The 30 Best Items to Sell in January {to Fund Your Next Trip}

There is something about January that makes us want to clear the clutter, get organized, and start the year fresh. It's a natural reset button. But what most people don't realize is that January is also one of the best months of the entire year to make extra money simply by selling things you already own.
If you're dreaming of travel in 2026, want to kick off a "Trash to Travel" challenge like I did this year, or just need motivation to declutter, January is your month. Thanks to New Year's resolutions, new hobby goals, fitness kicks, and people looking for deals after holiday spending, certain items sell incredibly well this time of year.
Whether you want to earn a few hundred dollars or fund an entire trip, here's your ultimate guide to the 30 best things to sell in January and how to get the most money for each item!

The 30 Best Items to Sell in January {to Fund Your Next Trip}

In case you missed it, this past March, I set aside the whole month to create a travel budget from nothing. I took to reselling things I had in my closet, and flipping items I bought at Goodwill Outlet or at garage sales. 
I've been casually reselling for several decades, and I generally just put the money back into my bank account, creating a thrifting budget. But this time, I decided to create a travel budget. I wasn't quite sure if the proceeds from the sales would go to a staycation in Seattle or a long weekend road trip. I was quite surprised that my reselling created a travel budget that allowed me to take a 10-day trip to Vietnam and yes, the flights were part of the total cost!
Check out my Trash to Travel Challenge
As someone who loves to travel and who travels often, I hear a lot of objections from people about why they don't travel more. It usually comes down to money and not having the budget. 
I wanted to remove the excuse!
What if you could create a travel budget from nothing?
Read more: How I Scored a 10-Day Trip to Vietnam on a Budget
With that in mind, I'm hoping to inspire you to clear the clutter and create some cash!

Why January is a Gold Mine for Resellers

January bring a huge wave of buyers who are 

• Starting new fitness routines
• Cleaning their homes after Christmas
• Fulfilling new hobby or self-improvement goals
• Looking for a better version of items they might already own
• Trying to save money after holiday spending

That means they're more willing to buy secondhand and at good prices.
On top of that, you likely have a home full of items you didn't use last year, duplicates from Christmas, or things you no longer need. For many people, just a few hours of sorting can turn into $200, $500, or more! And then what if you did that every single month of the year? You could take some epic trips!
So let's start your travel fund strong!

Trash to Travel Challenge: What I Learned in One Month of Reselling

The 30 Best Items to Sell in January

These are the categories that consistently sell fast and for the best profit during the first few weeks of the year.

1. Fitness Equipment

This is the number one category to sell in January.
Think: 

• Dumbells
• Yoga Mats
• Resistance Bands
• Rowers
• Peloton accessories
• Workout benches
• Treadmills and Ellipticals

People want to start the year strong and they want to do it on a budget. Even lightly used equipment sells quickly.

2. Home Organization Essentials

January=new storage, new systems, fresh start.
Sell things like:

• Baskets
• Bins
• Cube organizers
• Shelving units
• Bookcases
• Closet organizers

If it helps someone get organized, it will sell.

3. Unused Kitchen Gadgets

Everyone is cooking more at home in January.
Top sellers;

• Air fryers
• Instant pots
• Coffee makers
• Stand mixers
• Blenders
• Food dehydrators

If it's been sitting in a cupboard, it's money waiting to be made!

4. Holiday Decor

Yep, that's right, after Christmas is the best time to sell it. People buy for next year when everything is still top of mind.
Think:

• Lights
• Trees
• Ornaments
• Yard inflatables 
• Wreaths

List them now, you'll be shocked at how fast they move!

5. Winter Clothing

This is peak season, so sell:

• Coats
• Boots
• Snow pants
• Scarves
• Sweaters
• Ski gear

Outdoor brands {Patagonia, North Face, Arc'teryx} sell especially well.

6. Sports Gear for Winter Hobbies

January is huge for winter sports
Sell: 

• Skis
• Ski boots
• Snowboards
• Snowshoes
• Ice Skates

You'll get top of the season pricing!

7. Baby Gear

People want to declutter after Christmas AND new babies are on the way in the new year.
Sell:

• Bassinets
• Swings
• Baby monitors
• High chairs
• Strollers
• Baby carriers

Baby gear sells year-round, but January is surprisingly strong.

8. Craft Supplies

January is "new hobby month" for a lot of people. Plus, you're cooped up in the winter, so why not try something new.
Sell:

• Cricut machines
• Yarn
• Fabric bundles
• Paint supplies
• Scrapbooking or stamping supplies

People love a deal when they're starting something new.

9. Books

In January, everyone decides they're going to read more and set lofty reading goals!
Sell: 

• Cookbooks
• Self-help books
• Popular fiction
• Kids books
• Coffee table books

Bundle sets for faster sales, especially if books are part of a series.

10. Storage Furniture

Another organization classic
Sell: 

• Cabinets
• Desks
• Dressers
• Shelving
• Cube storage

These are all fast sellers in January.

11. Office Supplies

New year, new productivity goals
Sell:

• Desk chairs
• Monitors
• Keyboards
• Label makers
• Filing cabinets

Work from home continues to make all of these hot sellers.

12. Electronics

January shoppers want good deals after buying gifts in December.
Sell:

• Tablets
• E-readers
• Bluetooth headphones
• Laptops
• Smart home devices

If you think it's out of date, think again. I recently sold two Walkman's from the early 90's {that did not work!} and made $125 profit!

Pro tip: Make sure to wipe data and include chargers.

