getting rid of "stuff"

[Trish Crocker]

Just looking for ideas. We have a very large home full of stuff and the city that we live in doesn't allow garage or estate sales...ruins the 'ambiance' I guess. Anyway...does anyone have any pointers as to how you did it? The thought of Craigslist is uncomfortable to me, plus, there is just too much. We could donate it but I was hoping to use the proceeds (to buy more stuff:undecided:) Since most of the Villagers downsized I'm hoping to get a little input. Thanks!!

Trish

[Bogie Shooter]

Just looking for ideas. We have a very large home full of stuff and the city that we live in doesn't allow garage or estate sales...ruins the 'ambiance' I guess. Anyway...does anyone have any pointers as to how you did it? The thought of Craigslist is uncomfortable to me, plus, there is just too much. We could donate it but I was hoping to use the proceeds (to buy more stuff:undecided:) Since most of the Villagers downsized I'm hoping to get a little input. Thanks!!

Trish

Most cities/towns have an auction company. Call your local auctioneer, he will come out and let you know if you have things that would sell. Many do on site or have an auction facility.
If you check in you state usually there is a state auctioneers association. Check their web site for auctioneers in your area. You can also check with the national auctioneers association at www.auctioneers.org.
There are also folks that do tag sales. However, the auction method will most likely get you more money.

[Bettiboop]

I've heard others talk about companies who will come to your home and look over all the items you are getting rid of and then give you a price for all and take it away (providing you accept the deal lol). I believe they are some sort of estate liquidators or something like that. Maybe that could be an option since you can't have an estate sale of your own. There are also people who will come and buy all your things and then they turn around and have yard sale. I would imagine you have to let your stuff go for less than you would if you were selling it yourself, but to get rid of everything all at once and have someone else haul it away would be worth it to me. Good luck! Hope you can work something out.

I'll be facing the same thing sooner or later. I'm currently in the sorting stage and just trying to decide what to toss, what to sell and what to keep. I've been workin' on it for months now!!

[Uptown Girl]

We're kind of in the same boat. I have already gifted special friends with things they have admired, and the kids have picked what they want to keep for themselves. I've already donated much that isn't worth the effort of selling, but there is still lots left..... particularly large items. I'm toying with the idea (once the house is SOLD) of having a PRIVATE open house (for friends, certain neighbors and whoever they want to bring along) One day only, maybe 3 hours tops. No signs outside, no advertising. Gonna call them, tell them what it's for, send an invite if they're interested and let them walk throughout the house as it is arranged now, pick and buy then and there. Name your price at this point.... just take it.

Small stuff can be loaded up immediately and out of view if they pull in our garage, and I figure pre-purchased big stuff can be picked up two days before we leave. I'll make that condition clear when they buy it and explain why. I'm sure that if they want the stuff, they will be understanding.

I'll arrange for a charity (that picks up) to come the day after that and whatever is left will be taken then. That will be tax deductible if we choose to apply it.

That should satisfy the rules of our Homeowner's Association, and make it easier on us as well. Will we get what it's worth? Well, that's in the eye of the beholder. The bottom line is it will be one thing less we have to wrangle, and a few bucks extra.

[Tall Terri]

Some items are needed as donations for others to use while you can contact some resale stores and they- will come get the items and consign them for sale. You get them out of your home and possibly get some income from them. Bargains & Treasures is 352-347-0799, and the Carriage Trade at 352-369-9298 in Ocala is another.

The Boys & Girls Club of Lake County is opening up a consignment store in the Lake Square mall as well! They are looking for all types of items to consign or sell. They are accepting consignments and donations. Tammy of B&G Club is 352-409-1664 and the name of the store is "ReMIx".

[swrinfla]

Several options which worked for me.

After the kids and various friends had made their choices (the kids quite frankly wanted none of our "funky old furniture" and didn't understand that I/we thought they were "antiques!"), then it came down to the nitty-gritty!

I started with several hundred books, virtually none of which I wanted, though my late wife adored them all! There's a huge annual Book Fair in St. Louis which happily took the lot away (after I'd packed them, of course). I valued the total at $150; my accountant agreed that was reasonable, since many of them had been bought over the years at the same fair for 10-25 cents a piece!

