If you need fast cash, pawning things is one of the easiest routes you can take.
Most cities and small towns have pawn shops. And while you might not get full value for your items, pawn shops can give you quick money with short notice if you're in a pinch.
Now, we already have articles on Homeowner like things you can pawn for $500, $1,000, or even more.
But in this post, I'm focusing on some of the best things to pawn around the house you can turn to if you need some easy wins.
All of the items in this post might be laying around your home. And you should be able to get a decent resale or pawn value for them with a bit of haggling.
Let's get to it!
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The Best Things To Pawn Around The House
If you do a bit of tidying up around your house, there's a decent chance you'll find some items with decent value.
And the following items on this list are all easy things to pawn from around the house.
1. Jewelry
When it comes to things to pawn for quick cash, jewelry is often at the top of the list.
If you have real gold, silver, platinum, or diamond jewelry, you can probably get a decent amount of cash. The same goes if you have watches or similarly expensive pieces.
Pawn shops almost always buy these items on the spot since they're easy to resell. But if you want a better offer for your pieces and are willing to wait a bit longer, you can also try selling your jewelry online with Worthy.
Worthy makes it easy to sell jewelry, watches, engagement rings, and diamonds online. And you get to work with a personal auction manager as Worthy prepares your items for sale.
If pawn shops and Worthy fail, you can also turn to local selling sites like the Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp.
2. Antiques
Have antique items that you are looking to sell? These items can often be pawned or sold at a pawn shop depending on the condition and their total value.
Antique furniture can be especially easy to pawn, and you might have a dining set, antique clock, or armoire around your house that you can pawn.
Local antique dealers might also be interested in purchasing your items. But a pawn shop would give you the fastest cash for these pieces.
However, make sure you call ahead if you're trying to pawn large pieces. Not every shop accepts bulky furniture or antiques if they take up too much floor space, so it pays to double-check.
3. Collectibles
Collectibles are a hot commodity, and many pawn shops purchase them outright or accept them as collateral for a loan.
Some of the easiest collectibles to pawn from around the house include:
- Trading cards like Pokemon and Yugioh cards
- Old coins
- Comic books
- Vintage memorabilia
- Funko pops and vintage action figurines
- Sports cards, especially baseball cards and basketball cards
- Stamps and old postcards
Just keep in mind that pawn shops aren't always knowledgeable about certain collectibles. So, you might fetch a higher price selling to fellow collectors on marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or eBay.
4. Electronics
Electronics are frequently high in value and can usually be pawned or sold for cash. And there's a good chance you have some old electronics laying around the house that you can pawn.
Some of the top electronics to pawn include the following:
- Flat Screen TV’s
- Cameras
- Smartphones
- Laptops
- Tablets
- Smartwatches
- Sound systems and speakers
It’s important to note that to be pawned or sold, electronics need to be fairly recent models and in good condition. You should also include power cables, chargers, and any accessories you still have.
5. Tools
Tools are another easy thing to pawn for quick cash since old tools still have excellent resale value.
Some of the most popular tools that can be pawned include:
- Power tools
- Lawnmowers
- Generators
- Nail guns
- Air compressors
- Drills
- Saws
- Circular saw
- Nail gun
If you have popular brands like Dewalt, Craftsman, Bosch, and similar brands, you can probably fetch a higher price for your tools. Just make sure your tools are in working condition. Including accessories like bags, additional bits, and battery chargers is also a good idea.
You can also read our post on the best places to sell used tools if you want to get more cash per item than pawning them.
6. Designer Clothing
Have designer clothing or cool vintage items lying around the house? If so, you might be able to sell or pawn them for a decent amount of cash.
Some of the easiest designer brands to pawn include:
- Armani
- Dior
- Gucci
- Louis Vuitton
- Prada
- Saint Laurent
Pieces like designer handbags, jackets, and coats are also easier to pawn. And again, you might have boxes of clothing you don't use anymore around the house that you can pawn.
If pawn shops fail, you can also try selling shoes and clothing on selling apps like Poshmark. Clothing is also a top selling item on Facebook Marketplace if you want local buyers.
7. Instruments
Have instruments that you or your child no longer play? These musical items are a hot commodity and do well as resale items.
As long as instruments are clean and in good working order, they should be easy things to pawn. And popular instruments like guitars, violins, pianos, and trumpets should pawn quickly.
8. Sports Equipment
Have sporting gear that you no longer use? These items cluttering your shelves or closet can be pawned or sold for rent money, an emergency bill, or something else you need.
