Forgotten Items in Your Home Could Be Worth a Small Fortune

A financial specialist is encouraging Americans struggling with rising costs to take a closer look at their basements, closets, and junk drawers, warning that everyday items long forgotten may now be worth serious money.

“People discard things every day without realizing they could one day fund their retirement,” said Adam Koprucki, founder of Real World Investor. “Some objects sitting quietly in your home today may outperform traditional investments within the next few years.”

Items that were once common, particularly early tech products, have become highly sought-after collectibles. First-generation Apple devices are among the most valuable.

“The original iPhone released in 2007 originally sold for $499,” Koprucki explained. “Sealed units are now selling for more than $20,000, and by 2030, pristine examples could exceed $50,000.”

That estimate may actually be on the low end. In 2023, an unopened 8GB first-generation iPhone sold at auction for over $63,000. Even more striking, a rare 4GB version from the same year fetched nearly $190,000.

The collectibles industry in the United States reached an estimated value of $62 billion in 2024 and continues to grow despite economic challenges, according to market research firm Grand View Research. Projections suggest the market could climb to $83.7 billion by 2030, expanding at an annual rate of 5.3%.

Nostalgic items from the 1980s and 1990s are also commanding impressive prices.

“Many people don’t realize that childhood toys like Star Wars action figures or Pokémon cards could now help pay for a home,” Koprucki noted. “Sealed Transformers toys from the 1980s can sell for up to $20,000, and first-edition Harry Potter books that originally cost under $20 are now worth more than $50,000.”

Vintage video games are another hot category. “Some of the rarest Nintendo titles from the ’80s and ’90s sell for over $100,000,” Koprucki said. “A sealed copy of Super Mario Bros. sold for $2 million in 2021 — a game that once retailed for about $30.”

According to Koprucki, items kept in their original packaging can be worth as much as ten times more, though well-preserved items in near-new condition can also attract high bids.

If you come across something you believe may be valuable, he strongly recommends having it professionally appraised before listing it for sale.

“Online marketplaces have made selling collectibles easier than ever,” he said. “But understanding exactly what you own is essential if you want to maximize its value.”