Then, there was a local charity which operates a huge Thrift Store. They took nearly all the furniture I wasn't bringing with me. Some they gave me money up front. Some they took on consignment; I got 25% of what they sold it for.

Clothes went to Salvation Army.

Finally, I hired a guy who came in the day after I'd left. His mission was to take everything that was left behind and do with it what he wanted/could. Cost me close to $1,000 but I was so glad to get rid of the "junk!"

Some of it was hard! But, after six years in TV, I wonder why!?

SWR
:beer3:

[jblum315]

Can't you have a "tag sale" inside your home?

[Philip Winkler]

We moved full time to TV in April from the Allentown, PA area; here's what we did...I was able to post ads in the company newsletter where I retired from and in our development newsletter. We sold most of our furniture that way. What we didn't sell we donated to the Catholic Charities and they picked it all up at our home in PA. We actually moved to TV on the Autotrain from Lortran, VA and had 3 "Relocubes" delivered to TV.

[Oren L Miller]

We are selling our house with all the stuff, new hot tub, tanning bed, John Deere etc. in the house to raise the selling price of the house. Wallah more money to bring to TV.

[graciegirl]

Just did it. WAY too close to the situation to talk about it. It was really, really hard.

Kids took SOME.

St. Vincent De Paul took a truck full

Goodwill got a lot...

And a lot of stuff that meant a lot to us went to the dump.

I am glad to read Swrinfla's post. I am sure that time will heal this.

[Debfrommaine]

I have encountered animal shelters that have "thrift" stores and would love "stuff" in good condition. Keep in mind that blankets, towels, and sheets are always of urgent need at animal shelters - a great cause that would appreciate your donation.

[Trish Crocker]

you guys are great! I don't know any of you but I feel like we have a huge support system already. It will be a while before we can get to TV to live but, when we do, we are definitely having a party..can't wait to meet everyone I see on TOTV. Thanks for your info and support!

Trish

[diskman]

Just looking for ideas. We have a very large home full of stuff and the city that we live in doesn't allow garage or estate sales...ruins the 'ambiance' I guess. Anyway...does anyone have any pointers as to how you did it? The thought of Craigslist is uncomfortable to me, plus, there is just too much. We could donate it but I was hoping to use the proceeds (to buy more stuff:undecided:) Since most of the Villagers downsized I'm hoping to get a little input. Thanks!!

Trish
My current HOA has this rule but here is what happens, you have your garage sale on a FRI-SAT-Sun. On about Tuesday the letter comes telling you you can't do that the sale is already over. Now you call in a couple of guys who buy estates and see who offers you the most for what is left or you try on of those auction houses mentioned elsewhere in this thread.:posting:

[Pturner]

I've heard others talk about companies who will come to your home and look over all the items you are getting rid of and then give you a price for all and take it away (providing you accept the deal lol). I believe they are some sort of estate liquidators or something like that. Maybe that could be an option since you can't have an estate sale of your own. There are also people who will come and buy all your things and then they turn around and have yard sale. I would imagine you have to let your stuff go for less than you would if you were selling it yourself, but to get rid of everything all at once and have someone else haul it away would be worth it to me. Good luck! Hope you can work something out.

I'll be facing the same thing sooner or later. I'm currently in the sorting stage and just trying to decide what to toss, what to sell and what to keep. I've been workin' on it for months now!!

Hi Bettiboop,
I'm starting on the sorting stage too. So far, I've taken a trunk load of nice clothes (that shrunk ;) ) to a shelter and a couple of loads to goodwill. We plan to have an auction house take the big stuff, though we are a ways away. Oh yeah, I also took three box loads of books to Friends of the Library. They have book sales with proceeds going to the local library.

[jebartle]

The ole boy did NOT want me to have any yard sales, soooooo anything that I have not touched or used in 1 year was given to Goodwill or put in a pile at the end of the driveway......There is not a day that goes by, looking for something and admitting that it must have been in THE PILE!....Oh, well!

