I need help with clutter control, especially of 'other peoples/dead relatives stuff that I ended up with.?

Question

I have so much accumulated, but don't know where to start. I'm afraid of tossing something I could get money for, and this is important, as my husband died of cancer leaving me with a mortgage, health care bills and 2 youngsters. When I sold some very nice furniture at a general auction I really got "taken" . Where do I find best prices for things? list on ebay one at a time? (ug!)
A couple of specific questions:
1. Are old National Geographics worth anythiing, or should I donate/recycle. they go back to the 60's.
2. Record albums. They were my husbands, hundreds of them. I saved about 200, and got about .25 cents each for about 200. they don't want the rest . should I just toss them?
3. old atari games, unused (we had a consession yrs ago)
4. big disk movies, a system that competed w/video yrs ago. Good stuff: last seasons skiis used once. Waterford crystal. Beleek China. boxes and boxes of colored glass, china, nice knick nacks.I'm overwhelmed, please guide me!

Answer 1

National Geographics from the 1960's are worth nothing:

http://uttm.com/stories/1999/03/18/deleted/main39419.shtml

I would ask your local library if they want them to complete their collection -- if not, recycle them.



For all of the other items, you can generally list them for free on http://www.craigslist.org -- you may need to renew the listings a few times.



Many people have warned against using eBay and I have to disagree. The beauty of eBay and other on-line auction sites is that you have a GLOBAL set of buyers instead of just the people from the surrounding couple miles who show up at the flea market or read the pennysaver. You can have a minimum sale price you will accept if you don't want to let things go too cheaply. You get to re-list most items for free if they don't sell. Etc.



Record Albums: There are lots of people who collect the old vinyl LP's, 45 RPM singles, and so on. Value will depend entirely on what specific album it is. You are going to have to type in each and every album 1 at a time into the search engine to find out what they are worth. You might have luck through one of the vinyl LP collector groups:

http://www.solidviper.com/

http://www.vinylrecords.co.uk/

http://dmoz.org/Arts/Music/Collecting/Vinyl/

As a hint, start by alphabetizing them by artist name, so you can look through whole lists on-line faster.

The good albums put up on eBay or sell through a specialty vinyl LP dealer. The rest put in a box and give them to someone at a flea market who is already selling vinyl LP's.



Old Atari games: Very sale-able. Put them up on eBay, individually but be willing to "combine shipping for multiple wins". Make sure the listing says they are NIB (New In Box) Unopened. If they are for the Atari 2600 look here:

http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/atari2600/

If for a different Atari platform, just type in "Atari _____ game group" into the Yahoo search bar and you will find enthusiast groups. As you can see by the following eBay search, these things can fetch a decent price:

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?cgiurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Fws%2F&fkr=1&from=R8&satitle=Atari+2600+games&category0=&submitSearch=Search



Video Discs: Again, there are collectors out there. Not as many as for video games, but they are there.

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?cgiurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Fws%2F&fkr=1&from=R8&satitle=Atari+2600+games&category0=&submitSearch=Search

Here is someone with specific wants:

http://puosu.dna.fi/~kerappo/ld/ld-want.html

Craigslist is a very good place to advertise these, it is global but can be narrowed to local listings to avoid shipping, and it is free so you can afford to wait for the few interested buyers.



For the skiis, contact nearby high schools and colleges -- most have a ski sale each winter. Failing that, these are good items for the pennysaver.



Knick nacks -- again, good eBay items if you know exactly what they are. But if they are just "this knick nack thing" then it will be very hard for buyers to find your listing so eBay probably will not get a good sale price and may cost you money in the long run. Your local flea market would be better.



Crystal, China, and colored glass -- these can be very valuable, or hardly worth anything. You need to have MULTIPLE antique dealers or specialists look them over. Don't just take the first dealers word for it that they are only worth a couple bucks. The number of people on PBS's "Antiques Roadshow" who get their whatsit appraised at $100,000 after the local dealer offered them $100 for it is stunning... These are the kinds of things you really need to research and learn about to not get taken.



My condolances on the loss of your husband.

Answer 2

I have been in this same situation for a number of years. It makes you afraid to sell anything because of whatever value it MIGHT have.



Publications have been so massive that I doubt that the National Geographics have much value. Our public libraries in the Tampa Fl. area take in magazines and people pick up and bring in on a rotating basis. See if maybe a nursing home could use them. They might fit with the age of the people there. That would be one thing gone. You will feel better with everything that leaves the house.



