Why So Many Things You Love May Not Be Worth What You Think — And What Does Sell

Sep 21

When you look around your home, it’s easy to assume that the things you have are valuable — maybe because you bought them, inherited them, collected them, or simply care about them. But the truth is:

Your belongings are only worth what others are willing to pay.

Whether or not they once cost a lot, whether or not they are old, sentimental, or rare in your view — if there’s no buyer, there’s no value (at least not in cash). And over recent years, the kinds of items people do buy secondhand have shifted a lot, especially among younger generations. Let’s explore how tastes have changed, what actually tends to sell, what doesn’t, and how to think about letting go.

Changing Tastes: What’s Out (and Why)

Minimalism is growing. Millennials and Gen Z are embracing smaller, simpler living spaces and fewer possessions. Big, bulky furniture, elaborate collections, and lots of décor are less desirable.
Function over form, but also form that feels intentional. It’s not just “useful” items that are selling — people want things that fit a certain aesthetic: clean lines, good quality materials, recognizable brands, sustainable or ethically made.
Collectibles & sentimental items are less universally valued. China sets, faux florals, large souvenir displays, heavy decor pieces — they often don’t resonate with many younger buyers. Emotional value is real, but doesn’t always translate into market value.

“People buy nostalgia,” says one auctioneer.

What Doesn’t Move (Or Moves Poorly)

Here are the items likely to give you headaches when trying to sell:

Big brown furniture (bulky, heavy, often dated). Unless it’s designer, mid‐century, or has some reclaimed/industrial appeal, it’s a tough sell.
Vacation souvenirs or novelty pieces: people usually want clean, coherent décor rather than “kitschy” keepsakes.
Faux florals, ornate knick-knacks (unless vintage/design-forward) — often seen as clutter.
Most China sets / elaborate dishware: unless antique or high-end brand, many buyers prefer more modern, minimalist tableware.

The Market Side of Things: Liquidators, Auctions, and the Reality

Liquidators & auction houses are selective. They want items in good condition, from known brands, trending styles. If your items aren’t “on trend,” in good shape, or from a recognized name, they’ll often reject them or offer very low payouts.
Most possessions won’t fetch much — emotional attachment can overinflate our perception of value.
Downsizing isn’t just about space; it’s also an emotional process. Saying goodbye to items can be harder when they represent memories or identity.

Tips for Letting Go: Selling, Donating, Moving On

Recognize that you are not your stuff. Your identity doesn’t depend on your possessions.
If possible, sell first what’s in demand (good jewelry, designer brands, art, small décor) — try consignment, online resale platforms, local marketplaces.
Donate things that might not sell well, but that are still usable and in good condition. Someone else may cherish them even if the broader market doesn’t.
Be realistic about condition: signs of wear, damage, or outdated styles reduce value sharply. Sometimes it’s not worth trying to sell.
Take photos, do research — check what similar items are selling for so you have realistic expectations.

Supporting Data: What the Numbers Say

A few real examples / findings to back this up:

A 2025 report from The RealReal found that certain luxury handbags (e.g. Louis Vuitton Speedy, Hermès Birkin), watches like the Rolex Datejust, and signature jewelry pieces (like Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra line) have seen steady resale-value growth.
Lists of profitable resell items in 2024-2025 include vintage clothing, accessories, home décor (especially small items), electronics, and tools.
Resale + flip guides often emphasize small décor, wall art, mirrors, throw pillows, rugs, decorative bowls as items with good demand.
Reports on lifestyle / generational preferences show younger adults favor minimalism, quality over quantity, compact / multifunctional furniture, warm neutrality in décor, and fewer flashy or ornate pieces.

Conclusion

You might be holding onto things that meant a lot once — and that’s perfectly human. But it helps to see the reality: just because something was expensive, beautiful, or sentimental doesn’t mean there’s a buyer who wants it.

If you want to downsize or sell, focusing on high-quality, branded, smaller, well-designed pieces will usually yield the best return. Meanwhile, letting go doesn’t mean losing your identity — sometimes it frees you to move forward with purpose, with the things that truly matter.