What to keep and what to cull when cleaning out your home

Turn clutter into cash. - by Laura Barry

Cleaning out your home, or helping your parents clean out their home, can be a huge job, especially if you don’t have a clear idea of what’s worth keeping and what isn’t. Keep things that are family heirlooms or that have sentimental value, by all means, but when it comes to sorting through the clutter, there are certain things you should cull, and others you should keep and turn into cash later.

Things to cull

If you’re sorting through household clutter, these should be some of the first unnecessary things to do.

Mass-produced figurines
Souvenir products
Trinkets
Dining suite furniture (unless an original designer piece)
Lounge suite (Unless an original designer piece)
Napkin rings
Candelabras
Doilies
Tablecloths
Cutlery
Cheap crystal bowls and glasses
China sets
Clothes/shoes (unless mint-condition designer pieces)
Stuffed toys

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Things to keep

If you’re looking for items that might be worth something to the right buyer or collector, these are the things to look out for.

Military medals
Statement pieces of furniture or décor such as Murano glass, signed art and designer or iconic pieces of furniture.
Jewellery from the Victorian era, 1920s and pieces with real diamonds.
Collectible bank notes and coins from the old days
Stamps from the old days
19^th century quilts
Pokemon Cards
Old cameras
Original furbies
First editions of classic/iconic books
Gameboys
Records in mint condition

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Laura Barry

Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.