Records there are very few that are of value. Sun records especially at the beginning when Elvis was with them. I just got pricing on about 50 albums and about the same amount of 45's.

It was very little.



Set them aside for a yard sale. Or strangely enough you can heat them over an oven proof bowl and let the vinal melt and droop into the bowl shape.



Maybe scouts or someone could use them for a craft project. Or make the bowls and fill them with something for the holidays for gifts. They could be spray painted colors after the bowl is shaped.



Electronics are so incredibly prolific these days that I doubt if it is worth much. We have a lot also. Have you checked on E bay to see if they have had any of what you have? That might give you a price idea.



The skis I would run an ad for. They sound like a great buy. Determine what they sold for last year and advertise them for half the price. That is probably as good as you will get.



In our area we have a paper called the flyer. You can run a free add every week, the item has to be under $500.00. So I have been running something most every week for 6 months and have gotten rid of quite a lot.



The Crystal and Beleek or LaLeque China and glassware, you should call an antique dealer.

Check these items on any of the auction sites and see if you can get any ideas on value. You can place them one at a time on Ebay.



Do one thing or subject matter at a time. That will keep you sane.



"How do you eat an Elephant?" , she said, "One bite at a time."



I definitely sympathise. Have you tried an auctioneer. We had a massive auction for my mother in laws full house. This was in Iowa. The auctioneer made 15%. It might be the fastest way. Do it all in under a week.



Happy Holidays and Good Luck

Answer 3

I'm an orgination nut, expecially someone elses stuff and the best advise I can offer is: Go threw all of the things and decide what you want to keep for yourself or the 2 youngsters when they get older, like some of the things that were their Dads. Put the rest in totes by items and label the totes so that when you need something you can easily find it, take pictures also. I have learned that almost ANYTHING is worth something to someone, the best way to get the best price is to go online and look up the old items and get an idea of what's fair.

Something like the atari games you could donate to a group-home for underprevilaged children. As far as the albums their is

a record collector's store in Greensboro NC if your close.

The best items to get money for will be the crystal, china, knick nacks, and possibly the colored glasses. I've been to an antique

sale that is held 2 times a year in Cameran NC and you would do really well their I think. I was able to get some Jewel Tigi potery that matches what I have of my Grandmam's at a great price their. You may even be able to get rid of the National Geographics their also... Best of luck with this and I would be glad to help with the orgination of the stuff if you need a hand and are close to were I live, Reidsville NC. If you organize by items and take pictures you should get alot of space for other things freeded-up.

Remember that your two youngsters will get older and some of the items my be a very nice gift from a family member they never got to know, expecially anything that was their Dads.

I'm sorry to hear about your Husband, cancer is very unfair but God has a master plan for all of us. My mother passed away at age 27 in 1973 from cancer and I have some of her things that i will pass-on to my 3 teenage girls. They never got to meet her but they'll have a connection with their Grandma Faye.

Answer 4

It sounds like my old habits!

I would say first, you probably know the antiques and other items that a dealer or collector would be interested in. Pick an unused room and put all those items in there. If it is more that the room can hold, use two, or rent a storeage unit at a mini-warehouse to put those items temporarly. Next ask some relatives or friends of yours and your husband's if they would like a keepsake, maybe a picture, a book, record, etc. Next hold a yard sale on the weekend to see how that goes. If it goes well, after a day, extend to 2 days or two weekends.

Next is the hard part, throwing out things.The best way is to pick up at least one item every time you go into a room and toss it. After about a month of this you should be close to what you want to keep in the house. Now run an ad in your local paper about items in your warehouse, to see if anyone wants to buy them. Ebay could be a good place for antiques and other valuables, especially collectibles. Don't forget Goodwill is a good place to take items if they are in good condition, especially clothes and furniture and other items that will just not sell. Be sure and get a tax deductible receipt. Also here is a site to join to give away things where the receiver picks it up:

www.freecycle.org/allgroups.html



Hope this helps.

...jj

Answer 5

Hi,

Well let me add my two cents here. I am a garage sale junkie...love looking at other peoples "stuff."

Listen it is just that..."stuff."

Keep the china, crystals and a few knicknacks. You might want to pass them on to a future daughter-in-law as family heirlooms.

