I was the speaker today at the monthly meeting for the Wausau Antique Study Club. I presented a version of my "What to Keep, What to Sell, What to Donate" program. So, I though I would give you my 10 tips for downsizing.
1. Is it a collection if it is in a box or is that a collection of boxes? Get started looking at your items in an I am using it and loving it eyes...not the I like it might use it some day eyes.
2. Empty out an area totally, down to the wall, back of the cabinet - totally empty - then fill it back with only what you are going to keep. This is easier than looking at a full closet, cabinet, dresser and picking out what you want to get rid of...it is easier this way...easier to get see how and what you have.
3. Start out small - but, just start. Hey, it took you how long to collect all this stuff? Well, you aren't going to get rid of it over night. Strategically plan out your areas - do a china cabinet one day, the closet next week, the attic over the month of March - something, just set a plan and keep moving.
4. Try not to handle your items more than once - make decisive decisions - keep, love it, use it - or the other. Don't make rash decisions - like I'm throwing away all these old pictures, I don't even know who these people are - you will regret that. If you know the pictures are family, find a family member that can help you identify who is who. You could scan, store in the cloud or on a disc. Then, let the paper go if you want.
5. If you have some higher end items, antiques, jewelry, etc. find a reputable dealer or appraiser to help you with the value of these things. You could search them out on your own too. Often times I just do this..."yellow, vase with tulips on the side" you will be amazed at what you will learn about an item or how to find an item and it's value just doing this.
6. Sell the items at auction, hire an estate sale company or consign them to a shop. These avenues will involve a commission most between 20-50% - these vary depending on what you are selling, where you live, how many items you have and if they are higher end items.
7. You could go the "I can sell it on my own route" and list on ebay, etsy, face book marketplace or groups and craigslist. All of these options will involve more work on your part, but some of these are free. If you don't know how to do this...ask your kids or grands for help - they know how to work the social media - trust me!
8. Weigh the cost of your item, as in time -vs- profit, "will it be worth my selling this for $2?" You could donate items to a local charity. Many help families in need starting out or restarting after a fire - they won't care if your old couch has flowers on it, they just want a couch.
9. Recycle, take old paint, chemicals to the landfill - ours has a special area where you can come and get these for free if you need them - so they don't toss it out. Old greeting cards could be given to an activity director at a nursing home or daycare - many cute crafts can be made of those.
10. Your kids might not want your items, hey that's o.k. - they will like that you are taking care of downsizing so that they don't have to do it later. Get them involved in making the decision - be direct - ask them - what do you want?
Here's to our getting started....me too!
Blesssings from Ringle, Wisconsin.
1. Is it a collection if it is in a box or is that a collection of boxes? Get started looking at your items in an I am using it and loving it eyes...not the I like it might use it some day eyes.
2. Empty out an area totally, down to the wall, back of the cabinet - totally empty - then fill it back with only what you are going to keep. This is easier than looking at a full closet, cabinet, dresser and picking out what you want to get rid of...it is easier this way...easier to get see how and what you have.
3. Start out small - but, just start. Hey, it took you how long to collect all this stuff? Well, you aren't going to get rid of it over night. Strategically plan out your areas - do a china cabinet one day, the closet next week, the attic over the month of March - something, just set a plan and keep moving.
4. Try not to handle your items more than once - make decisive decisions - keep, love it, use it - or the other. Don't make rash decisions - like I'm throwing away all these old pictures, I don't even know who these people are - you will regret that. If you know the pictures are family, find a family member that can help you identify who is who. You could scan, store in the cloud or on a disc. Then, let the paper go if you want.
5. If you have some higher end items, antiques, jewelry, etc. find a reputable dealer or appraiser to help you with the value of these things. You could search them out on your own too. Often times I just do this..."yellow, vase with tulips on the side" you will be amazed at what you will learn about an item or how to find an item and it's value just doing this.
6. Sell the items at auction, hire an estate sale company or consign them to a shop. These avenues will involve a commission most between 20-50% - these vary depending on what you are selling, where you live, how many items you have and if they are higher end items.
7. You could go the "I can sell it on my own route" and list on ebay, etsy, face book marketplace or groups and craigslist. All of these options will involve more work on your part, but some of these are free. If you don't know how to do this...ask your kids or grands for help - they know how to work the social media - trust me!
8. Weigh the cost of your item, as in time -vs- profit, "will it be worth my selling this for $2?" You could donate items to a local charity. Many help families in need starting out or restarting after a fire - they won't care if your old couch has flowers on it, they just want a couch.
9. Recycle, take old paint, chemicals to the landfill - ours has a special area where you can come and get these for free if you need them - so they don't toss it out. Old greeting cards could be given to an activity director at a nursing home or daycare - many cute crafts can be made of those.
10. Your kids might not want your items, hey that's o.k. - they will like that you are taking care of downsizing so that they don't have to do it later. Get them involved in making the decision - be direct - ask them - what do you want?
Here's to our getting started....me too!
Blesssings from Ringle, Wisconsin.
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