Downsizing & "Stuff"

[CarolSells]

I didn't want to hijack the other threads that mentioned "stuff" but they are so timely for me because I'm dealing with that right now. I thought that I got rid of lots of things when I sold my previous house but I couldn't believe how much furniture and boxes the movers delivered when I finally moved into my current home.

The kids aren't really interested in much of any of it. I'm trying to sell my mother's furniture that I inherited and it seems that I will have to practically give it away. I'm not talking priceless antiques but nice wood quality pieces. I haven't even started on all of the china, etc.

What did you guys do? Just sell to be rid of it? Garage sales don't bring that many people to our neighborhood. Any unique ideas for sales? Thanks.

[ugotme]

When my wife & I moved to So. Fl. from Long Island 7 years ago I told her to sell the furniture up North.

We moved it down here and a year or so later bought new "stuff." And YES basically had to give our old furniture away (sold it for peanuts). This was all solid wood Ethan Allen, Thomasville furniture.

Didn't seem to be in high demand down here then - not sure about now though.

Good Luck !

[CarolSells]

When my wife & I moved to So. Fl. from Long Island 7 years ago I told her to sell the furniture up North.

We moved it down here and a year or so later bought new "stuff." And YES basically had to give our old furniture away (sold it for peanuts). This was all solid wood Ethan Allen, Thomasville furniture.

Didn't seem to be in high demand down here then - not sure about now though.

Good Luck !


Thanks. I appreciate your response! I understand her reluctance to part with your furniture at first. We do feel some attachment to things we have had for years.

[jane032657]

Just came in from the garage as we are moving early November to our home in TV. I have/had all my parents stuff too and we are choosing to take the dressers of 70 years that my parents had just because they have so many drawers for storage. I sold dishes which covered four benches- hand painted antqiue dishes for $100-the appraisal was not even close to this give away because no one wants them anymore. Stained glass tiffany style lighting, for a song. We have had multiple garage sales and we just priced stuff low and said good bye. Stuff does not matter, if you do not want it, let it go. Precious is in the eye of the beholder. Take what is precious and special to you and give it to others for gifts, special remebrances or charity. You will not remember it tomorrow if you did not pay attention to it today or for the last multiple decades.

[CarolSells]

Just came in from the garage as we are moving early November to our home in TV. I have/had all my parents stuff too and we are choosing to take the dressers of 70 years that my parents had just because they have so many drawers for storage. I sold dishes which covered four benches- hand painted antqiue dishes for $100-the appraisal was not even close to this give away because no one wants them anymore. Stained glass tiffany style lighting, for a song. We have had multiple garage sales and we just priced stuff low and said good bye. Stuff does not matter, if you do not want it, let it go. Precious is in the eye of the beholder. Take what is precious and special to you and give it to others for gifts, special remebrances or charity. You will not remember it tomorrow if you did not pay attention to it today or for the last multiple decades.


Thanks, Jane. I needed to hear your words..it's just stuff! Good luck on your move!

[asianthree]

getting rid of stuff one room at a time

[Pturner]

Hi CarolSells,
I concur with Jane. We are in process of downsizing. It was hard at first. More recently I have found that the more we get rid off, the free-er I feel. Don't let your stuff own you.

All best wishes.

[CaptJohn]

I concur with Jane. We are in process of downsizing. It was hard at first. More recently I have found that the more we get rid off, the free-er I feel. Don't let your stuff own you.

All best wishes.

I'm just starting and it is hard. Like losing old friends that have known you forever and have seen you through good and bad times and have stood with you.

[KEVIN & JOSIE]

Downsizing, where to begin! Whew, we know exactly how you feel. We are currently in the process of doing just that ourselves. 31 years of accumulation plus lots and lots of childhood memories and stuff that we just didn't want to part with. Not to mention that 2 years ago my Mom passed away and we had to deal with liquidating all her stuff. Stuff I say, that is exactly what all this is, stuff. Like you, family just doesn't want any of it so we have been selling lots of things on Craigslist and garage sales for like you said pennies. We have donated many, many, things to various charities especially animal rescues. When I donate something I try to look at this way, we are giving it to someone less fortunate than us that needs it. We have been very fortunate to be able to have such things but as we age and times passes we realized that it is just stuff and we don't want to be a prisioner to stuff. So if it doesn't earn it's keep anymore then it is time to pass it along! Good Luck :wave:

[Dancing Queen]

I empathize. I have given away a lot, in the past 2 years but not near enough. The process of unloading all of my, my dh’s and our parents and grandparents stuff is overwhelming. I am to the point I think I will look at auctioneers, as I am no longer attached to it, it is just delaying our move to TV.


