What Profitable Collectibles Do You Have Sitting in Storage?

Fads come and go. Things are new and then old. Your wants and your needs change with the seasons of life. During these times, you start collecting a lot of stuff. While you may be trying get rid of everything you’ve been collecting in the garage all these years, there are a few things you might not want to throw out just yet. With the right collectibles, your retirement savings could be padded simply by keeping a few items in storage for a while. The following are just a handful of collectibles you can profit from in later years.

1. Baseball Cards – Sure your grandkids will love them someday, but now you can fall in love with them all over again. People just don’t collect baseball cards like they used to, so the nostalgia and vintage appeal will pull buyers in. The older your cards, the more likely you are to get top dollar for them. Players who are no longer active in their sport, or who have passed away all together, have left a legacy. With the right cards, you are essentially selling a piece of that legacy and can receive a high return on investment (ROI).
2. Books – You may not want to go and invest in a bunch of books to try and play the investment game, but if you have been collecting a set or series, or even lone books, they may be worth something. You’ll need to pay attention to what is going on in the world around you to know when the best time is to sell. Politics and economics play a big part in demand. If you have a book that’s rare, like a special edition or autographed copy, be sure to speak with a professional collector to find out how much more you can get for it.
3. Cigars – But not just any cigars. There are some that provide a greater profit than others in the long run. For example, handmade Cuban cigars will give you the highest ROI, even compared to other high-end brands. Other prestigious labels will be near that amount, but typically not quite as high. You don’t have to keep them all in the garage collecting dust. It’s okay to enjoy a few through the years while you wait for the perfect time to cash in.
4. Computers – With all the improvements of technology over the years, you may not have thought an old computer would be an investment at all. It seems everyone wants the latest and greatest, but fortunately for the individual who has been collecting their ancient CD-ROMs, vintage computers are gaining traction. Just tuck it away for a few years to see what the market does and cash in when you feel it’s time.
5. Maps – Does anyone even use paper maps anymore? For home decorating they do! Vintage maps are often found framed in one’s home office. Cartographers are also excited to get their hands on ancient maps for their historical value and will typically pay a higher amount than home decorators. Collectors generally have a focus, so try to find someone whose collection could really benefit from what you have.

The Payoff

Your kids may have been pressuring you for years to get rid of everything in the basement, but those things you’ve been collecting might be worth something. You may as well profit from a hobby that might be long gone, especially when retirement is just around the corner. Take some time to carefully go through your items, one by one, to discover which collections will bring you a high ROI when you are ready for the cash. The payoff just might surprise you.