Some of the top pieces of used sports equipment to pawn include:
- Exercise bikes
- Pelotons
- Weights
- Golf clubs
- Hunting and fishing equipment
- Bikes
- Skateboards
Buyers typically like to see sports equipment in person before making a purchase, so selling locally is usually your best bet.
If your local pawn shop doesn't want your equipment, you might be able to sell to Play it Again sports or with online marketplaces like SidelineSwap.
9. Gold & Silver
One of the easiest things to pawn around the house is gold and silver jewelry, bars, or coins.
Gold and silver can easily be pawned and sold, even if it’s jewelry. And older or broken pieces can be pawned for the precious metal's weight value.
Just note that pawn shops and “cash for gold” stores usually lowball, so you won't get full market value.
10. Vintage Goods
Have vintage merchandise like dolls, games, Beanie Babies, clothing, sneakers, or other vintage items? Those items from your childhood or your parent’s childhood could fetch a nice price if they are still in good condition.
Take an afternoon and clean out your garage, basement, attic, or anywhere you have things in storage. A few vintage pieces like a nice jacket or collectible can fetch a decent price at your local pawn shop.
11. Camping Gear
Camping gear is one surprising thing you can pawn, but this makes sense. After all, camping gear is pretty expensive, so many people prefer to buy it secondhand from stores like pawn shops.
Camping gear that can be pawned can include:
- Coolers
- Camping stoves and cookware
- Tents
- Campers
- Sleeping bags
- Lawn chairs, hammocks, and picnic items
How much money you get for your gear depends on its condition and brand.
Prices are often seasonal as well. For example, spring and summer months will typically bring a better price for camping items than the colder winter months.
12. Vehicles
Selling or pawning a vehicle can be an excellent way to get larger amounts of money ASAP. And this can include anything from your car or motorbike to other vehicles like snow mobiles, Sea-Doos, and dirt bikes.
Just call your local pawn shop to see if they accept vehicles. Also note that when pawning versus selling, you might need to pay storage costs in addition to the interest charges.
Used vehicles are in high demand, and if you choose to sell your vehicle instead of pawn, you could receive a higher price. You may be able to sell your vehicle to local auto dealers, on cars.com or autotrader.com, or on sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
13. Bikes
Used bikes are always in demand, so this is another great thing to pawn from around the house.
From traditional mountain bikes to higher tech electronic bicycles, bikes can often fetch a nice price from pawn or resale. Just make sure your bike is clean and in working condition to get the best price.
Our guide on where to sell used bikes also has more options you can explore instead of pawn shops. You can also check out Bicycle Blue Book or The Pro's Closet for some easy resale options.
14. Artwork
Artwork is another obvious example of things to pawn around the house since it literally hangs on the walls of your house.
Prices received from artwork can vary on the type, and whether it’s an original or a print. The condition of the artwork can also impact the price as well.
If your artwork is particularly valuable and you have documentation or appraisals, you may be able to receive a better price by putting the art up for auction.
15. Appliances
One final thing around the house to pawn that you might not have considered are appliances. Larger items such as refrigerators, washers and dryers can often fetch a large loan from a pawn shop.
Smaller higher end appliances may also be eligible for pawn such as Cuisinart and Kitchenaid appliances.
While not all pawn shops are able to accept them, some appliances may be able to be pawned. It’s best to contact the pawn shop ahead of time to make sure they are interested before you go to the time and effort of bringing these items out.
Alternatives To Pawning Things For Cash
Some of the best alternatives for getting fast cash to your local pawn shop include:
- Selling stuff with local sites or online marketplaces like eBay or Mercari
- Borrowing money from friends and family
- Using cash advance apps like EarnIn to get quick cash ahead of a paycheck
- Borrowing money from companies like BadCreditLoans
- Side hustling for money with various gig apps or instant cash survey sites
Tom also made a video that covers some websites and apps that pay you real money the same day if you want even more ideas.
Different options have different income potentials. So, think about how much cash you actually need and pick an idea that makes financial sense for you.
Final Thoughts
When you want to pawn stuff from around the house, the good news is that there are lots of options. From clothing to antiques, furniture to collectibles, many of your household items have value and can be pawned or sold.
Some of the best things to pawn around the house are those higher in value, in good working condition and that will hold their value if the item is resold. But even smaller items can add up in value quickly if you have enough of them.
Just be sure to read the fine print on the paperwork you sign, and don’t hesitate to ask questions to make sure you understand the process.
Best of luck!