[raynan]

I had hundreds of hard cover books and called a Literacy Program and they gladly came with a pickup which they loaded and took all. The front wheels almost came off the ground it was so heavy. We did use Craigs list and had great luck on big/expensive items. Had people make an appt to see item and met them outside with my husband and neighbors around and accepted cash only. Include good photos in pix with exact measurements or description which eliminates the looky-loos and when the first person showed for an item I sold it even if I had to cut the price and showed them other things available and they usually bought more. Had big items set up in basement near sliding door for easy access and locked off the rest of the house. Do not let anyone in who shows up unannounced. Believe me, most people coming are as nervous as you are because they don't know you either. The rest went to goodwill after relatives furnished their cottages or college kids apts. So I can still visit some of my STUFF.

[Bettiboop]

Oh yeah, I also took three box loads of books to Friends of the Library. They have book sales with proceeds going to the local library.

That's a good idea for the books. I bet I could do something similar here -I will have to check. I've taken a few loads so far to the local church mission/thrift store and they are always very appreciative.

[Bettiboop]

I have encountered animal shelters that have "thrift" stores and would love "stuff" in good condition. Keep in mind that blankets, towels, and sheets are always of urgent need at animal shelters - a great cause that would appreciate your donation.

What a wonderful idea!! I've got a load of sheets and towels that will be perfect for that.

[Uptown Girl]

Hubby (FMFDoc) is a voracious reader. True adventure stories, military history, lots of stuff that guys especially would enjoy. He took the majority to our region's Veteran Hospital. A lot of the vets are there permanently... their library always welcomes donations.

[Connie Cockcroft]

I know how to get rid of my "stuff", I just don't want to. However, I know it would never fit in a couryard villa..not only space wise, but decor wise. "Stuff" in northern homes, (most of it) just doesn't cut it in FL. Any ideas on how to cut those emotional ties to all of the "stuff" your friends and family have given you or things that your mother made for you, or things that came from your grandmother and beyond? I have a house full of memories. The memories I can keep, but the "stuff" I can't. How do I part with all of these lovely material things?

[collie1228]

We are planning on having a large dumpster in our driveway and a large PODS moving container. Whatever comes out of the house either goes into the dumpster or into the PODS container to be moved. Excess clothing and small appliances will be donated. We'll invite the kids, sister, etc. and give them the opportunity to keep anything going into the dumpster,, but the rule will be that nothing can remain at the house and must be hauled away that day. I did something similar fifteen years ago when I got divorced, and it worked very well. Even my neighbors came around asking if they could "help". Now, fifteen years later, I've collected another dumpster full. What a pack rat I am.

[Trish Crocker]

I know how to get rid of my "stuff", I just don't want to. However, I know it would never fit in a couryard villa..not only space wise, but decor wise. "Stuff" in northern homes, (most of it) just doesn't cut it in FL. Any ideas on how to cut those emotional ties to all of the "stuff" your friends and family have given you or things that your mother made for you, or things that came from your grandmother and beyond? I have a house full of memories. The memories I can keep, but the "stuff" I can't. How do I part with all of these lovely material things?

One way to do it is to give the things you love to someone else but, before you do, take a picture of it. Start an album with pictures of everything that has a meaning to you, after all, the reason we hang on to things is because of the memories that they hold. If you have the album, you can always look through it whenever you feel nostalgic.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

One way to do it is to give the things you love to someone else but, before you do, take a picture of it. Start an album with pictures of everything that has a meaning to you, after all, the reason we hang on to things is because of the memories that they hold. If you have the album, you can always look through it whenever you feel nostalgic.

Ditto!

Bill :)

[2BNTV]

One way to do it is to give the things you love to someone else but, before you do, take a picture of it. Start an album with pictures of everything that has a meaning to you, after all, the reason we hang on to things is because of the memories that they hold. If you have the album, you can always look through it whenever you feel nostalgic.

Great idea!!!!!!!

[Connie Cockcroft]

What a fantastic idea, Trish...thank you for suggesting that. I may be able to deal with my "trauma", by having the album to still visually see the item, noting where it came from, and where it went. The album would always preserve the meaning of these lovely things.

[olgreeneyes]

LOVE all the ideas and suggestions!

