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'Stuff' what to do with it?

September 6th, 2016 at 02:20 am

In our quest to declutter and downsize, we are finally starting to go through all of my parents things. Its been almost 8 years since my dad passed, and 6 since my mom. My mom had a full set of depression glass, my dad a small collection of silver coins. What to do...

My mom's depression glass is carefully packed away- in several boxes. Very beautiful, very fragile, but not something me or my girls have space for, nor do my girls want it. My dads coin collection, probably less than $500 is in a box, not taking up much space....but again- not something anyone really wants.

What do I do with keepsakes like this? Each year, my dad kept a journal..those are a no-brainer...I will keep, no question. But when it comes to things they collected, what to do?

They are heartbreaking to part with, but then just taking up space to keep. Suggestions? Do I keep for grandkids...do I sell....

7 Responses to “'Stuff' what to do with it?”

  1. creditcardfree Says:
    1473161348

    First of all I'm sorry for your loss. My take on it is that the collections that don't have meaning to you need to go. The grandkids are not going to want something they have no real emotional connection to, which I'm gathering is how you feel as well. The collecting was a hobby for them I'd guess. And if you think you can't part with an entire collection, keep one or two pieces and see how that feels. You can attempt to sell, they may not be as valuable as you think...at least that was our experience with some of my grandparents collectables.

    By dealing with the stuff now you are saving your own children from needing to make the decisions when you pass. Letting go of your excess is a blessing to those we leave behind.

    I agree those journals are probably the best items to keep, as they tell more of the story and feelings of your dad's life.

  2. snafu Says:
    1473172530

    There is a larger market for depression glassware from those who like the 'Farmer' style kitchens as result of the Food Network Farm House cooking show. Suggest taking a few photos and write an ad for your local Facebook buy/sell site. Amazon can help with pricing and expand your group of buyers for both collections.

  3. rob62521 Says:
    1473195010

    I understand the emotional ties. But, if no one in your family really wants it...take some photos and then find a market. SNAFU is right about Depression glass being a big thing in decorating.

    I knew when my mom died that if I didn't get rid of stuff immediately, I would be a hoarder. I called a guy, told him he had to take everything in the house. I pulled three items out before he came and brought them home. He took everything. I know he got the better end of the deal, but for my own mental health and keeping order in my own house, it was probably for the best.

  4. PatientSaver Says:
    1473207966

    You've held onto it for a long time. But it was just sitting unpacked in boxes all those years, right? Maybe that tells you something.

    I have already gotten rid of most of my mother's belongings (aside from her art) but I do still have certain things I thought had value and might sell, like a bunch of camera equipment. I have 4 long very nice winter coats that don't fit me so this week am hoping to take them to a clothing consignment shop in town.

    All of this is very time-consuming, becus it seems for each item you think you may want to sell you have to investigate the best means of selling. And you might become irritated at buyers who try to talk you down in price when there's so much emotional meaning attached to it.

    We have an auction house nearby; could that be a way to dispose of the glass?

  5. Thrifty Ray Says:
    1473208668

    Thanks ladies. I took a baby step today. I have a bag of pennies that my brother had saved - I took them to work today to turn them in...but didnt make it into the branch. Ive now had those 28 years... It feels like I am losing a part of him by turning them in...but tomorrow I will push myself to turn them in. Then I will put the money into the grandkids savings accounts. I clearly have issues with parting with their things..

  6. creditcardfree Says:
    1473212309

    I'm of the belief that our loved ones who have passed on don't want us to be consumed with the stuff they left behind. They want you to be happy and enjoying your life!!

    You may also consider writing in a journal about the items as a way to preserve the memories. The memories are what are important not the things.

  7. FrugalTexan75 Says:
    1473213991

    I agree with the others - there is a good market out there for depression era glass. If you take pictures of it to sell, you can also keep those pictures to remember it by.

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