Get Down With Downsizing

By Stuart Brody

If you are thinking about moving to a smaller house or condo, or if you simply want to unburden your life of “stuff,” I recommend that you formulate a downsizing plan. People downsize for two reasons. The first is they have found a new place, one that is smaller than the current home. The second reason is that they simply want to condense what they now have. The latter is often in preparation for the time when they, their spouse, or children have to relocate or dispose of their belongings. Either way, downsizing requires a plan, and the plan will differ depending upon the scenario.

If you are moving to a new residence, create a plan for each room in your new home. When downsizing, it's important to avoid cluttering up your new home with too much stuff. Determine the use of each room. For example, does the new place have two bedrooms? Will both be used as bedrooms, or do you want an office with a pull-out sofa in case you have company? Or perhaps the second bedroom will be a sitting room to watch television and entertain?

Once you have determined how each room will flow, carefully measure every room in your new home. Now you can select the furniture that will fit the needs of each room. Tag each piece of furniture you plan to take. When packing the smaller items you plan to take, label each box with the room in your new residence where it belongs.

Now, here’s where it gets a bit difficult: deciding what to do with the remainder of the furniture. If items are going to your children or relatives, tag it with the person’s name. If you decide to dispose of things, it is vitally important to identify which items may be of value. Perhaps you were a collector or you inherited furniture, artwork, china, and other items. You need to consider the age and condition of those items. Furniture that dates to the 1800s may be valuable and should be appraised prior to being sold. Other used furniture of no antique value may be sold to shops that deal in used furniture. Auctioneers will sometimes include these pieces into their auctions. If you have Internet access, you can try selling them via Craig’s List or eBay.

Another mistake people frequently make is to put jewelry in a yard sale. Know the value of what you have. Often old costume jewelry may be 14k and include precious and semi-precious stones. Any valuable jewelry should be appraised. If you’ve been collecting items over a long period of time, it is best to seek an appraisal. Many savvy dealers have found Hummels, vintage Hallmark Christmas ornaments, games, toys and food tins that have value. In particular, train sets from the 1940 - 1970 era, Star Trek, Tonka Trucks, and many other toys and games are sought-after collectibles.

So if downsizing is in your future, remember these words: Don't throw what you don't know.

Reminder: As a service to my readers, I will be holding a free antique appraisal day on Saturday, June 23, from 10:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. You may bring two (2) items for a verbal appraisal. For more information call me, Stuart Brody, at 508-347-7190.

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Stuart Brody is a Sturbridge antique dealer, professional appraiser, realtor, and auctioneer. He can be reached at 508-347-7190.

Showcase Antique Center

located at the entrance to Old Sturbridge Village,
Route 20, Sturbridge, MA 01566
Tel: (508) 347-7190 Fax: (508) 347-5420
sales@showcaseantiques.com

Showcase Antique Center is conveniently located on Route 20 in Sturbridge, MA, just one mile from I-90 (the Massachusetts Turnpike) and I-84. We're minutes away from the world-renown outdoor Brimfield Antique Shows held annually each May, July and September.