Glad You Asked!
These are frequently asked questions that I have been answering indivually but wanted to add value to a greater audience.
I want to downsize and declutter, but what do I do with all this stuff?
One of the biggest barriers to moving or beginning the downsizing process is knowing what to do with all of the "stuff". This task in itself will often keep people from moving forward. Deciding whether to donate or trash your items often leaves individuals feeling confused and overwhelmed.
A sign of the times
Our society and culture has changed drastically in the way people live. Past generations married, bought a home and then filled the home with quality items that would last a lifetime. In days past, china, silver and quality furniture were symbols of the "American dream".
Today's generation are marrying later and often living in smaller spaces. They are less inclined to buy a home to grow old in, but rather chose to rent longer in order to have a flexible lifestyle. Minimalism is a relatively new concept which many younger folks live by. This is a movement where people live with fewer material possessions in an effort to "spend more energy on living and less energy on having" says a recent New York Times article.
This creates a unique dilemma as older generations have begun to move from larger homes into smaller spaces.
So now what?
As a Senior Move Manager, I help people find the best solutions for their items.
Selling - To determine what items in your home have value consult with an antique dealer or appraiser. Most dealers prefer that photographs are sent through email, this tends to be most efficient when looking for a quick response.
Estate sales can be a good option for those who are selling their homes and have a lot of furniture and household items that they will be leaving behind.
Sadly, many antiques and collectables have little value in today's society. Antique furniture can be sold, but for nowhere near the price point they once sold for. There is a movement away from "brown furniture". The formal wood style furniture which furnished many homes of past generations is not saleable in today's market. Today, clean lines and more simplistic styles are trending.
Donating - This is often the most viable option, but understanding where and how to donate your household items is crucial. When making a donation, know what items are accepted at each location. The Salvation Army, Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity and The City Mission are national organizations that accept a range of items. Local charities will often accept donations, but this depends on their needs and the populations they serve. Contact these organizations beforehand and confirm what items they are currently accepting to save time and energy. Within your area there may be organizations that are willing to pick up larger furniture, but planning and patience is required. Once you have made your donation, be sure to get a receipt for tax deductions.
Freecycling - is another option that connects individuals to a local network of people. This option allows you to post items to a membership list. However, this can be time consuming when there are many items you wish to get rid of.
Most importantly if it is torn, stained or broken it is not donatable.
Trashing- Inevitably some items will need to be trashed. We encourage recycling as much as possible. Check for recycling options in your community. Trash hauler are available for large jobs.