Tadpole in training.

[Bill Tasker]

We are seriously considering having an estate auction. Moving out the things we know we want to bring but having everything else auctioned. Did anyone consider that?

[Bill Tasker]

We are seriously considering holding an estate auction. Moving out the things we know we want to bring but auctioning everything else. Has anyone considered that?

[Mama C]

We called the auction house and let them take it--- much less painful

[CarolSells]

That's interesting. How does that work? I mean I realize that they take a % but what about items that may not sell?

[perrjojo]

That's interesting. How does that work? I mean I realize that they take a % but what about items that may not sell?

We had an estate sale before we moved from our 5000 sq ft home to a 1500 sq ft CYV. They come in and price and stage everything. Things not sold on day one are reduced by 50%. After that you can donate or whatever with the things left. 97% of our Stuff sold and the rest was donated. The estate sale people even clean up afterward. They charge 30% and it was worth every penny. If you have already moved your things this process might not work as well. BTW, I haven't missed anything that I sold.

[Joaniesmom]

I didn't want to hijack the other threads that mentioned "stuff" but they are so timely for me because I'm dealing with that right now. I thought that I got rid of lots of things when I sold my previous house but I couldn't believe how much furniture and boxes the movers delivered when I finally moved into my current home.

The kids aren't really interested in much of any of it. I'm trying to sell my mother's furniture that I inherited and it seems that I will have to practically give it away. I'm not talking priceless antiques but nice wood quality pieces. I haven't even started on all of the china, etc.

What did you guys do? Just sell to be rid of it? Garage sales don't bring that many people to our neighborhood. Any unique ideas for sales? Thanks.

We called in a highly recommended local auctioneer in Ohio and he set us up for an online auction. Slick as a whistle. He took pictures of everything. It was like we had our very own eBay. The only time anyone ever came to our house was to pick up the "stuff." And then there were auction personnel there to supervise. They collected the money. All that. We just got a check when they said they would send it to us. My only regret. We should have sold more!!!!

Suggest you inquire with local auction companies. It seems to be the upcoming thing. I was very happy with the way it was handled. And, believe me, I can't even remember most of what we sold! Getting rid of items was like a weight off my shoulders.

IMHO.

There were two 2 hour periods during the bidding when people were permitted to come to the house to look at the items. Supervised by the auctioneers, of course. The bidding period lasted a little over two weeks.

[createquilts]

we have given away, sold or trashed about 75% of our belongings in prep for our move to TV next week. I have no regrets.

What helped was we knew several college kids who just graduated as well as two nieces in college. They were ecstatic to get our leftovers. A few things we brought to a church that keeps a barn full of furniture that people that have fires or hard times can come and get. I had my mothers china, I gave it to a younger sister who was young when my parents died. It didn't have meaning to her then but it did now.

I remember cleaning out my parents house years ago, what a nightmare. I have seen people get dumpsters and trash their parents belongings. What a waste.

So my feeling is that I have eased the burden on my children as they don't want my stuff, I have recycled many items to be used by others, and have made my own life so much more peaceful.

[KEVIN & JOSIE]

So my feeling is that I have eased the burden on my children as they don't want my stuff, I have recycled many items to be used by others, and have made my own life so much more peaceful.

Well said! :agree:

[senior citizen]

I didn't want to hijack the other threads that mentioned "stuff" but they are so timely for me because I'm dealing with that right now. I thought that I got rid of lots of things when I sold my previous house but I couldn't believe how much furniture and boxes the movers delivered when I finally moved into my current home.

The kids aren't really interested in much of any of it. I'm trying to sell my mother's furniture that I inherited and it seems that I will have to practically give it away. I'm not talking priceless antiques but nice wood quality pieces. I haven't even started on all of the china, etc.

What did you guys do? Just sell to be rid of it? Garage sales don't bring that many people to our neighborhood. Any unique ideas for sales? Thanks.

