Valuing your stuff is easy: None of it is worth much.Don’t be insulted. I know you probably invested thousands for all of your goods, and you have beautiful things. China! Silver! Crystal! Elegant furniture! How can it all be worth essentially nothing?
It’s all about supply and demand.
The millenials who are buying simply aren’t interested in what boomers are selling. Did you want to buy stuff that looked like your parents furniture when you were in your 20s or30s? Of course not!
Millenials have different tastes.
Millenials are minimalists. They go for modern, simple and straight. They don’t want “brown” furniture. Neither are they interested in anything that can’t go in the dishwasher (china and/or crystal); anything that has to be polished (silver) or in knickknacks that just collect dust.
Boomers aren’t buying.
The people who might be interested in buying your stuff are other boomers — and they’re downsizing. Should you have something that is a mid-century modern icon (i.e an original Charles Eames lounge chair), or an exceptionally fine antique in excellent condition, you might find a buyer. However, those objects– and buyers — are rare.
“Good condition” isn’t good enough.
Most people who are downsizing have well-made, mass- produced furniture. A lot of it is in very good condition. The market is flooded with pieces like these. Whatever you have, the small amount you’ll get for it makes it unlikely it would be worth your times and effort to sell it.
So what’s a downsizer to do with all of this “good” stuff? Donate it!
Donating is a win-win. You get to feel generous, and get a nice tax break on your taxes. (Probably more than you’d get by selling.) The organization you choose benefits from your donation. And, they’ll probably even come pick it up.
How do you choose what stays and what goes? Ask me!
As a Senior Move Manager, I can help you clear out your old home and design your new one. I’ll make sure you get the most use and enjoyment out of everything you take with you. And that’s worth a lot!
Let me know if you’d like to find out more!
