I think that at some point in everyone’s lives, they reach a period where enough is enough. I am talking specifically about enough “stuff.” I have reached that point. I actually reached it about a year ago, but it has taken me the past few months to realize just how ready I really am to let it all go.
It hit me hard a few weeks ago while I was watching one of those hoarding shows. No, no – I am not a candidate yet, although Mr. Grits would argue I am close. LOL But what struck me was that I have held on to much of the “stuff” because it represented a time in my life when I was very happy – when we lived in Europe. I was like a buying banshee. I cannot tell you how many flea markets I visited throughout Europe. I have quite the collection….mostly dishes…but various other items, as well.
The problem is – my style has changed. I am becoming more clean lined and transitional in my style. Also, I have also realized that my son and daughter-in-law could care diddly for that stuff, as they are all about the modern style. Sigh
So….. I have emailed several Estate Dealers. I do not even know if I have enough for an actual on-site Estate Sale, but I know one thing – there will NOT be any Yard Sales going up in my yard any time soon. I abhor those things. I cannot bare marking something for a quarter, and someone trying to bargain me down to a dime. Really? 😀
So – if any of you have had any past experience with Estate Sales, I would love to hear your input. In the meantime, I am heading back out to the garage for more packing and purging. I see many plastic bins being purchased in my very near future. 🙂
marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
Oh how I wish I was there. I am sure you have tons that I would love, however I am in the same shape as you. I don’t need anything and need to purge tons. Can’t wait to hear all about your sale. Hugs, Marty
View CommentTerry says
I wish I could help you, to tell the truth I never even heard of one until I started following other peoples blogs. We have alot of auction houses where people take their wares to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. We have too many dealers in my area that would mob any sale for the regular public to even be able to compete. Hope you post more about whatever you decide to do.
View CommentJeannette says
I wish I could help but no idea about estate sales! It never occurred to me to have one while I was still alive!!lol I completely agree about the yard sale – quite annoying when you are already practically giving away stuff and someone wants to haggle! I’ve only had one and would rather donate it than ever have one again! I love your home and style – I too am liking a cleaner style and look forward to seeing what changes you might make! Good Luck – Sincerely Jeannette
View CommentRobin says
Oh Barb, what I wouldn’t do to be able to look/drool/buy some of your treasures!
What about E-baying your things? You could have a limit and maybe sell it for top dollar and people all over the country could buy it.
View CommentPat says
I would like to suggest that you give your blog readers first choice by posting some photos and setting up a paypal account. You don’t even have to go through Ebay. You may be surprised at what people will buy. If you have no takers then you can go to plan B.The US post office now has reasonable rates for flat rate shipping or you can pack it yourself and drop it at your nearest Kinkos (FedEx) or UPS store.
View CommentStacey says
I agree with Pat! I’ve seen lots of other bloggers post items in a kind of “cleaning out”. We all love your style. It would work!
View Commentlvroftiques says
Sheesh Barb I thought you were channeling me! What you said?….DITTO!! I don’t want the stuff owning me kwim? And I’d like my closets to NOT be dangerous! Lol! I have done estate sales myself and I tell ya they’re LOTS of hard work. You can expect to give 30-40% of your gross depending on who you use.
One of my best friends has her own estate sale of sorts twice a year (She’s one of my shopping pals) She has amazing style like you, and stages her living room, dining, and family rooms with all the things she wants to sell. She marks all the display pieces NOT FOR SALE that she doesn’t want to get rid of. She makes up flyers and puts a stack of them at all the bigger local antique malls. And I’m tellin’ ya she makes GOOD money!….Must admit some of it from me *sheepish winks* Just a thought if you’re up for some work yourself? Call in a couple of your besties…Or fly me to ya and I’ll help *winks* Vanna
View Comment"Just Me - NC Beth" says
Wow! I’m like Jeannette..never thought to have an estate sale while still alive!! lol…. but I do understand what you’re saying…it’s not “yard selling” for sure!!
Hope what ever you decide to do will be very profitable for you! Let us all know how it goes!
~Beth
View Commentmamaspoon says
Well, we had an estate sale with property of very old inlaws-the ordinary stuff you need in a home went fast, but some of their older furniture didn’t sell. The antiques were highlighted by estate sale guy on his website prior to sale and all sold. My BIL moved to his other home and sold most of his furnishing thru same estate sale person and made over $10 net. Both sales were done at 40%.
View CommentAmes says
Most of the Estate sales in my neighborhood are run by qualified people that do that full time. They come in and price your items accordingly. The price is not always the sentimental value you put on an item. If they are reputable then they know what items are worth or what price you can expect to get out of it. Best thing is to tell them a dollar anmount you want to reach over all and then leave and let them tag and sell everything for you.
Good luck. I will be doing the same thing one day. I have also explain to my daughter that if she doesn’t claim an item she may want in the future it will be history. 🙂 ~Ames
View CommentShari @ My Cottage of Bliss says
Funny, right now my house looks like a bomb went off in it as I prepare for a garage/moving sale of 35 years worth of stuff I’m purging.
My only experience with an Estate Sale was after my parents died. It wasn’t a pleasant or positive experience. The first 4 companies I called didn’t want the job. It wasn’t worth their time since my parents didn’t have any priceless antiques or works of art…just regular stuff collected through 50+ years of marriage. The 5th antique/estate sale business I called did run the sale for us but I think they ripped us off. They got a hefty commission of everything sold but when I went to pick up the final check after the sale, I spotted some of my parents’ things for sale in their shop! I’m sure they took what they wanted from my parents’ home before the sale even started (and then of course also collected the commission on the left-overs).
So yes, my garage/moving sale is a lot of work and the compensation won’t be nearly worth the hours I’ve put into it (and I’m only going to get a fraction of what the items are worth) but at least I’m in control.
View CommentBeverly says
We had an estate sale for my mom’s things when she passed away and didn’t have to do anything. They did it all. Did very well but I can’t remember the percentage they asked. It was in Wilmington, NC which is right near Jacksonville. Good luck, whatever you decide.
View CommentMary Ellen says
Oh gosh would that be so fun to go to your sale!!! I think alot of us are in the same boat with needing, wanting to simplify home and life. I have gotten to where I hardly go to yard sales anymore and am very very picky about what I pick up at the thrift stores. Still have to buy things for my shop but have a ton I could put in my space just shopping the house.
Hey maybe you need to get a booth somewhere!!! That would be a great way to get rid of things, make some money and be creative in your space plus it is a lot of fun!
bee blessed
View Commentmary