Rip off the Bandaid when Downsizing

Art & Antiques by Dr. Lori by Dr. Lori Verderame When it comes to downsizing, most people think that the problem is a lack of space, but in fact, the problem is dealing with a lifetime of emotions that present themselves in the form of objects. My first bit of advice, after a career evaluating heirlooms for families at all phases of life, is to try to keep your emotions at bay. How do you start downsizing? Get an appraisal. Use a cheap appraisal alternative like my video call appraisal sessions which can have you talking with me directly via a video conferencing app on a smart phone or Zoom. Show me the stuff in your home, storage locker, or garage to learn the value of items. Once you know the value of an item, it is much easier to decide whether that item gets a spot in the coveted moving box or if it is destined for the trash, selling, or donation box. The first move is to learn the value of objects from an expert. That expert is me. Contrary to popular belief, appraisals are not expensive. They are not just something for the wealthy or upper classes. It is necessary for everyone to make an informed decision about the value of unwanted stuff. I guide families down this road often with appraisals that are reasonably priced and most importantly, accurate. Think about what you really need and what you’d be willing to part with as you prepare to downsize. For instance, do you need another set of crystal goblets? Do you plan to entertain as much as you once did at your new smaller home? Is there another solution for these goblets. Perhaps a niece could use the goblets for her new catering business? What about the sports equipment that has been in the garage, unused, for years? Call the local community center where Grandpa used to volunteer, can they use any of this stuff? Of course, donating objects to Goodwill or Salvation Army thrift stores is another option. One of the most popular suggestions for unwanted stuff is to sell it online and line your pockets with extra cash. I coach and teach classes for first time sellers and reselling online is easier than you think. Tubs or Trash bags? Plastic tubs with lids are necessary. Tubs are for items that will be distributed to family members. Tubs are convenient because they can be stacked away until the relative can retrieve their tub. Tubs do not attract bugs like cardboard boxes do. Tubs protect items from water leaks or basement flooding. Garbage bags are good for items to be donated or trashed. Garbage bags hold a lot of stuff, and they are best for items like clothes, shoes, textiles, pillows, damaged items, stuffed toys, etc. When donating items, filled garbage bags allow you to fit more bags into your car or SUV. Side Hussle Selling unwanted items online is one of the fastest growing side businesses. Referred to as a profitable “side hustle,” online selling turns unwanted items from junk to inventory. Starting a new business venture is exciting and it can inspire you to start the task. I teach classes on how to sell old stuff online for profit and many people are successfully selling stuff once they rip the band aid off and start downsizing. You don’t have to be the person who does the actual online selling if you are too busy or not interested in the job. You could be the person who provides—and gets paid a percentage for—the inventory that an online reseller sells on your behalf. Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, and award-winning media personality, Dr. Lori presents antique appraisal events nationwide, appears on Netflix and History channel, and hosts videos on her popular YouTube.com/DrLoriV channel with 65 million views and counting. Visit www.DrLoriV.com or call (888) 431-1010.