13. Bedding & Linens

People want to freshen up their homes in January. A new look for less!
Sell:

• Comforter sets
• Throw blankets
• Sheets
• Pillows

Clean, good condition items only. If you have any of these items that aren't in good condition, pet shelters will often LOVE to take them off your hands.

14. Jewelry

Jewelry is always in season!
Sell:

• Bracelets
• Earrings
• Necklaces
• Watches
• Sterling silver pieces
• Turquoise jewelry

Bonus: small items ship easily!

15. Duplicate Gifts

January is the perfect time to list those Christmas duplicates. That is, if you don't have a receipt.
This includes:

• Kitchen gadgets
• Board games
• Kids' toys
• Clothing
• Beauty kits
• Tech accessories

If you can't return it, sell it. 

16. LEGO Sets

LEGO is always hot! People are often looking for specific sets or collector pieces.
Sell:

• Retired sets
• New in box sets
• Used sets {just confirm pieces and instructions}

You'll be shocked at how well LEGO holds its value.

17. Board Games & Puzzles

January is a great time for game nights and indoor activities.
Sell:

• Strategy board games
• Kids games
• Puzzles
• Vintage games {huge collector's market!}

These sell better in winter than any other season.

18. Home Decor

You know how bare your home feels when the Christmas decor comes down. People are looking for a refresh post-holidays.
Sell:

• Rugs
• Lamps
• Mirrors
• Picture frames
• Plants and planters

Neutral items will always sell best.

Pro tip: Propagate the plants you already have and make money!

19. Tools

January is a big month for DIY and home projects
Sell:

• Drills
• Hand tools
• Toolboxes
• Power saws
• Sander tools

These always move fast.

20. Pet Supplies

New pets often arrive right around Christmas, our family got a puppy one year!
Sell:

• Crates
• Beds
• Carriers
• Litter boxes
• Training items

You can bundle supplies for faster sales too!

21. Video Games & Consoles

Lots of people got consoles without the games.
Sell:

• Switch games
• PlayStation games
• Controllers
• Retro systems

January is peak demand!

22. Musical Instruments

New Year resolution buyers are looking for:

• Keyboards
• Guitars
• Ukuleles
• Violins

Kids starting lessons makes this an ideal month to clear out anything you aren't using.

23. Outdoor Gear

Surprisingly, outdoor gear sells very well in the winter.
Sell:

• Tents
• Hiking packs
• Camp stoves
• Trekking poles
• Hiking boots
• Paddleboards

People start planning summer trips now!

24. Cameras & Photography Gear

Content creators and hobbyists often upgrade in January.
Sell:

• DSLR cameras
• Camera bags
• Tripods
• Lenses
• Point and shoot cameras
• Unused film

Photography gear holds value incredibly well.

25. Collectibles

January buyers hunt for deals.
Sell:

• Vintage toys
• Comics
• Trading cards
• Die-cast models
• Figurines {I just read that these are making a decorating come back!}

Niche buyers pay great prices!

26. Vintage Clothing

This category never slows down.
Sell:

• 90's jackets
• Levi's 
• Graphic tees
• Concert tees
• Western wear
• Designer labels
• Early 2000's clothing
• Vintage Coach purses

27. Small Appliances

People replace older items after the holidays.
Sell:

• Vacuums
• Irons
• Toasters
• Space heaters

They sell better now than in the summer.

28. Hobby Equipment

January inspires new beginnings.
Sell:

• Sewing machines
• Cricut tools and extras {are you using that mug press?}
• Woodworking equipment
• Gardening tools, especially grow lights

People want to start new projects right away.

29. Bags & Luggage

Perfect timing as people start to plan spring break.
Sell: 

• Carry on bags
• Travel backpacks
• Suitcases
• Packing cubes

These all sell especially well on Facebook Marketplace.

30. Anything That Helps People Get Their Life Together

This includes:

• Planners
• Journals
• Calendars
• Storage units
• Corkboards and whiteboards

People love a fresh start!
Tips to Make the Most Money in January

List Early and Often

It can be overwhelming to sit down and list more than five items at a time. And you know what, the algorithm on selling platforms would prefer it if you came back often. So list 2-3 items per day and watch the sales!

Take Bright and Clear Photos

Natural lighting sells items fast. You don't need a fancy camera, but you do need to pay attention to your background and create good photos for listing.

Be Accurate

Describe your item as best as you can. Include accurate descriptions of what you are selling including measurements. If your item has defects, describe them. Most of the time people will still buy, they just want a heads up before they do!

Price Fairly, but Not Too Low

People are deal hunting, but you still want to make money. Because my biggest motto to reselling is "the profit is in the purchase" I've already purchased my items low, so I can sell them on the lower end of the sold listings. The higher the price, the slower the sale.

Check Past Sales

It's easy to see listings and think that maybe your item is worth more than it actually is. Check sold listings for more accurate pricing.

Offer Delivery

If you are selling large furniture items, offering delivery {for a fee of course!} will help open up your items to more buyers.

Cross List

I often copy and paste my listings across several platforms. Just make sure you delete it when it sells so you don't sell it twice!
If you want to start the year strong and fund a future trip, January is the best possible time to resell the things you're no longer using. You'll declutter your home, make money quickly, and build momentum toward those travel goals all year long! 

For more tips on reselling check out these posts:

Top Clothing Brands to ResellThe Flippers Guide to Making Money Reselling FurnitureBrands for Resale That Just Don't SellBuying and Selling Used and Making a ProfitHow to Make Money Buying and Selling on Facebook Marketplace

disclaimer: this post may have affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing through them, I may receive a small commission. These small purchases help me to continue to keep writing content and creating at Rachel Teodoro. Thank you!