When we moved to Venice Florida in 1994, selling our Vermont home in late October with the new folks wanting to be in by end of December, we knew we wanted all new Florida furniture for the beachfront condo we were going to buy.........we called in a local auctioneer. Obviously, you will never get top dollar for furniture, no matter how good it is or what you originally paid........we just wanted to avoid endless days of strangers coming over to look at it and lugging it out.

The auctioneer and his sons took everything out in one day and even took everything out of my mom's home as she was moving down with us.

All we had packed up , in the basement, for Mayflower Movers, were boxes of personal items and clothing. Our adult children, at the time newly graduated from college and married, took all their childhood toys, books, etc. for their future children.........

So, we moved very "lightly".........but still had a lot of boxes....plus we put our car on the moving truck as we were flying down to Sarasota.

4 months later we moved back to Vermont with our Florida furniture and slowly over the years I've replaced it with more appropriate New England furniture.......contemporary.....now, I would do the same thing again.
Call in an auctioneer and have them move it all out. Not do personal sales to individuals.

The thing is..........we thought that at age 49 we had lightened our load after all the years of marriage, kids, etc......from age 20 to 49 when we moved to Florida.

Now, "it is all back again" due to the five grandchildren.........all the toys and games and books and stuff we bought to entertain them while they visit..........there is no way I would bring it all down again.......we even bought new toy boxes for up here......remote control cars, etc., doll houses, plus all the baby toys. This could be why we are dragging our feet about moving again. Been there, done that.

WE all have too much stuff. Good luck.

p.s. My husband did have a big garage sale, called tag sale up here, back in 1994; sold all his rifles, etc. and all the guy stuff...........only to have to buy it back again in 1995. But, we have been discussing how we will have to downsize whenever we move to The Villages. His garage is set up to resemble a hardware store. All of our local workmen love his garage.....you literally could go shopping in it.

What to do with all this stuff? Not to mention age 49 is a lot different than age 67 in the energy level.

[redwitch]

One thing I would suggest is taking pictures of the items important to you. My family moved a lot when I was a kid (to put it mildly). My poor mother was used to leaving everything behind but she sure didn't like it (neither did we kids -- 2 boxes each first filled with necessities and then we could add our "stuff" in whatever room was left). So, what she did was take pictures -- pictures of all the pictures my brother and I had drawn; pictures of the things we had made; pictures of special keepsakes; pictures and then more pictures. When she got them developed, she would toss those that made her cry and keep the ones that made her smile. As she said, the memories were always with her even if the stuff wasn't. When she died, I had the pleasure and joy of seeing the pictures she kept -- it was a trip through memory lane that brought many smiles and a few tears (especially the picnic basket we used in Japan weekend after weekend). She very carefully labeled each and every one of them (caused me to totally refresh my German to read them, though). It doesn't make leaving some things behind any easier but it does make it a little less painful.

[senior citizen]

One thing I would suggest is taking pictures of the items important to you. My family moved a lot when I was a kid (to put it mildly). My poor mother was used to leaving everything behind but she sure didn't like it (neither did we kids -- 2 boxes each first filled with necessities and then we could add our "stuff" in whatever room was left). So, what she did was take pictures -- pictures of all the pictures my brother and I had drawn; pictures of the things we had made; pictures of special keepsakes; pictures and then more pictures. When she got them developed, she would toss those that made her cry and keep the ones that made her smile. As she said, the memories were always with her even if the stuff wasn't. When she died, I had the pleasure and joy of seeing the pictures she kept -- it was a trip through memory lane that brought many smiles and a few tears (especially the picnic basket we used in Japan weekend after weekend). She very carefully labeled each and every one of them (caused me to totally refresh my German to read them, though). It doesn't make leaving some things behind any easier but it does make it a little less painful.

What a wonderful mom you had and what a great idea.

[YouNeverKnow]

Thanks for the great advice about the auctioneers. We will have to check it out when we get ready to downsize this spring.

[CaptJohn]

Enjoy this music video. I think I'm going to make it my theme song!

Too Much Stuff - Delbert McClinton - YouTube

[CarolSells]

Enjoy this music video. I think I'm going to make it my theme song!

Too Much Stuff - Delbert McClinton - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXyDJiUXqXY&feature=related)


LOL! Yeah. That's what I'm talkin' about!

