5 Things You Should Research Before Tossing During a Cleanout

Ah, the age-old ritual of cleaning out your home—it’s like a yearly spring cleaning but with the added thrill of possibly unearthing hidden treasures… or just a lot of dust bunnies. While it feels good to declutter and make space for the things that truly spark joy (thanks, Marie Kondo), hold on for just a second before tossing everything in the donation pile or dumpster. There are a few things you’ll want to look into first. You never know what might be worth saving or even selling!

1. Vintage Clothing and Accessories

First up, let’s chat about those old clothes stuffed in the back of your closet. Sure, you might think they’re just outdated fashion disasters, but hold your horses! Vintage clothing can actually be worth a pretty penny. Before you toss those bell-bottoms or that sequined top from a bygone era, do a quick online search. Websites like Poshmark or ThredUp can give you an idea of what similar items are selling for. You might just find that your “unwearable relic” could fund your next coffee date—or at least buy you a fancy latte!

2. Books and Textbooks

Photo by cottonbro studio

Got a stack of books gathering dust? You’re not alone. Many of us hold onto books we think we might read someday (spoiler alert: we probably won’t). But before you ship them off to the nearest donation box, consider checking their value. Some textbooks or first editions can be surprisingly valuable. Sites like AbeBooks or eBay can help you gauge their worth. And who knows? That old calculus textbook might be worth more than you think, possibly enough to fund a weekend getaway!

3. Electronics and Gadgets

Now let’s talk electronics. You’ve probably got a drawer full of old phones, chargers, and gadgets that you’ve replaced over the years. Before you toss them, take a moment to do a little research. You might be surprised at how much old tech can fetch on sites like Gazelle or Decluttr. Even if they’re outdated, some places will buy your old phones for recycling or parts. Plus, it’s way better than tossing them in the trash and contributing to e-waste, right? You’ll feel like a planet-saving hero!

4. Kitchenware and Appliances

Now, let’s move to your kitchen. You know that bread maker you used for a week before it became a glorified paperweight? Or maybe that fondue set you swore you’d use but haven’t touched since the last family reunion? Don’t be too quick to let them go! Some kitchen gadgets can be quite valuable, especially if they’re in good condition. Check out sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace to see if anyone’s in the market for a gently used appliance. Who knows, you might just get enough cash to splurge on a fancy dinner instead of eating microwave meals!

5. Artwork and Decor

Last but not least, let’s chat about your wall art and decorative pieces. You know, that painting you bought on a whim that turned out to be… well, not your style? Before you toss it, do a little detective work. Check the artist’s name or any signatures—some local artists can become quite popular, and you could be sitting on a hidden gem! Even prints can be worth something if they’re limited edition. Sites like ArtPrice can help you determine if your “meh” wall hanging is actually a masterpiece waiting to be appreciated.

So, the next time you embark on a cleanout adventure, take a moment to do some quick research before you toss those items in the “goodbye” pile. You never know what might be lurking in the corners of your home, waiting for a second chance. Plus, it’s a lot more fun to think of your decluttering efforts as a treasure hunt rather than just a chore. Happy cleaning, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

Vinyl and Velvet