People urged to check junk drawers as common item from 2007 could soon be worth $50,000

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People urged to check junk drawers as common item from 2007 could soon be worth $50,000

You Might Be Sitting on a Fortune: Hidden Treasures Lurking in Your Home

That Junk Drawer Might Be Worth More Than You Think

Let’s be honest — everyone has that one messy drawer.
It’s filled with random charging cables, old birthday cards, mystery keys, and tangled headphones you haven’t touched in years. But what if that clutter is hiding a small fortune?

Before your next spring-cleaning spree, you might want to double-check before tossing things out. As the old saying goes, one person’s trash is another’s treasure.

According to financial and collectibles experts, some seemingly ordinary household items could be worth tens of thousands of dollars to collectors — and you might be sitting on one right now.

Is there a mega payday hiding in your drawer full of junk?
Is there a mega payday hiding in your drawer full of junk? (Getty Stock Images)

For more money-savvy tips and lifestyle insights, visit ViralSensei’s finance and trends section.


Forgotten Tech That Could Fund Your Retirement

Adam Koprucki, founder of Real World Investor, recently told the New York Post that many people unknowingly throw away items that could “pay for their retirement.”

He explained,

“Certain everyday objects sitting in your home might be worth more than your stock portfolio by 2030.”

One of the most famous examples?
The man who accidentally threw away a Bitcoin hard drive, losing an estimated $500 million worth of cryptocurrency — a reminder that not everything old is worthless.


Old iPhones Could Be Worth a Small Fortune

If your junk drawer has turned into a museum of outdated smartphones, you may be sitting on something truly valuable.

The first-generation iPhone, released in 2007 for about $499, has become a prized collector’s item.
Koprucki notes that sealed, unopened models have already fetched over $20,000 at auction.

A factory sealed edition of this first iPhone sold for tens of thousands of dollars
A factory sealed edition of this first iPhone sold for tens of thousands of dollars (Photo by SHAUN CURRY/AFP via Getty Images)

In fact, a factory-sealed 8GB iPhone (2007) sold for $63,000 in 2023, according to verified reports from Business Insider.
Even more impressively, a rare 4GB model — considered the “holy grail” of Apple collectors — sold for $190,372.80 at auction.

By 2030, experts predict mint-condition units could surpass $50,000 in value.

For more tech-related insights, check out ViralSensei’s technology and innovation page.


Books, Toys, and Games That Can Make You Rich

It’s not just tech gadgets that can make you money.
Old toys, books, and video games can bring in massive profits — if they’re in good condition and preferably unopened.

Koprucki points to Star Wars figures, Pokémon cards, and Transformers toys as high-value collectibles.

Original Transformers from the 1980s, especially those still sealed in their boxes, can sell for up to $20,000 each.

First-edition Harry Potter books, which once retailed for under $20, now fetch over $50,000 among collectors.

And if you happen to own a sealed copy of Super Mario Bros. — the classic 1980s Nintendo game — that might be your jackpot.
In 2021, one copy sold for a staggering $2 million, according to Heritage Auctions.

To learn how to identify valuable collectibles at home, check out our guide on ViralSensei’s collectibles and vintage section.


Don’t Rush to Sell — Get Your Items Appraised First

Before you start listing your finds on eBay or auction platforms, experts recommend getting a private appraisal.
You might undervalue your items — and miss out on thousands.

Professional appraisal services or certified collectibles experts can help you determine a realistic price based on condition, rarity, and demand.

For practical advice on protecting your financial interests, visit ViralSensei’s smart money section.


Final Thoughts: Your Home Could Be a Hidden Goldmine

It’s easy to overlook what’s right under your nose — especially when it’s sitting in a dusty box or junk drawer.
But as collectors continue to hunt for nostalgia, the value of rare and first-edition items keeps climbing.

So, next time you decide to declutter, take a moment to look before you toss.
Your old iPhone, book collection, or childhood toys might just pay off in ways you never imagined.

Who knew tidying up could lead to a financial surprise?

For more smart lifestyle stories and trending discoveries, explore ViralSensei’s Home & Life section.

Author

  • Mark Wolowitz

    Hi ! I am Mark Wolowitz.I deliver smart, engaging content driven by curiosity, satire, and a fascination with modern social dynamics.