From tech and media gear to collectibles and toys, these are some of the things you may have lying around your house that you can sell to make more money this year. Home and lifestyle items, even scrap metal, can fetch a good price, too.
Knowing how to make extra cash from home has become more crucial than ever, as many Americans find themselves in a financial pinch.
Indeed, U.S. News and World Report says that over two in five Americans can't cover a $1,000 emergency expense from their savings. A third also admit to not having enough savings to cover a month of living expenses.
By arming yourself with knowledge and ideas to make extra income, you're more likely to be able to weather such financial storms.
How Can You Make More Money Right Now?
Selling stuff that you no longer use, including those you think may no longer have any value, is one of the quickest ways to make extra cash, possibly even today. You may, for instance, think that your rust bucket isn't worth a penny when, in fact, it can hold a junk car value amounting to a few hundred dollars.
Donating plasma, which involves the procedure called "plasmapheresis," is another way to earn extra cash. Plasma centers, often run by pharmaceutical companies, pay for these "donated" blood components, which they use for research (e.g., to find cures for diseases) or to make plasma derivatives.
Digital platform GoodRx says that people who give plasma often get paid $30 to 70 per donation, although some centers pay $100 or more (as of June 2025). High-frequency donors can even generate additional income of up to $1,000 a month.
You'll also find apps and websites that you can join to participate in paid surveys and studies. Just keep in mind, though, that while some offer instant or quick payouts, they don't pay a lot. NerdWallet says some platforms pay up to $0.80 per survey or up to $5 on day one, but often require personal data.
How Can You Boost Income?
Part-time side hustles are an excellent way to boost your income and make more money this year (and beyond). One of your top options is to do some online freelancing work in areas you specialize in.
Many individuals and business owners outsource services they need to freelancers, and if you do well, it can be a long-term source of extra revenue. Examples of services often outsourced to freelancers include:
- Social media management
- Digital marketing and search engine optimization
- Content writing and copywriting
- Video editing
- No to low-code app development
- Web design and development
- Data analysis
- Virtual assistance
What Are Some Surprising Things in Your Home That You Can Sell to Make More Money This Year?
If you need to make more money now, selling items you no longer need is one of your quickest strategies. Have a look around your house and see if you have any of the following, which you can often turn into cash the same day you sell them.
Tech and Media Gear
While it's true that electronics lose monetary value so quickly, some items, particularly those that have a "retro" and "nostalgia" factor, are growing in demand and fetching a good price.
An article published on AOL.com, for instance, lists the Atari 2600 video game console at up to $60, with rare bundles and variants getting priced as much as $500. Rare game cartridges, like River Patrol and Air Raid, can even go for thousands. Other serious money-makers mentioned are:
- Sony Discman D-50 (around $100 to $400)
- Polaroid OneStep (up to $150)
- National Ambience RX-7200 (ranging from $1,000 to $2,000)
Collectibles and Toys
Vintage toys in mint condition or that remain in their original packaging can also net you a good sum. Examples include:
- LEGO sets
- Star Wars action figures
- 1980s Transformers
- 1950s to 1960s Barbie dolls
Other collectibles around your home that could be worth serious money are fine art and rare books. Be on the lookout for antique porcelain figurines and vintage vinyl records, too.
Home and Lifestyle Items
Have a look at your garage, attic, or basement for home and lifestyle items like power tools and retro furniture.
Old hand tools, particularly the "antiquated" or unusual ones, have a strong collector market. You'll likely find willing buyers for your heavy-duty cast-iron tools, anvils, or Stanley hand planes.
Consider selling well-maintained retro furniture, too. Examples include Art Deco styles and mid-century modern (1950s to 1960s) pieces.
Scrap Metal
Even if you don't have a junk car, you still likely have many other items around the house that are excellent sources of scrap metal. You'll find these discarded yet recyclable (and therefore sellable) materials in stuff like:
- Old appliances, such as washers, refrigerators, and microwave ovens
- Metal plumbing pipes
- Electrical wiring
- Fixtures, including gutters, door handles, and faucets
- Cookware
- Metal furniture
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can You Sell Old Household Stuff for Cash?
Online platforms like Facebook Marketplace and eBay are excellent places to sell your household items. You can also use specialized apps for specific goods, such as Gameflip for retro games.
Collectibles and rare items generally fetch higher prices at auctions, but if you don't have the time, go to a reputable pawn shop. They usually offer cash for items of value on the spot.
If you want to get rid of a rust bucket, sell it to a trustworthy, well-reviewed auto salvage yard. Metal recycling facilities, on the other hand, often buy other types of scrap metal.
Is There Any Other Benefit of Selling Old Items Aside From Earning Extra Cash?
Yes. The more old stuff you no longer use and sell, the more usable living space you can free up at home.
It helps you declutter living areas, making it easier to clean and maintain your home. The less clutter you have, the less attractive your home is to pests.
Make More Money This Year With These Tips
Whether you're in a financial pinch or just want to make more money to start an emergency fund, consider selling stuff around your home. Items like old tech and media gear, collectibles, vintage toys, and scrap metal can all go for a good price.
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