Desperate for Cash: 12 Things You Can Sell to Make Money Instantly
Nothing is worse than the desperation of needing money today and not knowing how to get it. The stress and accompanying anxiety can eat away at your confidence and motivation, and you can begin to feel helpless.
Working all day and still not having enough? It’s like you’re running on a hamster wheel going nowhere.
Things You Can Sell to Make Money Fast
Fortunately, there are ways to make a quick buck. I’ve done everything from odd jobs with WorkForce to using gig economy platforms to supplement income.
Additionally, there are numerous things in your home that you can sell and make cash immediately. Selling items you no longer need can be an excellent way to generate additional income while decluttering your living and mental spaces. Here are the top money makers lying around your home.
1. Clothing
What’s in your closet? Selling gently used clothing, shoes, purses, belts, and other fashion accessories is a simple way to earn extra cash. Several online consignment platforms make listing and selling wardrobe items easy.
High-quality, brand-name, and vintage pieces are especially popular. Clear photos and detailed descriptions help attract buyers and ensure successful sales. If you need cash today, you may have your best luck selling on Facebook Marketplace.
2. Electronics
Old electronics can earn you some cash quickly, depending on where you sell them. Tech, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops, can be sold for a significant amount on websites like Gazelle, Decluttr, and eBay.
Even broken devices can be valuable for parts on some secondhand apps and marketplaces. Remember, ensuring your data is wiped clean before selling is essential for protecting personal information.
3. Kitchenware
Kitchenware covers numerous things you can sell to make money in your kitchen on various secondhand platforms. You might have the best luck selling high-valued items such as antiques and vintage cookware on eBay.
Kitchen items like CorningWare and vintage pieces, including cast-iron skillets, KitchenAid mixers, and mason jars, fetch a fair price. For pots, pans, and dish sets, try Facebook Marketplace for immediate cash.
4. Appliances
Appliances are another item you can sell for a quick buck. From small appliances to larger ones like refrigerators and freezer chests, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp are great places to list these items.
Some may have luck selling them at garage sales, but if you can wait, you’ll likely get a better payout selling online.
5. Home Decor
Do you have home decor items you’re ready to rotate out? If they are in gently used condition, artwork, decorative pieces, picture frames, candle holders, throw rugs, and pillows are easy to unload.
6. Unused Gift Cards
Unused gift cards can be sold for cash on platforms like CardCash, Raise, Gameflip, and Gift Card Granny. These websites allow users to sell unwanted gift cards at a slight discount, making them attractive to buyers looking for deals.
Selling gift cards can quickly convert them into cash in times of desperation. Besides, they are more valuable to you as cash if you weren’t using them anyway. Checking for fees or expiration dates beforehand is important to maximize the value.
7. Books
Selling gently used books, including college textbooks, can be a profitable venture. Websites like Amazon, BookScouter, and AbeBooks are reputable platforms for selling used books.
First editions, rare books, and popular series often have high resale values. Keeping books in good condition and accurately describing their state can help secure better prices. You can also get cash on the same day at some used bookstores like Half Price Books.
8. Collectibles
Collectibles, including coins, stamps, toys, and sports memorabilia, can be valuable to the right buyer markets. Check out platforms like eBay, Heritage Auctions, and Ruby Lane, which specialize in selling collectibles.
Proper research and appraisal of items can help in setting competitive prices. Providing certificates of authenticity and detailed provenance can increase buyer confidence.
9. Furniture
Whether wooden, antique, or modern, furniture can fetch reasonable prices online on the right platforms. Nextdoor, Facebook Marketplace, and OfferUp allow local listings, making it easier to sell larger furniture items, including dressers, bed frames, dining sets, and entertainment centers.
10. Sports Equipment
Sports equipment, including bicycles, golf clubs, and fitness gear, can be sold for extra money at brick-and-mortar stores like Play It Again Sports, as well as secondhand online platforms. Seasonal demand can affect prices, so timing the sale accordingly can help maximize profits.
11. Musical Instruments
The number of people who don’t follow through on learning a musical instrument is astronomical. Additionally, some people get rid of the old to make room for the new.
Musical instruments, such as guitars, keyboards, and brass instruments, can be sold for reasonable money on websites like Reverb and Sweetwater’s Gear Exchange specialize in selling used musical instruments. Instruments in good condition and from well-known brands often have a higher resale value.
12. Bicycles
Bicycles for both children and adults can fetch a fair price on secondhand apps and online marketplaces. Ensuring the bike is in good working condition while providing clear photos and descriptions will help attract potential buyers.
The Bottom Line
Selling unused or unwanted items is a practical and efficient way to make extra money quickly. Numerous opportunities can turn household clutter into cash, from clothing and electronics to collectibles and instruments.
One key to success is providing detailed listings. By leveraging online platforms and providing clear photos and comprehensive descriptions, you can reach a broad audience and maximize your earnings.
Olivia Jones is a self-professed money geek who strives always to find the best buy. It started when she was faced with overwhelming credit card debt and an acknowledgment of an unhealthy compulsive buying disorder. She's since overcome her debt by budgeting, saving and investing, and aims to share her best tips to help others overcome their own shopping addictions by developing healthy money habits.