The rest...hate to tell you but it's only worth what someone else is will to pay for it. Early bird lookers garage sale junkies are collectors and will snap up anything worth something to them...they know what moves. The rest...are just buy what they see they think they want and only if the price is right and will bargain for it. What's left call the Salvation Army to pick it up. Even they won't take some items.

You question was to get rid of the clutter, not make a fortune doing it. No, I agree that you were not taken by the general auction. That is just the way it is. People tend to talk up the worth of "stuff." It's clutter. Get what you can an move on...it will be a relief off of your mind.

Best wishes.

Answer 6

Ok, you can get money for records, atari games, some people still have the laser disk players, but you might not make anything with thim. Skiis will sell well. National Geographics probablly won't sell well (depending on the content) but you can always take them on half price or list them on ebay. There is no guarantee that you will get what you deserve on any of these items. The best thing for you to do is have a garage sell and what doesn't sell try and list on ebay. If you have antiques go to antique shops and they might buy them. I would list items at bulk on ebay so you don't have to do one at a time and waist all of your time doing it. I know it can be very time consuming. On larger items do a pick up only feature so you don't have to worry about shipping.

For skiis and what not I would place an add in your paper, alot of papers let you list for free if it is under a certain amount. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram (in TX) has a list free for under 200 dollar items. Go to Craigs list and list stuff. It is all very overwhelming just take a step back and let yourself breathe!



Good luck

Answer 7

Take your time and try to deal with a selling a few items a day or going through a box a day so you won't get overwhelmed.

besides ebay -which IS time consuming, you can list items in a local pennysaver type newspaper; have an estate person come and evaluate your items (they want to buy cheap though and in bulk unless it's REALLY valuable); put items for sale on craiglist in your local area (free ad); making donations to charitable organizations is a good way to clear stuff out that isn't worth listing individually and you can get a receipt for your taxes (I do this all year long and just keep accumulating receipts).



Like someone else said, it's better to get just about any price for some things rather than keep them cluttering your home or worse yet paying a storage fee!



good luck

Answer 8

At some point in my life, I became ruthless about getting rid of clutter and toys, probably after I had my 2nd child. First off, I limit where toys can be in the house. They are to stay in the playroom only. The only toys allowed in the bedrooms are the 2-3 stuffed animals or dolls that they like to sleep with. Secondly, a week or two before a birthday (and I luck out, since I have a kid in 3 of the 4 seasons, so clean-out happens pretty regularly) or holiday like Christmas, the kids and I go through the playroom and throw away or donate a least a full garbage bag of stuff. Toys that are broken, games that are missing pieces or anything just junky gets tossed. Toys that they are bored with get put into a large rubbermaid bin that sits in the garage. If in a month, no one asks for anything that's in the bin, the contents are donated to Goodwill. All of their toys must fit into the toy bins. When the Barbie bin starts to overflow, it means that some of the Barbies must be gotten rid of (like the ones who have gotten haircuts or have been given makeovers with markers and ballpoint pens). When the stuffed animal bin gets overflowing, it also needs to be purged. A few special toys have been put aside and saved, but not that many. The Vermont Teddy Bear that my daughter got for her 1st birthday was saved, the handmade Raggedy Anne and Andy set have been saved. The purple teddy bear that she got from the fair is long gone. We use a variety of IKEA Trofast bins and frames to keep everything organized. As for a dollhouse, my kids have the Fisher Price Loving Family Dollhouse. It's a nice set. The kids have had it for years, and still play with it. We got it 4 years ago, before my youngest was even born, and when my oldest was 3, and the middle just 2 years old.

Answer 9

I have no idea about the value of these things. You know, in our town we have a reputable guy who will come to the house and look your stuff/collections over and pay you for the stuff and take it off your hands. He's not called the Antique Man, but something to that effect. I would look under antique dealers and see if you can find someone who will buy your stuff. Just take some time to gather your wits--in other words, don't start pitching the stuff out until you've thought it over a bit more. Some phone calls to antique dealers may give you a lead to someone or some ideas about how to get rid of your stuff without taking a beating. If you have someone to help, there are flea markets and yard/tag sales. I wish you the best.

Answer 10

An auctioneer is your best bet. He/she will know the value of things and be willing to actually tell you without charge. Local charities often know who these people are. Try the heart society, cancer, etc, locally and ask around. And yes, ask your friends.



