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If you grew up in the era of big hair, parachute pants, jelly shoes, Pac-Man and Madonna, check the memorabilia stored in your attic. You could be sitting on a treasure trove of items worth more than you ever imagined. Items such as vintage Barbie dolls, original action figures, Beanie Babies, baseball cards, vinyl records, comic books, old video games, Apple items, boomboxes, movie posters, stamps, coins, sports memorabilia and even your grandmother's Lladró figurines could all fetch quick cash.
I've been holding onto a few original Power Ranger toys in the hope my children can cash in on them one day. My son also has an extensive collection of valuable Pokémon cards that he has saved since childhood. But I'm kicking myself for tossing out all those old Happy Meal toys they collected in the early 1990s. Some are now worth between $50 and $2,200!
Don't make the same mistake I did in an effort to declutter the house.
Take Inventory of What You Have
Ready to do some treasure hunting? To get started, check your inventory of childhood toys and family memorabilia. Organize the items and include any sales receipts or certificates of authentication. Collectors will need detailed information to help verify the items and assess their worth.
Do some online research to determine if your items are considered collectibles. Intelligent Collector has a vast list of household items and toys worth money, from books to handbags, buttons, timepieces, vintage books, currency, artwork, instruments and even wine. Other valuable household items you may have are old lunchboxes, typewriters, advertisement signs, silverware and quality china, according to Mental Floss.
The toys you played with from the 1980s and 1990s might also garner some quick cash. According to MSN, products from the early Star Wars movies are highly sought-after items among collectors. The most expensive toy ever sold at auction was the 1979 Kenner J-Slot (Version 2) Rocket-Firing (Mailer) Prototype Boba Fett, which sold for a record-breaking $1,342,000. Still have those old Transformers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or Cabbage Patch Kids? They're always in high demand, especially if they're unopened or in pristine condition.
Online sites such as Go Back To The Past Collectibles can help you evaluate and sell pop culture items from your childhood. Don't forget to search for family valuables hiding in the basement or attic. You'll fetch a hefty price for certain vintage items like grandma's antique quilts, Persian rugs, tools, hardware and Majolica pottery. Designer fashion from the 1920s-1960s, such as Levi's jeans, military uniforms, Chanel suits, leather jackets, sports jerseys, wedding dresses, jewelry, purses, shoes, hats and designer fur coats, may also be worth thousands.
How To Get Your Treasures Appraised
It's essential to have your items graded by a professional. Factors that determine the value include the item's condition, current demand, rarity and whether it has a well-documented history or was once owned by someone famous. If you have a specific collection, such as rare coins or baseball cards, find an appraiser who specializes in the items you're selling. Verify the appraiser's credentials, making sure they are certified by the AAA, ASA or ISA, and read customer reviews.
Research the fees involved and the timeframe for receiving a comprehensive report on your items. There are several ways to find an appraiser. The easiest method is to conduct a Google search for appraisers in your area. The Appraisers Association of America (AAA), American Society of Appraisers (ASA), and the International Society of Appraisers (ISA) are all good places to start. If you prefer to have your auction-worthy valuables appraised through a large online auction house, try Heritage Auctions. Another user-friendly site for online appraisals is Value My Stuff.
Where to Sell Your Goods
Once your items have been appraised, you have several options for selling them. Online marketplaces such as eBay, Etsy, Ruby Lane, Craigslist, OfferUp or your local Facebook Marketplace are all viable options. Garage sales and flea markets are another option, but generally, these venues are only used for items that aren't highly valued by collectors. For more expensive items, you'll have better luck working with collectors and dealers who specialize in your valuables at a collector's fair. Many have appraisers on-site who will help you get a fair price for your collection.
Online auction houses like Heritage Auctions, LiveAuctioneers or Sotheby's are useful, and many offer free appraisals if you sell your collectibles through them. Of course, you can always create your own online store if you have a large inventory of collectibles, but this will involve taking quality photos of the items, posting them online with detailed descriptions, researching competitive prices, packaging, shipping and handling returns. If you'd rather skip the hassle, hire a reputable dealer to do the work for a fair commission.
Remember, the value of collectibles is in the eye of the beholder, so before you toss your old toys, vintage memorabilia or the tchotchkes Grandma saved in her curio cabinet, think again — they could be worth a bundle.
Have any of you tried selling some of your childhood items? How did it go? Let us know in the comments below.
AARP (Shutterstock; Alamy, 3)
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