Wait! Don't Toss That: 10 Surprising Items with Hidden Value
Throwing away money? Check this list of 10 valuable items often found in Grand Rapids basements and attics before you declutter.
Jay Turpin
12/29/20252 min read
STOP! Before You Rent the Dumpster, Read This.
Every year, families in West Michigan unknowingly throw away thousands of dollars in valuable collectibles. Here is what to look for.
When you are downsizing a home or settling an estate, the urge to "purge" is strong. You see clutter; we see treasure. At M37, we have rescued countless items from the trash pile that ended up sparking bidding wars on our platform.
Before you fill that trash bag, check for these 10 commonly discarded items.
1. "Junk" Jewelry (Costume Jewelry)
Just because it isn't real gold or diamonds doesn't mean it’s worthless. Vintage costume jewelry—especially signed pieces or big, colorful 1950s/60s styles—is highly collectible. Even a tangled box of plastic beads can sell for surprising amounts to crafters and collectors.
Rule of Thumb: If it sparkles, keep it. Let us sort it.
2. Old Paper (Ephemera)
We see this all the time: families recycle stacks of "old paper" to clear space. Stop! Vintage postcards, local Grand Rapids advertising brochures, old maps, concert ticket stubs, and even diaries from the early 1900s are hot sellers.
Why? Historians and collectors pay premium prices for original local history.
3. Rusty Tools
To you, it’s a rusty wrench in the bottom of a damp toolbox. To a collector, it might be a rare "Ford" script wrench or an early 20th-century woodworking plane. "Patina" (rust and age) is actually desirable in the tool world. Do not clean them; just set them aside.
4. The "Ugly" Furniture
Is there a sharp-angled, orange armchair or a weirdly shaped coffee table in the basement that you think is hideous? That might be "Mid-Century Modern" (MCM) design. This is currently one of the hottest markets in the auction world.
Watch for: Teak wood, plastic shell chairs, and names like Herman Miller (often found right here in West Michigan!).
5. Vintage Christmas Decorations
Old glass ornaments (Shiny Brites), ceramic trees with little plastic lights, and even those slightly creepy plastic Santas from the 1960s are incredibly nostalgic and valuable. Do not donate these to the thrift store without checking their value first.
6. Old Electronics (Even Broken Ones!)
Don't toss that heavy silver-faced stereo receiver or those giant speakers just because they don't power on. Audiophiles love vintage gear (Marantz, Pioneer, Sansui) and often buy broken units just for the parts.
Also: Old video game consoles (Nintendo, Atari) are liquid gold, even without the cords.
7. Pyrex and Kitchenware
Open the cupboards. Do you see brightly colored mixing bowls (pink, turquoise, yellow) or casserole dishes with flower patterns? Vintage Pyrex has a cult following. A single rare bowl can sell for hundreds of dollars.
8. Clothing from the 70s, 80s, and 90s
You might see "old clothes." Gen Z sees "Vintage Streetwear." Concert t-shirts, old Levi's jeans, and even colorful windbreakers are back in style. Check the tags—"Made in USA" is often a good sign of value.
9. Perfume Bottles (Even Empty Ones)
Vintage perfume bottles are collected for their art and design. Even a half-used bottle of an old fragrance can be valuable because certain scents have been discontinued and are sought after by enthusiasts.
10. The Contents of the "Junk Drawer"
Zippo lighters, old fountain pens, pocket knives, military patches, and watches often end up in the kitchen junk drawer. These small items are easy to ship and perfect for online auctions.
The "When In Doubt" Rule
If you are unsure, don't throw it out.
Once an item is in the landfill, the value is gone forever. At M37 Auction, we specialize in identifying these hidden gems. We can walk through the home, tell you what has value, and handle the sale for you—often paying for the cleanout cost with the profits from items you planned to toss!