Unlock hidden value in your home
Everything in your home can have a value – you just need to find the right place to sell it
Many of us have items tucked away at home — a forgotten brooch, an old silver teapot, a box of coins, or a painting that once hung in a grandparent’s house. These pieces may be gathering dust, but they could hold surprising value. And what about household items you just don’t need any more – old clothes, tech items, toys? Yes, you can sell them, too!, so find the hidden value in your home.
Selling at auction is a great way to discover what items are worth and find a buyer who truly appreciates them.
Why choose an auction?
Unlike selling privately or online, an auction connects your items with a wide audience of interested buyers, often collectors or dealers. This competitive environment can help achieve a better price, especially for unusual or rare pieces. Auctions also offer transparency – you set a reserve price if you wish, and the bidding happens in the open.
What makes a good auctioneer?
A reputable auction house will guide you through the process clearly and honestly. Look for an auctioneer with experience in the type of item you’re selling – be it jewellery, silver, coins, books or art. They should offer realistic valuations, explain how the auction works, and help you set a sensible reserve. A good auctioneer combines market knowledge, marketing skills (to attract the right buyers), and clear communication.
What about fees?
Auction houses typically charge a seller’s commission, often between 10% and 20% of the hammer price. There may also be charges for insurance, photography, and catalogue entry – it’s always wise to ask for a full breakdown before you commit. Some fees are negotiable, especially for higher-value items.
So, if you’re considering clearing out the attic or downsizing, it could be worth seeing what treasures you have. A chat with a local auctioneer might just turn forgotten possessions into a welcome windfall.
Cash for clutter
It doesn’t have to be antique to make you money, there are other ways to find hidden value in your home…
Clothes The usual rule is that if you haven’t worn a garment for two years, get rid of it. Online, even inexpensive items can be put on Vinted, eBay or Preloved and they don’t charge sellers for listing. Designer clothes can be sold on Vestiaire Collective or you may have a local dress agency that will take a cut if they sell a brand name for you. If you have a lot to get rid of and they’re in good condition, Google ‘selling clothes by weight’. Or if you’ve M&S clothes, you can get vouchers to spend at the store by recycling them through the Oxfam and M&S Another Life scheme.
Tech Lots of outlets exist for the hardware and other media items you no longer use. CEX takes DVDs and games. World of Books sells CDs, too, as does Money Magpie, which also allows you to trade in computers, tablets and mobiles.
Tech bits and pieces Amazingly, there’s a market for iPhone and games console boxes, phone cables, TV remotes and even instruction manuals. Facebook Marketplace, eBay or Vinted are options. If you just want to give them away, Freecycle is also worth trying.
Books Volumes gathering dust on your shelves? Music Magpie, World of Books and We Buy Books are all sites that enable you to make money from your unwanted titles. Scan the barcode with your smartphone or enter the ISBN to get a valuation.
Toys Retro toys, such as My Little Pony and Transformers, can fetch a lot on eBay. Toy Exchange is a site that will value and sell selected items for you.
Lego Even those random pieces of Lego thrown into an old box can net you cash. Music Magpie will accept genuine Lego bricks with a total weight of 500g or more. They pay £1.50 for that quantity but you need to sell at least £5 worth of goods in total on the site.
Mobiles Sell My Mobile and Compare and Recycle both let you compare offers and select the one you prefer. Even damaged mobiles are considered. Remember to do a factory reset before selling.
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