Thanks to everyone. There are some really great posts and ideas on this thread!

[linedancingdottie]

Hi,

we had lots to get rid of as well so I did several things:
(1) identified a church organization in my area (I'm from Northern Va.) that helps out people who are just getting back on their feet financially. They would tell me what a family needed for their apartment, i.e., a certain size bed or a kitchen table, lamps, etc. If I had something to meet their needs, a volunteer with a truck from the church would then pick items up and deliver to family. It was a great feeling knowing someone could get use out of my stuff and wasn't going to be resold in a high-priced thrift shop.
(2) used Craigs List (some items I sold and some I just gave away if I needed someone to physically move an item out of my house). It helped to upload photos and provide detailed information about your stuff. I had numerous people who said my items were definitely much nicer than my photos (guess I won't make it to be a photographer). I did the Craigs list thing every day for about 2 weeks. I was always getting phone calls for people making appts to come over.
(3) Just by chance I had a neighbor stop by to say she wanted to see what I was selling so she ended up buying several large items from my dining room.
(4) I advertised a garage sale thru Craigs List also I think (only for 1 day) -- tools and lawn items go very quickly at garage sales.
(5) I gave lots of my work clothes (I had just recently retired) to "dress for success" organization. You donate them to the cleaners and they clean them up and pass on to the Dress for Success organization.
(6) Vietnam Vets picked items up from my house so I used them for donations as well.
..............hope this helps (start early and work with a checklist so the task is not so overwhelming)

[Down Sized]

Sold & gave away everything before moving south. I didn't think their was any need to pay $3 or $4 thousand to haul it down since most of the furniture was antiques. Then bought all new furniture after arriving.

[rmcpklinefelter]

...all of you folks need to talk to my dad, a hoarder from the great depression (not the current one).

[Joaniesmom]

That's interesting. How does that work? I mean I realize that they take a % but what about items that may not sell?

They sell everything. I couldn't believe my eyes. They "lot" some of the less desirable items with some of the "goodies." It all goes! I was worried about all of my Christmas items. They put everything on a table as a "lot" and off it went! :wave: fascinating!

The entire experience was amazing exciting sad happy fun maddening you name it. But I wouldn't have missed it for the world.

[NotGolfer]

We had the same conundrum as you're experiencing. We had 2 or 3 garage sales and found that prices had to be really, really low for folks to purchase items. We were told by a man in the business of re-sale and estates (even antiques) that despite the quality of and what price we paid on furniture that we'd only get a fraction of what we paid for it. For instance a high end Lexington bedroom set that cost $8k would only bring a few hundred dollars at best. Our kids don't appreciate items as we did so didn't really want much of our items. We took loads to a thrift shop, put alot on the curb for "free".

Good luck!!

[stuckinparadise]

We used Craig's List and eBay to sell a lot of our things. It was better to sell the bigger (and heavier) items on Craig's list due to local pickup instead of shipping. We also sold a lot of our things at a yard sale.

[Trish Crocker]

We used Craig's List and eBay to sell a lot of our things. It was better to sell the bigger (and heavier) items on Craig's list due to local pickup instead of shipping. We also sold a lot of our things at a yard sale.

We've sold a few things on Craigslist but since our community doesn't allow garage sales and the only way I could have an estate sale would be if I shuttled people to the house since the city won't allow on street parking, we were stuck. The shuttle wouldn't work since nothing we are selling would warrant the expense. I found a really neat charity, a shelter that helps abused women and children. They will pick up items and they are given to the women that are trying to start over. Anything that is not taken is sold and the money is used to help the families. It feels good to give gently used furniture to a good cause, knowing that you are helping someone definitely offsets the amount of money that is lost by not selling it.

[Dancing Queen]

I have actually started the daunting task, by listing 18 items so far on ebay, 8 have sold in the past week.
Lots more to list, but I have found it just as exciting as buying, which for a Shopaholic is a Real Revelation.
I will leave the big stuff to an auctioneer, which I still have to research.
Anyone know of a reputable Auctioneer in the Cincinnati Ohio area?


Tadpole in training.

[Joaniesmom]

We have recently moved to The Villages and have completed the process you are discussing, getting rid of stuff.

