forgot about! Like to a major movie theater or makeup store. Well, if you forgot about them for this long, then you can likely do without them for good and sell them for a little less than they’re worth. People will buy a $100 gift card for $70.
Jewelry
Jewelry can be sentimental or…not. Maybe you have some rather nice jewelry that an ex bought you. Or some really bling stuff that a distant relative bought you—it’s really not your style, but the relative meant well. Why keep the stuff from the ex? And, hey, that relative would probably rather you have cash you need than that chunky heart-shaped locket.
Vacuum cleaner
Maybe you’ve upgraded to one of those robotic vacuum cleaners, or just something new and sleek. But you still have a perfectly functional yet hefty vacuum cleaner, taking up a good bit of closet space. Sell it off! New vacuum cleaners can be expensive. If you bought it for $250 a couple years ago, someone would gladly take it off your hands for $100.
Art
You may have art around in many ways. Perhaps a truly valuable piece on a wall, that doesn’t really speak to you. Or some art a relative gave you that never left its wrapping, sitting in the garage. Art is one of those interesting things where, if it speaks to somebody, they could be willing to hand you quite a bit of cash for it.
Electronics
Old video gaming systems. An old smartphone. A camcorder. A mixing board. You never know who might have use for these things. Some people can’t afford a brand new edition. Some consider the old ones collectibles. So dig into that box of cords and wires and see what you can sell off.
Brand name clothing
Being tight on money might make you reconsider ever buying brand name clothing again. But if you have it already, consider selling it. You could get $75 for those $200 jeans. Or $200 for that $700 designer dress you wore to one wedding, once. What about that designer camisole that cost you $80? Sell it for $30.
