Is there treasure hidden in your shed?
For most of us, the shed is easy to ignore. It’s a place for half-used paint tins, rusty tools and things we don’t quite know what to do with. But for Junk & Disorderly expert Henry Cole, who has visited more than 1,000 sheds across the UK, it’s something else.
To him, sheds are treasure troves.
After years spent rummaging through garden outbuildings, garages and workshops, Henry has developed an expert eye. He can easily spot hidden value in the most unlikely places. And according to him, many Brits are sitting on items worth far more than they realise.
So, is there treasure in your shed? The answer might surprise you.
What Henry looks for
Not everything in a shed is valuable. But some items can’t help but stand out. Among the most sought-after finds are vintage oil cans. Often dirty and neglected, these old automotive relics can be highly collectible. They are valued by their branding, condition and how rare they are.
As interest in classic cars continues to grow, so does demand for authentic period items. For example, signage, old parts, manuals and branded accessories.
Another unexpected category is old furniture. Henry highlights G Plan furniture, in particular. Once a firm staple of mid-century British homes, these pieces of furniture are now firmly back in fashion and buyers will pay a premium for original designs.
The hidden value of everyday items
Many of these items are already sitting in people’s sheds. One of Henry’s key points is that value often hides in plain sight. Items that people dismiss as “old” or “worn out” can be exactly what collectors are looking for.
He also points out that it’s not just about items being in a pristine condition. Authenticity matters more than perfection. Scratches and signs of age can add to an item’s appeal, so it’s not only rare or antique items are worth selling. Many everyday objects can also have value.
Why we overlook what we have
Most people don’t realise what they’re sitting on, and Henry sees that all the time.
After visiting over 1,000 sheds, he’s trained to spot value where others see ordinary items. The problem is familiarity. When you’ve owned something for years, you stop noticing it. Most people don’t really know what’s in demand, which means valuable things can easily be overlooked.
Plus, once something goes into the shed, it’s often completely forgotten. Henry’s advice is simple; take another look. You might be surprised by what you find.
The bigger picture
Recent survey data from BLAZE shows that Brits have, on average, around £800 worth of unused items in their sheds. While not all of this will be unexpected treasures, it shows that sheds are far from worthless spaces.
How to spot your own hidden gems
So how can you tell if your shed contains something valuable? Henry recommends starting with a simple rule: don’t assume anything is worthless.
Look out for:
- Branded items, especially older ones.
- Solid wood furniture.
- Anything related to classic cars or tools.
- Objects with distinctive design or craftsmanship.
- Items that feel “of a certain era”.
A quick bit of research can go a long way.
Top Tip: Check online marketplaces or collector forums to see what similar items are selling for.
Turning clutter into opportunity
The idea of digging through a cluttered shed might not sound too appealing. But you never know what you might find. Henry has seen it firsthand. Ordinary people uncovering items they never thought twice about, only to find they’re in demand.
For some people, it’s about making extra money. For others, it’s about rediscovering items full of history and character. Either way, it transforms an ordinary shed into something worth checking out.
A new way of looking at old spaces
The key takeaway is simple: it’s all about how you look at your shed.
Instead of seeing it as a dumping ground, think of it as a place full of stored items that could have real value. And as Henry would say on Junk & Disorderly, you won’t know what you’ve got until you start looking.
So the next time you pass by your shed, it might be worth opening the door. You never know what treasure could be waiting inside.
Discover why Junk & Disorderly keeps winning over viewers with its heart, humour and refreshingly honest approach to restoration. Tune in now for more laughs, great banter and the kind of shed-based escapism you didn’t know you needed.