Does having an extra $1,000 sound nice right now? If so, you might wonder, “What can I sell for $1,000?”.
You might be surprised to learn that there are many things, both individually and as a group, that you can sell to earn $1,000.
Today, you’ll learn what those items are, where to sell them, and more.
25 Things to Sell To Earn $1,000
What would you do if you had an unexpected $1,000 right now? Would you start an emergency fund?
Or would you pay off some debt quickly? Maybe you would start saving for that dream vacation or new-to-you car.
Earning $1,000 can seem like an out-of-reach goal when money is tight. However, you might be surprised at how quickly you can earn serious cash when you combine the right ideas.
Read the list below and decide which ideas can help you earn money quickly.
1. Jewelry
If you have fine jewelry that you no longer need or want, consider selling it to earn some cash quickly. There are a few companies that will help you sell your fine jewelry quickly for money in your pocket.
For instance, Worthy will offer your high-end jewelry and watches to wholesalers for a quick sale. Other companies will buy your jewelry outright and pay you quickly.
2. Gym Equipment
If you have gym equipment you no longer use, consider listing it for sale on Facebook, OfferUp, or Craigslist.
Whether it’s a treadmill, weight set, or other gym equipment, it doesn’t do you much good if it’s collecting dust. And if you know insider tips and tricks, you can sell stuff on sites like Craigslist extremely fast.
3. Laptops
Did you know there are several places to sell your laptop for cash? Depending on the company you use, you may be able to get cash for your laptop in just a few days.
If you have a laptop you no longer use, there’s not much point in holding onto it. Instead, sell it to a buyer who can use it or refurbish it for another potential user.
4. Smartphones
We’ve all got a few smartphones that we no longer use sitting around in desk drawers. Why not round them up and list them for sale?
Check out our list of where to sell old cell phones for cash. Most of these websites make it easy to get quick cash for your old phones.
5. Clothing
Used clothing can be one of the easiest items to sell. In addition, you can sell used clothes in a variety of places.
For example, you can hold a garage sale at your home, bring clothes to a local consignment shop, or list your clothing pieces at the best places to sell used clothes online.
6. Sports Gear
Sports gear can be profitable when selling as well. You can sell anything from protective equipment like shin guards and helmets to bicycles, baseball bats, and soccer nets.
Baseball cleats in good condition, running gear, and football equipment can also sell well.
7. Handbags
Handbags are another hot item on the resale market. You can do especially well from a profit standpoint if you’re selling designer handbags such as Coach and Gucci.
Look for online marketplaces that specialize in designer clothes and handbags. We’ll talk more about where you can sell handbags later.
8. An Older Vehicle
Do you have an older vehicle that you no longer use? Or are you considering upgrading to a newer vehicle?
If so, consider working to sell your older vehicle. Sites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist can be great for selling used cars.
9. Baby Gear
Baby gear is another hot seller on the secondary market. People love saving money on baby items such as clothing, furniture, toys, and gear.
You can sell baby carriers, cribs, strollers, baby monitors, diaper pails, baby bathtubs, bouncy seats, support pillows, and similar items.
10. Kitchen Appliances
If you have unused stand mixers, hand mixers, blenders, smoothie makers, and similar items, consider listing them for sale.
Other popular kitchen appliances include microwaves, Instapots, crackpots, and air fryers.
11. Old Textbooks
Do you have old textbooks lying around from your college days? If so, try selling them.
While there’s a market for most old textbooks, the newer the edition of the book, the more likely you are to sell it faster and for more cash.
12. Digital Cameras
Digital cameras can be a great item to sell online as well. The more expensive the camera was when you bought it, the more likely you will be able to resell it at a great price.
Of course, condition matters. If the camera is a name-brand camera such as Nikon, and it’s in great condition, you’re more likely to sell it at an attractive price.
13. Freelance Services
Do you have a skill that you can use to get freelance work? Some ideas include:
- Graphic design
- Freelance writing
- Administrative assistant
- Social media manager
And more. Check out this list of online side jobs for more ideas.
14. Tools
Tools are another great seller, especially at online marketplaces such as Craigslist. Go through your toolbox and sell tools you have duplicates of or no longer need or want.
Whether you’ve got smaller hand tools or larger power tools, there’s a market for them.
15. Kids Toys
When my kids were little and I held annual garage sales, toys were among my best sellers.
Parents and grandparents love getting deals on toys that are in great shape, especially classic toys and larger toy items such as Little Tykes playsets.
16. Household Items
Household items can sell quickly online as well. Anything from serving dishes to home decor to luggage.
You can also sell rugs, light fixtures, storage bins, linens and more.
17. Home Maintenance Items
Home maintenance items are also popular in the secondary market. Consider selling unused items such as cleaning buckets, vacuum cleaners, window cleaning tools, rakes, lawn aerators, and carpet cleaning machines.
