Cleaning out Grandma’s house can bring up a lot of memories, but it can also be tempting to move quickly. When you’re staring at decades’ worth of dishes, furniture, boxes and overflowing closets, calling a donation center or renting a dumpster might seem like the easiest solution.
But don’t clear everything out just yet. Some things older generations kept around the house have become collectible, and items that look outdated or insignificant could be exactly what vintage buyers want.
Before donating, tossing or selling everything for a few dollars at a yard sale, take a closer look at these items.
Vintage Cookware
That old casserole dish you’ve seen at every family gathering could be more interesting to collectors than you realize. Vintage Pyrex, Fire-King, Texas Ware, and Revere Ware are among the kitchen brands worth checking, especially if you find older patterns, unusual colors, or complete sets.
Midcentury Modern Furniture
Don’t automatically dismiss Grandma’s old dresser, sideboard or oddly shaped accent chair as dated furniture. Midcentury pieces have become incredibly popular again, and even furniture without a famous designer’s name can attract buyers when the style, construction and condition are right.
Old Tools
Grandpa’s workbench deserves a look before you toss everything into a box for the garage sale. Older hand tools from brands such as Stanley and Craftsman can appeal to collectors and people who prefer the quality of vintage tools.
Rotary and Princess Phones
That avocado green or bubblegum pink telephone that once sat in the hallway may now be a collectible. Older rotary phones, Bakelite models and colorful Princess phones are especially worth investigating before you throw them into the electronics pile.
Vintage Clothing
Before donating an entire closet, check the labels and construction of older clothing. Vintage dresses, denim, coats, leather goods and pieces from recognizable designers or sought-after eras may have a resale market far beyond the local thrift store.
Related: Vintage Clothing and Accessories That Could Be Worth Good Money
Costume Jewelry
Don’t judge Grandma’s jewelry box by sparkle alone. Even pieces that aren’t made from precious metals can be collectible when they’re vintage, signed by a known maker or have distinctive designs from eras such as Art Deco or midcentury.
Gold and Silver Jewelry
Broken chains, single earrings and old rings can still have value because of the materials they’re made from. Look for small markings indicating gold or sterling silver before assuming an outdated or damaged piece isn’t worth keeping.
Stainless Steel Flatware
Older flatware may not look particularly exciting, but certain vintage patterns and manufacturers have dedicated collectors. Complete sets are especially worth researching, although buyers looking to complete their own sets may also purchase individual forks, spoons and serving pieces.
Vintage Christmas Decorations
Holiday boxes are one place you definitely shouldn’t clear out without a close look. Shiny Brite ornaments, ceramic Christmas trees, old glass ornaments, handmade decorations and unusual holiday pieces can all have collector appeal.
Original Artwork
That painting hanging in the guest room for the past 40 years deserves more than a quick glance. Look for signatures, labels, gallery information or writing on the back, and don’t assume a piece has no value simply because you don’t recognize the artist.
Vinyl Records
Before dropping Grandma’s record collection at the thrift store, spend some time looking through it. Certain pressings, unusual releases, limited editions and records in excellent condition can be collectible, particularly when the original sleeve and inserts are still there.
Rare Coins
Old jars, dresser drawers and small boxes are exactly where coin collections tend to turn up. Older coins, unusual mint marks, errors, limited releases and coins containing precious metals may be worth considerably more than their face value.
Antique and First-Edition Books
Age alone doesn’t make a book valuable, but certain old books are absolutely worth researching. First editions, signed copies, limited printings and books with their original dust jackets can be especially interesting to collectors.
Vintage Cameras
Grandma’s old camera may have been replaced by a smartphone years ago, but don’t toss it into the electronics recycling bin. Certain film cameras, lenses and accessories remain popular with photographers and collectors, and some older models have developed strong resale markets.
Related: 12 Old Electronics That Are Now Considered Vintage
Vintage Toys
Toys that survived decades in an attic or closet may be worth another look before you hand them over to the grandkids. Dolls, trains, metal toys, action figures, board games and toys still in their original packaging can attract collectors, especially when they’re complete and in good condition.
Old Handbags and Accessories
Don’t overlook the purses, scarves, belts and accessories tucked away in the back of the closet. Designer names can certainly matter, but unusual vintage styles, quality leather and pieces from desirable eras can also have resale value.