First, I contacted a local auctioneering company. They arranged everything I wanted to sell (including 5 sofas!) into lots. They photographed the lots and put the items up for auction on the internet. No one in our front yard calling out bids. It was all done online.There were two in-home visiting periods of two hours each for folks who wanted to inspect a possible purchase. The auction folks came to our home on pickup day and supervised people taking their purchases. They also collected all the money (mostly credit cards), kept track of finances and we got our check in two weeks. We actually got more money than we had expected. Enough to buy a new golf cart!

We donated lots of stuff to Goodwill. The most fun was to give gifts to our friends. Something we knew they would use and enjoy. One other fun thing we discovered is that we actually found items that we loved but had forgotten about.

We started this process in November 2011 and completed it the day we moved, September 10, 2012. So I guess the bottom line here is to start sorting, selling, donating, discarding waaaay earlier than you might think. Take your time. Enjoy the process. How about one drawer per day? Small tasks add up.

It will never be a fun process but you will get through it and be rewarded with a wonderful life here in The Villages. Good luck!

[CaptJohn]

I
Anyone know of a reputable Auctioneer in the Cincinnati Ohio area?



Check with Wes Cowan of Cowan's Auctions.

[Dancing Queen]

Thank you Joniesmom for your timeline and encouraging words and ideas of how to handel this.

And CaptJohn, thank you yet again for help, I will check them out on the internet, and then give them a call.

I have sold 16 items so far, and working on listing more. I am hoping Christmas shoppers will by a bunch of our Stuff.

[MSG@TV]

Hi CarolSells,
I concur with Jane. We are in process of downsizing. It was hard at first. More recently I have found that the more we get rid off, the free-er I feel. Don't let your stuff own you.

All best wishes.

Thanks for posting this. We also are in the process of downsizing in preparation for putting our house on the market and our move to TV. Although I'm not a pack rat, it is hard to part with things. But, I did notice that my willingness to do so is very invigorating. I just hope that I don't suddenly develop a longing for retaining things the closer I come to packing.

[HDriders]

Thanks for posting this. We also are in the process of downsizing in preparation for putting our house on the market and our move to TV. Although I'm not a pack rat, it is hard to part with things. But, I did notice that my willingness to do so is very invigorating. I just hope that I don't suddenly develop a longing for retaining things the closer I come to packing.

We have spent the last 2 years 'downsizing', the last year in earnest, took us 10 months to sell our house, 2 visits to TV and 3 days in October to find our new home in TV and we settle on it soon. We too had offsite auctions, donated much to Salvation Army as well as Goodwill. It is heart wrenching and exciting all at the same time. I agree, it was invigorating to free up our space and our lives and can not wait to begin this next chapter of our lives!!

[MSG@TV]

We have spent the last 2 years 'downsizing', the last year in earnest, took us 10 months to sell our house, 2 visits to TV and 3 days in October to find our new home in TV and we settle on it soon. We too had offsite auctions, donated much to Salvation Army as well as Goodwill. It is heart wrenching and exciting all at the same time. I agree, it was invigorating to free up our space and our lives and can not wait to begin this next chapter of our lives!!

I trust you are enjoying your new home in Charlotte. Can't wait to finish downsizing, preparing our home for sale, and joining you in TV (in our case Fernandina). Thanks for the post; it helps to see that folks do get through this process.

[Dancing Queen]

CaptJohn, called Cowan's today, told to send emails with photos and info.
Took me forever it seemed, but it is done, I hope they are interested in consigning my 3 items. Thanks again for the tip!

[Dancing Queen]

Since my last post I have sold a total of 57 items, and still listing more things to get out the door. DH has sold 40.
Maybe by the time we are done it will cover our moving costs, and maybe more.
No end in site, but it feels good to send things to new homes.
Some people are very appreciative, which is heartwarming.

To sell and donate is the continuing plan to one day get to TV.:pray:

Tadpole in Training

[Teryl1949]

Who was the auctioneer here in Ohio? we are in Medina. Also how did you time everything out with regard to sale of the home? Was it prior to listing, during or after the sale? PM me if you wish. Thanks.

[dalecrenshaw]

I think the best way to sell anything, especially furniture, is to take a picture of it and put it on this website and on Craigslist, along with a description - color, condition and price. Best to keep the prices reasonable, or no one will bother to make an offer. If you don't know how to put in on talkofthevillages or craigslist, maybe a friend can help you.