When people think about estate sales, they usually imagine antique furniture or old China sets—but those aren’t always the hot-ticket items. In fact, many everyday objects fly off the shelves faster than you’d expect. If you’re planning an estate sale, keep your eye on these 10 surprising items that buyers love to snatch up.
1. Vintage Kitchenware
Why it sells: Think Pyrex, Corning Ware, and cast-iron pans. These nostalgic pieces are in high demand with collectors and home chefs alike.
Many of them sell online for much more than you would pay for them.
2. Old Tools (Even Rusty Ones!)
Why it sells: Collectors, DIYers, and hobbyists love hand tools—especially those made in the USA.
Even hand tools that were used in the 40’s and 50’s, now collect good money.
3. Costume Jewelry
Why it sells: Affordable and often unique, costume jewelry appeals to vintage fashion fans and resellers.
Many jewelry makers are looking to buy these to remake into new items for sale.
4. Vinyl Records and Cassette Tapes
Why it sells: Vinyl is back in style, and even lesser-known albums can draw a crowd.
Buy them by the crate for a better deal or individual if you know it is a very collectible album. (Hint😊 80’s rock and roll)
5. Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Why it sells: MCM style is trendy, and even slightly worn pieces get scooped up fast.
Retro lamps, teak sideboards, think of accent pieces also that can be repurposed.
6. Sewing Machines & Fabric
Why it sells: Crafters and quilters are always on the lookout for good deals. Vintage sewing machines are especially collectible.
These come and go in popularity; vintage Singer is powerful if it is in working order, and with these, sometimes the older the better for collectors.
7. Board Games & Puzzles
Why it sells: Nostalgia is powerful, games from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s are especially popular.
Old Monopoly, Scrabble, games like these that are in great condition are making a big comeback.
8. Garden Tools & Outdoor Items
Why it sells: Wheelbarrows, old planters, and patio furniture move quickly—especially in spring and summer.
Vintage watering cans, old wheelbarrows, these can be repurposed into flower pots or containers, patio furniture can be painted with modern finishes.
9. Vintage Electronics
Why it sells: old radios, VHS players, and even flip phones have a resale market or get repurposed as decor.
Image idea: A shelf with an old TV, rotary phone, and cassette deck—nostalgic tech heaven.
Many of the old cameras that were popular and have now become very hard to find have had a resurgence in popularity, working or not in many cases.
10. Books (Especially Cookbooks and Local History)
Why it sells: Certain genres are always in demand, cookbooks, first editions, and regional interest books are top picks.
Image idea: A small bookcase with worn spines, an open cookbook showing handwritten notes inside.
These are just a few thoughts on displaying in some homes, even a restaurant may consider old cookbooks for a nostalgic display.
Estate sales aren’t just about clearing out a house, they’re about helping unique items find new homes.
If you’re overwhelmed by what to keep, donate, or sell, we’re here to help. At Estate Sales Made Easy, we know what to sell, and we make sure your sales are a success.
Many of these items are hard to sell sometimes, it depends on if the right buyer comes to the sale, which is why we have an email list that people can join.
If you want to become a buyer at our sales and be notified before the sale, reach out to join the list.
You never know what you are going to find!