The 11 best items to sell, and how and where to sell them

Is your home hiding a secret fortune beneath the dust bunnies and chaos?

Think of it as a treasure trove waiting to be discovered and transformed into a wad of cash.

In our eco-conscious age, where sustainability and resourcefulness reign supreme, decluttering and selling the items you no longer need has become the ultimate hack. It not only frees up your living space but gives a second life to your things, reducing waste and adding some extra dollars to your pocket.

From those old jeans you forgot about to that ancient gadget in your drawer, your place might be a goldmine waiting to happen.

Let's uncover what you can sell and figure out the best spots to sell them, so you get the most bang for your buck. Time to turn that clutter into cash!

Why Selling Things from Home Makes Sense

Here are just a few of the benefits to selling items from home:

• When you sell items, you no longer need or use, you'll free up valuable space in your home. This can make your home feel more spacious and comfortable.
• The items you're ready to part with could be worth a surprising amount of money. Selling these items can help you pay off debt, save for a rainy day, or even just have some extra spending money.
• By selling items instead of throwing them away, you're helping to reduce waste and conserve resources. This is good for the environment, and it can also help you save money on waste disposal fees.

The Top Items to Sell from Home

Here are some of the most sought-after items that you can easily transform into cash:

1. Tech Gadgets

Do you have old smartphones, tablets, or laptops in your drawers or cupboard? Technology is constantly evolving, but older models still hold value for collectors or those seeking affordable alternatives. Research the current market value of your outdated devices and consider selling them.

Even if you think there might not be any demand, you could be wrong. For instance, there are also plenty of people who buy older items such as smartphones, then refurbish and on-sell them with a warranty.

2. Fashion

Your closet could be hiding some valuable pieces. Designer duds, vintage gems, and even well-maintained basics can fetch a pretty penny on online marketplaces. Take some time to dig through your wardrobe and identify items that are in good condition and have a unique or timeless appeal. There’s a huge range of items that might fall into this category, including:

• Watches. There will always be a market for a good watch, and if you have a particularly high value watch you may do well to ask professional advice before selling online – so you maximise your profit wherever possible.
• Accessories. Hats, belts, gloves, scarves are usually a pretty easy thing to sell.
• Handbags. If you have any handbags that you’ve fallen out of love with, and that are in good condition – then there are lots of people willing and wanting to buy them from you.

3. Collectibles

Do you have a passion for collecting stamps, wine, antiques, coins, or other unique items? These collectibles, often overlooked in the clutter, could be worth a fortune to enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.

4. Furniture and Household Goods

Furniture that you don’t want or like can easily be exactly what someone else is looking for.

Furniture, appliances, and other household items that are in good condition can be easily sold online or at local consignment shops.

5. Books and Media

Consider selling Books, CDs, and DVDs that you've outgrown. From vinyl records and comic books to vintage memorabilia, these items often hold significant value for collectors and enthusiasts.

6. Jewellery

From designer watches to necklaces and rings, jewellery, is a great option to sell online and make good money doing it.

7. Books

Do you have some spare gems lying around? By selling, someone out there might discover their new favorite read thanks to your collection! It's a win-win for spreading literary joy.

8. Baby Items

Everyone is looking for a bargain when they have a baby – as the shopping list is truly endless of what you need to get for the little one.

9. Gaming Items

Whether it be a games console, or the games themselves – selling items on when your kids (or the adults!) have finished with them is a great way to make money for new games they may want.

10. Hobby-Related Items

Hobby related items are usually great sellers, because they are specific items that will be searched for.

Hobbies are also something that people dip in and out of – and so they may well look for a second hand item for a hobby that they are trying out before they spend on a new item. Items that would sell well include:

• Fitness equipment
• Camping kit
• Cycles
• Tools and DIY items. These can hold their value really well
• Gardening items
• Cameras
• Winter sport items: snowboards, skis, clothing, etc.
• Craft items: supplies, sewing machine, etc.

11. Appliances and Gadgets

We all have a few gadgets – usually kitchen gadgets – that we bought and have maybe used once or twice and then they’ve been relegated to the back of the cupboard. Ideas of what you can sell in this category would be:

• Ice cream maker
• Vacuum
• Pasta maker
• Blender

Where to Sell Your Things

Once you've unearthed your hidden treasures, it's time to find the right platforms to showcase and sell them.

Trade Me, Facebook Marketplace and Instagram's shopping feature offer a direct connection to potential buyers. Depending on your specific item, you might also consider different places, too:

Sell Your Pre-Loved Fashion

Consignment Stores

Second-hand shops are a great place to sell your pre-loved clothing. Clothing recycle stores in Auckland include Tattys, Designer Wardrobe, and Recycle Boutique.

Tattys specialises in designer second-hand pieces, boasting coveted brands like Marc Jacobs, Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander Wang and Balenciaga. Their pieces tend be more expensive and as a seller you receive a minimum of 45% of the sold price.

Recycle Boutique specialises in high-quality designer, contemporary and vintage clothing, for men and women.

“Waste is a very real problem in the world right now and the textile industry is one of the biggest polluters of our environment,” Recycle Boutique says.

“There needs to be a big shift in the way we shop, and we think Recycle is that shift. Selling and shopping second-hand is the most sustainable way to reduce your wardrobe and refresh your look. With us, it also means you get paid to be a part of the solution.”

Some of the top consignment stores internationally include Crushes Vintage and Paper Bag Princess.

Local Markets

Depending on where you live, there’s plenty of places to choose from.

Gently Loved Markets in Herne Bay, re:generate Markets, and Good As New Pre-loved Markets in Orewa all offer you the opportunity to sell your pre-loved fashion items.

Sell Your Tech Gadget

Many electronics stores, like PB Tech, offer trade-in options, giving you cash or credit towards new gadgets.

Sell Your Collectibles

Ruby Lane is an online marketplace in New Zealand for antiques, collectibles, vintage and art, dolls, and jewellery.

Antique Alley stocks silverware, artwork, jewellery and a variety of collectables.

Brick-and-mortar stores often purchase used books and collectibles.

Sell Your Home Décor, Furnishings, and Items

TransitTraders is a licensed second-hand trader, and Demolition Traders is the perfect spot for recycled renovation items, including villa doors, ranch sliders, and bathroom fittings.

Garage Sales and Flea Markets

These traditional venues offer a fun and social way to sell your household items.

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How To Sell Your Items Online

Transform your unwanted items into cash with these tips:

1. Research Market Value: Before listing your items, research their current market value to set a competitive price. For high-end items it will be worth seeking specialist input.
2. Take High-Quality Photos: Clear, well-lit photos will showcase your items in their best light and attract more buyers.
3. Write Detailed Descriptions: The more detail, the better. Provide accurate and detailed descriptions of your items, highlighting their unique features and condition. Be honest about any flaws or damage too.  
4. Sell for the Season: If it’s summer, your skis might not catch the same price it would if you sold in the winter months.
5. Time Wisely: If you’re using an auction method on Trade Me, make sure your set the end time to a time when people are more likely to be at home, perhaps Sunday evening.
6. Communicate Promptly: Respond to inquiries promptly and professionally to build trust with potential buyers.
7. Package Carefully: Ensure your items are securely packaged to prevent damage during shipping.

The Bottom Line: Selling Spare Items Online Is a Win-Win

Selling items from home is not only a great way to make some extra cash, it's also a great way to declutter your home and reduce your environmental impact.

With a little effort and planning, you can easily turn your unwanted items into cash.