12 Surprisingly Valuable Things You Have Lying Around the House

Rounding up your junk for a much-needed yard sale? Here are 12 things you might want to research before you toss.

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Electronics

Because technology continues to evolve, many people assume electronics are becoming less and less valuable. Though that may be true of some, make sure you do a quick Google search, first.

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Walmart

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Music

The same goes for music. Most people think only vinyl is valuable, but check to see if you have any special edition CDs. This Justin Timberlake gold album from his 20/20 Experience tour is a collectors' item and was once being auctioned off for over $3,000 on Ebay. It costs less than $20 at Walmart.

Here are 20 money-saving secrets from discount store employees.

Etsy

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Stamps

You might have cringed every year when your distant aunt mailed you a birthday gift from the Canadian Mint but these have likely gone up in value. These ones here were sold on Etsy for $10.

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Money

Just because a bill says $1 doesn't mean it's worth $1. Check the dates on any old coins you have lying around and look out for anything that might be out of circulation. Like $1 bills, that are worth so much more! If you find enough, you may be able to retire with millions.

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Cards

The sole purpose of collecting cards is so someday they will be worth something. If you grew up in the '90s, Pokemon was likely your go-to and it may be time to collect your pay-off. We found this first edition card on Ebay being auctioned off for $5,400! Yours could be next.

Etsy

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Costume jewellery

Costume jewellery can be tricky and value can lean heavily on taste, but if you happen to come across any earrings in the mix, hang on to them. These authentic genuine vintage Chanel earrings are being sold for nearly $400 on Etsy. A steal.

Etsy

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Magazines

Old magazines are dusty and attract bugs, but if you happen to stumble on any vintage covers of popular titles like Time, Vogue or Playboy, it may be worth setting them aside. This March 1990 issue of Playboy isn't from so long ago, but considering who's on the cover might make it worth something.

Etsy

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Old cameras

Back in the '70s, it seemed like everyone had a Pentax or Olympus hanging around his or her neck, which means you likely have one tucked in a cupboard or storage bin. Before you throw on a $5 sticker and put it out at the yard sale, do some research to see what it might be worth today. Even if some of the parts are no longer working, models like this 1972 Olympus could fetch quite a pretty penny.

Etsy

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Sewing patterns

Anyone who grew up during the Depression, likely owned a sewing machine. Even if you've sold the machine, don't discount any sewing patterns you find. Companies like Vogue used to sell cutouts of designer styles like this Sonia Rykiel top and skirt for avid sewers to make at home. These patterns are now worth upwards of $140 a pop.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

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Books

A lot of old books aren't worth much but before you toss them out, check the edition. First editions like a hardcover copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone can sometimes be worth around £40,000 ($71,453).

Etsy

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Barbies

Birthday Barbie might not be as in-demand as this Vera Wang bride Barbie, which was released in 2008 and sold to collectors for over $1,000, but it's still a collectible nonetheless. But, please. All Barbies rock.

Etsy

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Before you throw out those old newspapers, flip through to see if you can find any old ads. Coca-Cola ones, in particular, hold quite a bit of value; not bad for a piece of paper.