Top 5 Things to Downsize Now

COLLECTABLES

These collections of frogs, ladies in big gowns, old signage, Hummel’s, and Precious Moments are not desired by your grown children, grandchildren or any other relation. Even though they are filled with memories of those who gave them to you, they have no market value.

THE FIX: Find a retirement home that does a gift exchange at Christmas and donate the figurines. If you want to hold on to a memory of your collection, have a professional photographer set them up, light them well and make a framed photo for your wall.

HEAVY, DARK, ANTIQUE FURNITURE

There is still a market for this sort of furniture but, unless your furniture is mid-century modern, there’s a good chance you will have to pay someone to take it off your hands.

THE FIX: Donate it and take a non-cash charitable contribution using fair market valuation.

OLD ELECTRONICS AND THEIR CORDS

The VCR and slide projector are not due for a comeback, let’s face it your kids probably don’t know how to work them!

THE FIX: You may find a collector to take the turntable and vinyl records, but time to get rid of the old phones, cords and chargers. Many electronics stores will accept old computers and electronic equipment for disposal, or check your municipality’s waste disposal policy and drop off locations.

SILVERWARE, CRYSTAL AND PORCELAIN

Formal entertaining is not a priority these days. And of course, sterling and crystal must be hand-washed and dried. Can you see your kids choosing to use the silver?

THE FIX: Find a replacement matching services for folks who DO enjoy silver flatware and porcelain and have recognized patterns. Because they sell per piece and therefore buy per piece, sellers get a rather good price.

DARK PATTERN PERSIAN RUGS

The modern mimimalist décor preferences of the 20- to 30-somethings does not lend itself to a collection of multicolored (and sometimes threadbare) Persian rugs.

THE FIX: There is a market for quality rugs, but if you think the value of the rug is below $2,000, it will be a hard sell. Like antique furniture, it may be best to donate.

Source: https://www3.forbes.com/business/objects-your-kids-dont-want-what-to-do-when-they-dont-like-you/