18. Furniture
You can sell furniture of all types on online sites and at garage sales. Sofas, chairs, loveseats, beds, bedroom sets, dining sets, and more are eagerly sought by bargain hunters looking for a deal.
You’ll get even more cash if you sell antique furniture or furniture in great condition. Search similar listings to what you’re selling to determine a competitive price point.
19. Gaming Consoles
Gaming consoles are always hot items to sell, whether the latest release, a vintage console, or something in between.
Many people and families can’t or won’t buy a gaming console at retail prices. Take advantage of this market and sell unused gaming consoles to help earn your $1,000 quickly.
20. Pet Gear
To many of us, our pets are considered family. And we’re not above buying whatever pet gear we need to ensure our pets are happy, healthy, safe, and entertained.
You can sell pet gear such as pet kennels, pet clothing, pet strollers and bike trailers, toys, food bowls, and more. Whether you’re upgrading pet gear or simply have pet gear that you no longer use, there’s probably a market for it.
21. Musical Instruments
Musical instruments are expensive when purchased new, purchasing is out of reach for some parents of budding musicians.
If you’ve got musical instruments of any kind lying around the house, consider selling them to earn extra cash. Musical instruments are often in high demand, from violins to flutes to drum sets.
22. Homemade Personal Care Items
There’s a serious market for personal care and beauty items that are natural and made from scratch.
Some popular items you could make at home and sell include:
- Lip balms
- Body scrubs
- Soaps
- Lotions
- Essential oil combinations
And similar items. Check online sources for ideas and instructions on how to make the items that appeal to you.
23. T-Shirts and Hoodies
If you have a gift for graphic design, why not design and sell your own t-shirts? When you use a site such as Redbubble, you upload your t-shirt designs.
Redbubble covers the rest, from production to shipping to customer service.
24. Freebies You Find
Retail arbitrage is a popular side hustle where you find free or highly discounted items and resell them for a profit.
Search the free section on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for items you can sell for a profit. You can also search out the clearance section at your local big box store for deals.
Read our article on How to Make Money with Retail Arbitrage for a detailed look into reselling.
25. Printables
There’s also a market for selling printables on Etsy and similar sites. From financial printables to calendars and planners, people love saving money by printing items they can buy at a budget-friendly price.
If you’ve got a knack for graphic design and some ideas about how to turn designs into usable printable items, consider starting a printable business.
Next, let’s talk about where you should try to sell items to earn $1,000.
Where to Sell Items for $1,000
There are several places you can sell items for $1,000. However, what you sell may change where you want to try and sell it. Here are some ideas.
- Worthy – a great site to use if you’re selling high-quality fine jewelry.
- Cash For Gold USA – sell gold, silver and diamonds at good rates.
- Decluttr – on the spot offer for practically everything you are selling.
- Bookscouter – enter your books ISBN to get an offer quickly.
- BuybackWorld – instant upfront quote for used cell phones, tablets and more.
- Poshmark – the perfect place to sell designer clothing.
- TheRealReal – best for selling designer handbags.
- Craigslist – sell your items locally.
- Facebook – use Marketplace to sell locally including your neighborhood
- eBay – sell anything including unique items.
- OfferUp – best for selling anything locally.
Surprising Items You Could Sell for $1,000
- Artwork
- Antique Furniture
- Antique Medical Equipment
- Unusual Home Decor Pieces
- Rare or Antique Books
- Vintage Video Games and Consoles
- Antique Toys
- Unique Jewelry Pieces
- Rare Sports Memorabilia
- Rare Movie and TV Memorabilia
Frequently Asked Questions
I am sure you have a few questions about selling your stuff. Here are some common questions.
How can I sell my stuff quickly to get $1,000?
The best way to sell your stuff quickly is to be honest about the item’s condition and price it attractively.
Taking great photos of the items you’re selling and being willing to bargain on the price is helpful too. Lastly, sell your items at the correct venue!
Where is the best place to sell my stuff?
The best place to sell your stuff is the site or location where others sell similar items. Browse the section above to get ideas.
For instance, you’ll want to consider selling designer handbags on sites specializing in designer accessories.
What items sell fast?
The items that sell fastest at online marketplaces are used daily, in good condition, and priced appropriately. Search similar listings to understand how you should price items you’re selling.
How can I earn $1,000 fast?
The best way to earn $1,000 fast is to use what you’ve got “in your hands.” In other words, sell what you’ve got sitting around your house.
Or use the skills you already have and look for ways to earn money with them.
Final Thoughts
When you consider the question, “What can I sell for $1,000?” know that your options are nearly limitless.
Take a good look through your home and make a list of your skills to find ways to earn money quickly. Make a challenge with yourself to earn the money as fast as possible, then get to hustling. You got this!