Where to Sell Your Unwanted Stuff for the Most Cash

By
Erin Huffstetler
Erin Huffstetler

Erin Huffstetler is a frugal living expert who has been writing for over 10 years about easy ways to save money at home.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 10/31/22
Fact checked by
Emily Estep
Emily Estep
Fact checked by Emily Estep

Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics including environmental science and houseplants.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Person taking a photo of clothing with a smartphone

Westend61 / Getty Images

If you're looking to turn your used goods—from musical instruments to clothing and appliances—into cash, you have plenty of options for where you can earn top dollar, either online or at local stores and dealers. You just have to know where to look. Find out where to sell your unwanted stuff for the biggest return.

  • 01 of 10

    Books

    Stack of used books on kitchen countertop to sell for cash

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

    Check Bookscouter to find out which online book buyer is paying the highest price, or list your books on eBay, a large marketplace for used books. Or you can sell your books to used bookstores, though you'll have to hoof it to the store, give the proprietor time to go through your collection, and probably lug about half of them back home or to the next bookstore. Still, it's a fun way to spend a day if you enjoy visiting used bookstores.

  • 02 of 10

    Clothing

    Clothing folded to sell for cash closeup

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

    Sort out your best clothes and sell them to a consignment store, at a consignment sale, or through eBay. Group the rest into lots, and post an ad on Craigslist or in your local classifieds. Sell anything you have left in a yard sale. You can also list your vintage pieces on Etsy.

    The Best Online Consignment Stores of 2023
  • 03 of 10

    Furniture, Antiques, and Collectibles

    Old gray furniture covered with fluffy white, blue and black pillows to sell for cash

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

    Sell pieces of exceptional quality on consignment or at auction (online or off). List good-quality pieces on Craigslist or in the newspaper classifieds. Sell everything else at a yard sale or estate sale, or try an antique dealer for antiques and collectibles.

  • 04 of 10

    Sports Equipment

    Small football, basketball and soccer ball on white surface to sell for cash

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

    Sell lightly used sports equipment to a used sports shop like Play It Again Sports, or post fliers where your child or you go for practice. Sell all remaining items to a pawnshop, through Craigslist, or through your local classifieds.

    Continue to 5 of 10 below.
  • 05 of 10

    Electronics

    Electronic phones, laptops and controllers stacked on each other to sell for cash

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

    Sell newer electronic items on eBay, through Craigslist, or the classified section of your local newspaper. Sell old (but still useable) items through Craigslist, a classified ad, or a yard sale. Sell obsolete or broken electronics through eBay (when there's a market for them), or look into recycling them through ​Best Buy or another retailer.

  • 06 of 10

    Video Games

    Game controller, video games and discs on wooden surface to sell for cash

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

    Sell newer releases on Craigslist, through a classified, or on eBay. List everything else through a site that buys used media. Second Spin Disk is one to try. Another option: Sell your used games at GameStop.

  • 07 of 10

    Housewares

    Stacked ceramic housewares on white surface to sell for cash

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

    Sell highly sought-after items on eBay, on consignment, through Craigslist, or a classified. Sell everything else at a yard sale.

  • 08 of 10

    Appliances

    Black can opener, toaster and blender next to houseplant to sell for cash

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

    List working appliances on Craigslist or in the newspaper. Sell broken appliances to a recycling center for scrap or list them on eBay. You might also consider donating your old appliances to a charity or local thrift store if you are unable to sell them.

    Continue to 9 of 10 below.
  • 09 of 10

    Jewelry

    Old jewelry surrounding vintage jewelry box next to houseplant to be sold for cash

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

    First, have your antiques and good quality pieces appraised. Then sell them at auction, through eBay, or to a dealer or jewelry store. Sell lesser pieces on consignment or through eBay. Sell junk jewelry to a jewelry store for the scrap value. Sell low-end costume jewelry at your next yard sale.

  • 10 of 10

    Musical Instruments

    Saxophone musical instrument in black case to be sold for cash

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

    Reverb.com is a great place to sell—and buy—used instruments and audio equipment online. Alternatively, contact band directors at area middle schools and high schools to let them know you have an instrument for sale. If that fails, advertise on Craigslist or through a classified ad. Sell your instrument to a music shop or pawnshop as a last resort.