Feb 7, 2025
As you approach retirement, financial planning takes center stage. While many focus on savings and investments, there’s another often-overlooked strategy to bolster your nest egg: getting rid of stuff you no longer need.
It’s not exactly the KonMari method, but downsizing your home, clearing out your garage and selling key assets before retirement can generate cash, reduce expenses and simplify your life. Clearing out clutter always feels good, but making money at the same time will probably sound better to soon-to-be retirees who worry that they might outlive their nest egg.
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Here are seven things to sell before you retire that could add thousands of dollars to your retirement fund — and maybe save you some space and money in the years ahead.
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Home downsizing is a game-changer
For many retirees, the family home is a centerpiece asset and a big expense. Selling your current home and downsizing to a smaller property, condo or even a rental can free up significant cash while slashing property taxes, maintenance costs and utility bills.
In America's top 20 metropolitan areas, homeowners can save an average of about $196,000 by downsizing from a four-bedroom to a two-bedroom home, according to clark.com, a site founded by finance expert Clark Howard. If you own your home outright or have substantial equity, selling it could provide a windfall to pad your retirement savings. Plus, a smaller space often means fewer headaches and more time to enjoy your golden years.
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Multiple cars
If you’re no longer commuting daily or if you or your partner don’t need separate cars, selling extra vehicles can save thousands. Edmunds reported the average used car price in late 2024 was $27,177 — suggesting that shedding unused vehicles could add a significant amount to your retirement fund.
But the benefits don’t stop there. By selling an extra vehicle, you’ll also save on insurance, registration, maintenance and fuel, potentially cutting annual expenses by thousands.
Unused RVs or boats
Dreams of RV road trips or boating adventures often fizzle as retirees realize the costs and maintenance can rival — or even outweigh — the benefits. Selling these big-ticket items before retirement can recoup tens of thousands of dollars.
What a seller can get for their used RV varies greatly and depends on the RV’s size, type and condition. But like selling an unused car, the real savings arguably come from avoiding ongoing storage fees, insurance premiums and costly repairs that can drain your retirement budget.
High-end furniture and antiques
Do you have a house full of furniture that won’t fit into your downsized living space? Or antique pieces gathering dust? Selling these items can bring in a surprising amount of cash.
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Websites like Chairish or 1stDibs specialize in high-end furniture and antiques, helping sellers connect with buyers willing to pay top dollar. Downsizing your belongings not only declutters your space but also saves on moving costs. In some cases, selling large furniture pieces before you move could save hundreds — or even thousands — on relocation expenses.
Designer clothes, jewelry and accessories
If your closet is filled with designer handbags, expensive suits or fine jewelry that you rarely wear, now is the time to sell. Websites like Poshmark, The RealReal, or eBay can help you fetch fair market value for these items.
For retirees looking to simplify their wardrobe, selling luxury goods can provide a quick financial boost. Shedding expensive tastes also means fewer temptations to buy similar items in the future — another long-term savings win.
Unused exercise equipment
That treadmill, elliptical or weight set collecting dust in the basement could be a goldmine. High-quality exercise equipment retains significant resale value, especially as demand for home gyms continues to grow.
Selling unused equipment can net you anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the condition and brand. Plus, clearing out these bulky items creates extra space in your home — a win if you’re downsizing.
Collectibles and memorabilia
Are those old baseball cards, vintage comic books or rare coins gathering dust? These items may hold significant monetary value, but they often sit untouched for years. Before retiring, consider having your collections appraised and selling them to serious buyers.
The market for collectibles can be volatile, so timing your sale carefully is key. For example, a rare Superman comic book sold in 2024 for about $6 million, while sports memorabilia continues to fetch astounding prices. Even if your collection isn’t worth millions, selling it can produce an unexpected windfall.
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Chris Clark is a Kansas City–based freelance journalist covering personal finance, housing and retirement. A former Associated Press editor and reporter, he writes plainspoken stories that help readers make smarter financial decisions.