3 things that have helped me so far -

Lupus.org - besides clothes they take all sorts of items, including an old assemble it yourself Christmas tree. I take pictures of what we donate for tax purposes.

I'm stuck on the midnight shift. I stick to the schedule on my nights off and go through my paper stuff which is my biggest problem. I am very unsentimental at 3am. I don't suggest this or wish it on anyone else, but if you have trouble sleeping some night, you can go through your old magazines or whatever.

When my mother passed away several years ago I went through her apt. quickly and took out what I saw that meant something to me. Then a few close friends came over and I asked them to help sort. They could keep what they needed or wanted, throw out what they thought wasn't worth it and ask me about whatever they weren't sure of. They didn't have the attachments to her things that I did and I never missed anything because I didn't know what was gone. When we can finally move to TV full time I plan on asking them to do the same with whatever I'm still having trouble with.

[BritParrothead]

Sell all the smaller stuff on Ebay. My son sold $7,000 worth of stuff over the last 18 months:thumbup:

[kofficer]

When we moved to Riverview, FL from St. Petersburg, we had a house full of stuff!! and Goodwill and Salvation Army were happy to come get anything we were willing to give. I pulled out everything I thought might sell first, lots of knicknacks, small collectibles, things like that. After we moved over here, I spent the next year, taking pictures of them, putting them up on Ebay, and netting about $400/month, until they were all gone. I actually got some bigger bucks for a group of old "recipes" from products in the 40s and 50s, which belonged to someone in the family I didn't know. Aunt Olivia, as I recall. Big bucks, over a grand for all those in the box. So, if you are moving to TV, you might want to being along a few boxes of these things to sell -- especially if you can fit them
in the dressers, that were being moved anyway, like we did.

Lee and Rich in Tampa for now.

[Tall Terri]

I know how to get rid of my "stuff", I just don't want to. However, I know it would never fit in a couryard villa..not only space wise, but decor wise. "Stuff" in northern homes, (most of it) just doesn't cut it in FL. Any ideas on how to cut those emotional ties to all of the "stuff" your friends and family have given you or things that your mother made for you, or things that came from your grandmother and beyond? I have a house full of memories. The memories I can keep, but the "stuff" I can't. How do I part with all of these lovely material things?

YES! Take photos of the items and put them in a scrap book with what, who, when, why and how! Then you have the memories to look back on but not all of the clutter!

Good Luck!

SORRY Trish - Jumped in and didn't read your post before I put in mine.....Great minds think Alike!!

[Debfrommaine]

Getting rid of "stuff" is a very free feeling - less clutter is best physically and mentally. Yes, pictures and the memories in your mind are enough sometimes. When we moved here we got rid of 99% of the stuff - had one sorta regret and that was selling a steamer trunk that had been in the family. For some reason that kind of bothers me still but then I think of the couple who bought it. The gentleman he had served in the armed forces and wanted the trunk to store his service items - every time I think of it, it reinforces we made the right choice to sell it at a reasonable price to someone who totally deserved the piece.:BigApplause:

[diskman]

I know how to get rid of my "stuff", I just don't want to. However, I know it would never fit in a couryard villa..not only space wise, but decor wise. "Stuff" in northern homes, (most of it) just doesn't cut it in FL. Any ideas on how to cut those emotional ties to all of the "stuff" your friends and family have given you or things that your mother made for you, or things that came from your grandmother and beyond? I have a house full of memories. The memories I can keep, but the "stuff" I can't. How do I part with all of these lovely material things?

imho, I would never part with a family hand me down heirloom type item.

[momesu]

I too am working to really pare down my belongings before I move, hopefully in the fall, to TV. One way I have chose to deal with family heirlooms is look where the item has been residing for the last x number of years. If its been hidden in a closet or drawer or behind stuff this is actually being used and enjoyed then it goes. If I haven;t looked at, used or enjoyed something in a long time than I have determined even if it once belonged to great aunt Mabel or even my mom then I don't need it so I will find someone else who does. One thing I know is it won't be my kids. They already have all they want and they aren't interested in collecting stuff that once belonged to someone they never knew.
Suzanne