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There’s a reason why people buy abandoned storage units at auctions – because they often contain hidden treasures! If you’ve got a storage unit that you haven’t visited in a while, there’s a good chance you’ve got saleable items lurking in its depths. But how do you know if your possessions are valuable? Below is a list of eight items that can be sold for a tidy profit – if you’re prepared to part with them!
Comics
We all read comics in our childhood, and while most of us threw them away, some readers decided to preserve them. If you’re in this category, you’re in luck. Comics command high prices these days, particularly if they’re from the Golden Age (1938–1956), Silver Age (1956–1970) or even the Bronze Age (1970–1985). In fact, some rare Walt Disney comics have sold for thousands of dollars! If you’ve got old Superman, Batman or Incredible Hulk comics that are still in pristine condition, get them appraised and sell them on eBay or other collector sites.
Cards
Just like comics, there is a large market for collectible cards. Whether you’ve got a set of footy or Star Wars cards, check their value online or consult an appraiser. The better the condition, the higher the value. Like comics, you can list them on eBay or collector sites. It may take a while to find the right buyer, but at least they’ll remain clean and secure while you wait for a buyer.
Antiques
If you inherited antiques from your parents or grandparents (and they’re gathering dust in your storage unit or garage), there’s a chance you may have something valuable on your hands. A Parker lounge suite from the 1960s could fetch a thousand dollars or more, depending on the condition. You might also find an Edwardian clock, Wedgwood tableware or World War II relics. Most items you find will be of little value, but you won’t know unless you do some research or consult an antique dealer.
Designer Clothes
Just because you no longer fit into your Chanel gown or Versace trousers, doesn’t mean you should throw them away. Discontinued designer clothes and accessories are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. In fact, there are many online marketplaces or websites that specialise in pre-loved designer clothes and bags. The more prestigious the brand, the higher the price!
Old Books
If you’ve got boxes of old books in your storage unit, check to see if you’ve got any first editions. You can do this by checking the date on the imprint page. Twentieth-century classics like The Catcher in the Rye or The Great Gatsby can be quite valuable, particularly if the dust jacket is still in excellent condition. Even first editions of the Harry Potter books go for thousands of dollars these days. If the book is rare or signed by the author, it can be worth even more. To sell these, list them online or approach an antiquarian bookseller.
Toys
There are whole websites and fairs dedicated to collectable toys. If you’ve got action figures, cabbage patch dolls or Donkey Kong in their original packaging, you could earn hundreds of dollars when you list them on eBay or similar sites. Like comics and collectable cards, do some research beforehand so you can price them competitively.
Artworks
If you have paintings, sketches or photographs by artists who are now famous, you could sell them to make some extra cash. Make sure you approach a reputable dealer, gallery or auction house to get the best return. Alternatively, you could wait for the artwork to increase in value. If you do this, store them in a high-security, climate-controlled self-storage unit. This will prevent theft and minimise deterioration.
Jewellery
Gold jewellery is often passed on through the generations, and while some people like to wear it, others keep it stored away in self-storage units or attics. If you don’t want to keep it anymore, gold jewellery and gemstones can make you hundreds of dollars, depending on the age and quality. Alternatively, you could have the gold melted down and turned into a necklace or bracelet.
Movie Memorabilia
Did your grandparents have a signed photo of Marilyn Monroe or Cary Grant? Or maybe they kept a theatre program, movie posters, letters from celebrities or James Bond memorabilia? If so, these items might be worth a few hundred dollars now. Get these authenticated and sell them online or through dealers who specialise in movie memorabilia.
Final thoughts
As you can see, self-storage units can be a treasure trove of antiques, designer clothes and collectable toys that you can sell for a small profit. But you don’t have to limit yourself to these items. You can also sell boats, jet skis and vintage white goods – anything that’s been in your storage unit for a while. Selling these items not only gives you extra pocket money, but it also declutters your space and makes your storage unit easier to manage. For more advice about storing collectibles or valuable items, contact our friendly team at StoragePlus storage facility.
