Cash in the Attic: How to Make Money Selling Items You Already Own

SuperSavvySavers
3 days ago
5 min read

Most of us have more money sitting around our homes than we realise - not in cash, but in clutter. From forgotten gadgets to clothes you never wear, unused tools, old toys, and home décor gathering dust, your home might be hiding hundreds (even thousands) of pounds worth of items that could easily find a second life.

Whether you’re looking to clear space, build savings, or make a little extra income, here’s how to turn “stuff you already have” into real profit...

Cash in the Attic - Make Money selling stuff you already own

1. Start with a hunt for items around Your Own Home

Before you think about where to sell, you need to figure out what you can sell. You’ll be surprised how quickly a small pile turns into a large sellable stash.

Where to look for items you can sell from your own home:

The attic or loft (classic “forgotten treasure” zone)
The garage (the items you kept that you 'might use one day')
The garden sheds (duplicate or unused gardening equipment)
Cupboards and drawers (sort through that bit drawer!)
The Kids bedroom (outgrown bikes, toys, books and clothes all sell fast)
Kitchen cupboards (duplicate kitchen appliances, unused gadgets)
Wardrobes (clothes, shoes, coats, handbags, accessories)
Hobby collections (craft supplies, sports equipment, old tech)

💡Tip: Anything you haven’t used in the last 12 months is a good candidate for selling.

find items you can sell in your own home — Have a hunt around your own home for items you can sell

2. Car Boot Sales - Instant Cash, Minimal Faff

Car boot sales are a classic place to sell your unwanted items and boot sales are still one of the easiest ways to shift a lot of your household items in one morning.

Why car boot sales work:

Cash in hand on the same day
No need to photograph or list items online
Bargain hunters love mixed tables of random bits

Best things to sell at a car boot sale:

Home décor
Children’s games and toys
Tools and garden equipment
DVDs, books and games
Clothing (especially branded)

Tips for Car Booting Success:

Be ready to start early - the best buyers show up before the gates even open!
Price low for quick selling, or offer 3 for 2 deals to shift items quickly.
Take plenty of change - use a bum bag!
Take a stash of carrier bags - it encourages people to buy more if they can put all their purchases in a bag!
Display items neatly - messy tables don’t sell!
Be ready to haggle
Take a folding table if you have one!
Pack your car the day before so you're all ready to go
Pack your table on top so it comes out first, then you can unpack your car straight onto your table.
Take a blanket or a ground sheet so you can lay out items on the floor
Take a flask, snacks and sandwiches - don't spend all your profit buying your lunch!
Promote the event on your own Facebook page so people know you're going to be there.

Selling your unwanted items at a car boot sale

Use a Folding Table!

There's a great low cost foldable 6ft trestle table available on Amazon for around £35. We bought two a few years ago and we've used them for all sorts, they've been incredibly useful.

You can check out the folding table here - 6ft Folding Table.

3. Facebook Marketplace & Local Selling Pages

Facebook Marketplace has exploded in popularity and is ideal for selling items quickly, locally, and without fees. There are loads of local

Why it works:

Free to list
Huge local audience
Great for bulky items (furniture, appliances)
Buyers collect from you - no postage hassle

Best things to sell:

Furniture
Prams and baby items
Home appliances
Exercise equipment
High-value electronics

Tips for Successfully Selling on Facebook:

Take clear photos in good light
Be honest about condition
Use keywords like “smoke-free home” or “pet-free home”
Expect a bit of haggling

Sell Your Items on Facebook — Make Money by Selling Your Items on Facebook!

4. Hold a Garage Sale - Right on Your Doorstep

A garage or yard sale is perfect if you have a lot of small low-value items. It’s also fun and super convenient.

Boost foot traffic by:

Putting signs around your neighbourhood
Advertising in local community Facebook groups
Advertising on your own Facebook page and other social media channels
Setting up a “£1 table” to attract bargain hunters

Keep prices simple and be prepared to negotiate - shoppers expect deals at garage sales.

Sell your items at a Garage Sale — Hold a Garage Sale, clear out your garage and sell your unwanted household items

5. Sell Niche Items on Specialist Platforms

If you have something with collectible or niche value, consider selling through a dedicated platform for a higher price.

Examples:

Vintage clothing → Depop, Vinted
Electronics → eBay, CEX
Books & media → Ziffit or MusicMagpie
Designer clothes/bags → Vestiaire Collective
Handmade or craft supplies → Etsy

These sites may require more effort (photos, descriptions, postage), but you’ll often earn more than at car boot sales.

Selling your items on specialist platforms — Selling your household items on specialist platforms to generate more money

6. Tips for Selling Well - Clean, Fix, and Present Well

Presentation can double the value of an item. Ensure your items are clean and in a presentable state to sell. You don't want to pick up a reputation for selling dodgy, dirty, broken items!

Before selling, always -

Wash clothes
Wipe down appliances
Replace missing screws/batteries
Bundle items (e.g. toy sets, book series)

A little effort leads to faster sales, better prices and a great reputation.

Preparing your items to sell — Presentation can double the value of an item!

7. Know When to Donate or Recycle

Not everything will sell - and that’s okay. If an item is damaged, outdated, or low-value, consider donating to charity, recycling, or offering it for free on Facebook Marketplace to clear it quickly.

8. The Hidden Bonus: Decluttering Feels Great

Aside from the money, selling your unwanted items genuinely improves your living space.

Less clutter means:

Less cleaning
More room
A calmer environment
Greater appreciation for what you keep

Decluttering is a Win-Win! 🎉

Final Thoughts: Your Home Is a Hidden Goldmine

You don’t need to start a business to make extra money. Sometimes, the easiest profit comes from what you already own.

Whether you choose car boot sales, Facebook selling pages, a garage sale, or online platforms, one thing’s certain: there’s good cash waiting to be made from the items you no longer need.

So roll up your sleeves, dig through your cupboards, and start turning clutter into cash!

🌿 About SuperSavvySavers

At SuperSavvySavers, we’re all about helping you make the most of your money - without the stress. 💚

Our digital products are designed to help you plan smarter, save more, make more, and stay organised, whether you’re managing your household budget, tackling debt, or just trying to bring more order or an extra income stream into everyday life.

We believe small changes add up to big results - and with the right tools, anyone can become a savvy saver. ✨