Clear Your Clutter Day And Clean Your Room Day Could Prove To Be Lucrative

Cleaning…decluttering…some people dread it, and it’s not surprising that a recent study published in Current Psychology found a substantial link between procrastination and clutter problems in all age groups.

Sometimes, though, what appears to be old junk can hold value. There’s no better time to find out than during Clear Your Clutter Day on Friday, May 3 and National Clean Your Room Day on Friday, May 10.

“Don’t assume that just because something is old, ugly, tattered or missing a part, that it’s worthless,” said Erik Hoyer, owner of EJ’s Auction & Appraisal. “You’d be surprised at what people collect and what they’re willing to pay for. We start our bidding at $10, but I’ve seen some items that were deemed as ‘junk’ sell for hundreds, and sometimes thousands of dollars.”

Hoyer shared seven examples of items that could hold value:

Mid-Modern Furniture: Think 1950s Herman Miller Eames chairs and anything Danish modern teak…this style is popular and highly sought after depending on the designer. The better the condition, the better the value. In addition to Herman Miller, brands that do well at auction include Heywood-Wakefield, Finn Juhl, and Edward Wormley.

Costume Jewelry: This style of vintage ornamentation that originated in the 1920s and exploded in the 1950s could be worth a lot of money depending on the workmanship and materials. Some brands that do well at auction include Weiss, Eisenberg and Lisner.

• Art That’s Out of Sight: That painting that’s been collecting dust in the closet or garage could be valuable. Check the painting for marks or signatures and check the back for sales receipts or exhibition stamps. These can help an appraiser determine the provenance and value of the painting.

Old Audio Equipment: Old radios, jukeboxes, speakers, tube amps…the list of antique and vintage audio equipment in demand is extensive. Keep in mind that it doesn’t have to be in perfect condition, and sometimes collectors are interested in the parts.

Vintage Toys: Demand is high for old, collectible toys in good condition, especially those that are more than 40 years old. Examples include vintage Star Wars toys, Hot Wheels toy cars, Lionel trains, PEZ dispensers, Masters of the Universe action figures from the 1980s and old friction toys.

• Black & White Photographs: Antique and vintage black and white photographs can be of high value. Scarcity, condition and the identity of the photographer all affect the worth of the photo.

Military Items – Some military items, such as military patches, ribbons, uniforms and weapons, are in high demand and may sell for a high price at auction.

EJ’s Auction & Appraisal is located at 5880 W. Bell Road, in Glendale on the northeast corner of 59th Avenue and Bell Road. The auction house opens for a free preview from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. Doors open on Saturday at 9 a.m. with the auctions starting at 10 a.m. in three rings. Online bidding is also available. For details, visit www.ejsauction.com or call (623) 878-2003.