I remember when I was desperate—bills were heaping up on me, unexpected costs were erupting all over the place, and my savings account was emptier than usual.
I can still recall myself sitting on my bed, passing the time by scrolling on my phone and thinking of ways to earn some money quickly without taking on a full-time second job.
The answer didn’t come from some complicated business formula or magic investment opportunity, but from things I already had—things that I didn’t need anymore.
When I glanced around my room, that was when the idea struck me: I could sell things around the house to raise cash in no time. And it worked.
During the following weeks, I sold a few things that had been cluttering up the house due to sentimental attachment, and that was all it took to free up the money I needed to balance out.
If you suddenly find yourself in similar circumstances, here’s a list of five things you can sell immediately to get money quickly.
5 Things To Sell To Make Money Fast
1. Old Electronics
Why Electronics Are So Profitable
To be honest, everyone has old electronics lying somewhere around the house. Your old smartphone that you upgraded, a broken tablet, or that laptop sitting in a corner gathering dust—these devices have more value than you might realize. A few weeks ago, I sold one of my outdated iPhone models that had been lying in the drawer. It wasn’t in perfect condition, but I still got a fair price when I sold it on platforms like eBay or a local marketplace app.
Why They Sell Fast:
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High Demand: Society always needs affordable gadgets, and even older models have a second-hand market.
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Easy Selling: You don’t need to be tech-savvy to sell them. Just clean them up, wipe them down, and snap a few clear pictures.
Pro Tip: See what you can sell as-is, whether it needs fixing or not. You might find buyers who want to repair them or use the parts, even if they’re broken.
Related: How To Make Money Selling Coloring Books
2. Clothing That You No Longer Use
How I Made Quick Cash from My Closet
We all know how easy it is to accumulate clothes. There are items that you never wear, and others that get shoved to the back of your closet. The amount I made from selling a few things I stopped wearing was surprising. Brand-name clothes, shoes, and even second-hand items from stores like Zara, H&M, or Nike—people are willing to buy them, as long as they’re in good condition.
How I Did It:
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I individually photographed the items and tried to capture the best angles, highlighting any flaws.
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I posted them on apps like Poshmark, Depop, or Facebook Marketplace.
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I even gave some items away to local thrift stores for a quick payout.
Seasonal items (like coats and boots during winter or swimsuits during summer) sell more quickly, so it’s worth timing your sales accordingly.
Related: 8 Simple Ways to Make Money Selling Crafts
3. Home Furnishings and Home Decor
Don’t Toss Your Old Furniture—Sell It!
Furniture doesn’t last forever, but valuable pieces can still fetch a good price, especially if you’ve taken care of them. Maybe you’ve upgraded your couch or renovated, or perhaps your taste has evolved and your old dresser no longer fits. Instead of tossing them out, why not sell them?
A few months ago, I sold a couch I had for a few years when I moved into a new place. It didn’t take long to find a buyer on a local Facebook group.
Tips for Selling Furniture:
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Clear Photos: Take pictures from all angles, and don’t forget to mention any scratches or damage.
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Dimensions: Make sure to include measurements, as customers want to know if the item will fit in their space.
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Offer Delivery: If you can, offer to deliver it for a small fee to make it easier for potential buyers.
Pro Tip: Larger items like bookshelves, dining tables, and chairs can be sold individually or as part of a set for more appeal.
Related; 8 Creative Ways to Make Money Selling Your Stuff
4. CDs, DVDs, and Books
Turning Old Media into Cash
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve looked through my bookshelf, staring at old textbooks, novels, or CDs that have no sentimental value anymore. The truth is that books, especially rare editions, music, and DVDs, continue to have good resale value. A couple of months ago, I sold a collection of rare first-edition books I picked up at a garage sale for a steal. I ended up selling them for nearly double what I paid!
How to Sell Old Media:
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Online Price Research: Look up similar items to get an idea of the going price on platforms like Amazon or through used bookstores.
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Condition Matters: If your books or DVDs are in excellent condition, you’ll make more.
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Sell Textbooks: Websites like Chegg or Amazon make it easy to sell textbooks quickly.
Note: When selling textbooks, make sure they’re the latest editions. Older versions might not sell as well.
Related: How To Make Money With Crypto
5. Unworn Jewelry and Accessories
Turning Jewelry into Instant Cash
Jewelry tends to pile up over time. Whether it’s a birthday gift or an impulse buy, we often find ourselves with pieces we never wear. Why not sell them? Gold, silver, and even costume jewelry can bring in real money.
I once sold a few rings I never wore on a trusted online marketplace. Not only did I declutter my drawers, but I also made enough to treat myself to something nice.
What You Need to Know:
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Gold and Silver: These are the easiest to sell and are typically bought by weight.
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Vintage or Designer: These pieces can fetch higher prices, so consider getting them appraised if necessary.
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Costume Jewelry: Even non-precious materials can have value if they’re designer or collectible pieces.
Pro Tip: When selling gold or silver, always get quotes from multiple buyers to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Final Thoughts
When you’re in a financial pinch and need to raise cash quickly, looking around your house is one of the easiest ways to do it. You don’t have to take out loans or make huge investments—sometimes, the solution is right in front of you in the form of things you no longer need. Selling your unused items is a fast, effective way to earn the money you need for immediate expenses.
Remember, it’s not just about clearing out your space; it’s about making wise decisions that can help you in the long run. So, take a look around your house, pick what you no longer need, and turn it into cash!
FAQ
Q: How do I price things I want to sell?
A: Research comparable items online. Check listings on eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace to get an idea of what others are selling similar items for.
Q: Where’s the best place to sell my stuff?
A: It depends on what you’re selling. eBay and Poshmark are great for clothes and electronics, while Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are ideal for furniture. For jewelry, consider specialized websites like Worthy or Blue Nile.
Q: Should I sell in bulk or individually?
A: Selling individual items usually yields more money. But if you need to sell quickly, bundle similar items (like a set of old books or smaller furniture pieces) to make them more appealing.
Q: What if my items are damaged or incomplete?
A: Be honest about the condition. Damaged items won’t sell for as much, but there’s still a market for broken electronics and second-hand furniture. Some people buy these to refurbish or use for parts.
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