Spring has sprung, which can only mean one thing - it’s time for Spring cleaning. Don't groan just yet! Some of the items you think are trash could actually be buried treasure. Poking around the dusty corners of your home could prove to be a lucrative adventure if you know where to look. There is no need to stress about research; we've done the hard work for you. Here are ten everyday items found at home that could be worth a lot of money. 

Vintage Luggage 

The suitcases your parents or grandparents took on their honeymoon may be worth more than sentimental value. Recreational travel took off around the turn of the 20th century and quickly became a symbol of status, wealth, and power. From the designer pieces of the early 1900s to the statement offerings of the 60s and 70s, vintage luggage represents a time capsule harking back to the heyday of All-American vacations. Some Louis Vuitton luggage can fetch thousands. 

Books

Taking a look at the inside of an old stack of books could change your life. There have been many instances of pieces unwittingly sold at garage sales, later valued at thousands of dollars. If you see the words "first edition" in the first pages, you could be on to a winner, but don't get too excited yet. It's important to differentiate between a true first edition and a reprint. Various publishers have reprinted many antique books over the years. Other factors to consider are scarcity, condition, and supply and demand. 

Old Toys 

Your grandmother, who never wanted to throw anything away, may have been right. Taking a look through your old childhood toys may unearth some pleasant surprises. Many people scoffed during the Cabbage Patch doll and Beanie Baby crazes, but examples now sell for sums that are no longer child's play. 19th Century Dolls, Teddy Bears and mechanical toys fly at auctions, some for hundreds or thousands of dollars, like this eary Steiff bear which sold for almost $1,000. You can do some of your own research on Liveauctioneers.com to see what similar items to yours have sold for.

Fashion Accessories

They say good style never goes out of fashion and classic or vintage eyewear designs make a reappearance every year. Given their inherent fragility, finding a piece of authentic vintage eyewear in your home can bring an eye-watering price at auction. Eyewear trends date back to the 16th century, and valuers will assess pieces by style, material, or if there have been any famous or well-known previous owners. Some rare spectacles, monocles, or binoculars sold for thousands. Other accessories, such as scarves, shawls, or other clothing can also have resale value. For example, this art deco shawl together with a collection of Persian shoes and embroidered textiles sold at one of our previous auctions sold for $350. 

Famous Advertising 

Golden-era advertising paraphernalia like signs or banners has brought consistently high resale value. Determining factors include condition, size, rarity, and brand reach. Vintage European posters from famous artists like Toulouse-Lautrec will create a lot more buzz and can sell for $10,000 - 15,000, such as this piece titled La Revue Blanche, which sold for $12,500.

Lamps

Who would have thought that the dusty light fixture in the corner of your office might be worth something? That old lamp’s value might brighten your day. Take this Persian brass floor lamp with shade - it was estimated at $400, and sold for $850, or this Tiffany’s lamp which sold for a whopping $3 million! You can take a look at your lamp to try to figure out the material it’s made out of, the manufacturer, and any other clues which might help you understand the potential value. 

Vinyls

The dusty old vinyls your dad used to drag out and embarrass you with using could be inspiring a very different reaction today. Given their scarcity in the modern-day, some rare records in excellent condition are selling well into the four figures. and beyond. First invented in 1931, some rare records with owners who can prove their authenticity, can start bidding wars. Famous examples include the first copy of the Beatle's White Album going for $790,000 and Wu-Tang Clan's "Once Upon A Time in Shaolin '' selling for a jaw-dropping $2 million.

What should I do if I think some of my Items are Valuable?

If you have stumbled across any items like these, we strongly recommend that you visit Liveauctioneers.com to find similar items that might have sold previously. If you think you’re onto something, get a professional valuation. Taking advice from an experienced professional will prevent you from falling for scam buyers or selling at below market value. 

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