It sounds like you did get taken on the albums, I'm sorry to say. They are probably worth much more.



I think the atari games are valuable, do an ebay search to see what they are selling for. Use Ebay ONLY to see what things are selling for. Don't get caught up selling on Ebay. The fees to sell there are too high. Plus, you have to estimate shipping and ship everything and deal with special Ebay people who are royal pains in the butt, very often. They want something for nothing, very often.



What you do at Ebay is you type in what you have in their search feature. Then, look over to the left side and click on "Completed Auctions." This will show you all the auctions that have sold. Everything in green sold and the red did not even sell. You can easily see what the price was. Click on an individual auction to learn more about the object. Don't even bother with the ones that are in the process of auction.



Sell locally, have an auction or a simple yard sale and have the sale in honor of your husband to raise money for something specific, like your children's education. This way when you advertise in the paper, people will understand.



Was your husband a collector? Mine was. He left all kinds of interesting things I now wish I had kept. Don't sell everything. If it was special to him chances are he was holding onto it for a reason. Unless of course he was just a chronic collector! ;)



Sounds like the movies are also valuable, in addition to everything else you have listed. When you have your yard sale, do some special advertising. But consult an auctioneer first about holding a fundraiser/auction and have them look at your stuff and give you some kind of ideas. Then decide to hold an auction or hold a special yard sale/tag sale for these valuable items.

Answer 11

Wow - first, I'm very sorry for your loss.



For the albums, you could see if a used record store will buy them. For the skiis, crystal, china and stuff, definitely ebay. I've sold plenty like that on ebay and got a lot of money for everything. I know it takes some time to ebay stuff, and if you don't have the time then find a local ebay business that will list and track it for you. You'll have to pay them a percentage, but they will do all the research for you and price it correctly to maximize your profit.



Whatever doesn't sell on ebay you could try Craigs List. Also for china, crystal - there is a web site called www.replacements.com that sells discontinued patterns. You could check with them and see if they'll buy yours.



If, after you've done everything you could including yard sales, then inventory everything that's left and donate it to Disabled American Veterans or Goodwill - then take the tax writeoff.



Best of luck!

Answer 12

There is a television show called "Cash In The Attic" on HGTV. You could contact them and see if they will consider you for one of their shows. What they do is, they come to your home with a van. They take items from your home they think will bring money at an auction and put them in the van. They have an appraiser who will give you an estimate of what they think the value of the item is so you can set a minimum starting price for the bids. Then they take you to the auction to see how much cash you can raise. See if they will take everything you are ready to part with to the auction.

Whatever you have left maybe save a few thing for the memory and then have a big yard sale with the rest after the most valuable pieces have been sold.

Answer 13

First i would go through everything and separate what is more precious to you that you want to keep. Then I would take certain items at a time and see if there is some value to them. and if not then you can decide if you want to disguard it or keep it. This may take some time, but remember some peoples junk is another persons treasure. I know cause I had to do the same thing I'm a pack-rat as well, and that's what I'm doing now going through things and getting rid of things that have no value nor important memory of my love ones. Hope this helps you out some how.

Answer 14

hon, don't throw nothing away, set u up an account on e-bay an sell them you national geographic i would put them in lots of 10 start bidding out at $5 an go from there. I have the same problem with clutter I have 8 generations of it. Everybody Else's trash is our treasure so lets make some money

Answer 15

Put your stuff up on www.craigslist.org in your area. Remember you an even barter stuff away. Put a price on it you think is reasonable. Do some research on "stuff" you have that you think might be valuable. Search on ebay and see what similar things sell/have sold for.



All the stuff you want to get rid of sign up for www.freecycle.com in your area. Just post an email and they will reply to you if they want the stuff.



You can literally put it on your front door and people will come and pick it up. This would be ideal for all the stuff you listed above.



This of course you are giving away for free, but you might just declutter and using both start to see some daylight. Save the good stuff for the end, and as I said research it. National Geographic some people collect. You might want to put a nominal price on it and try to sell it, if it doesn't go then freecycle it.



Craigslist is free by the way, so list and re-list until you sell stuff. Sell things for a price you're happy with--that is all that counts. But collectibles you might want to have an antique guy come in and whatever he prices it at you can get at least double I'm sure! :~)



Some of that coloured glass might be worth something. Make a list of the china and pattern numbers and contact that china company someone mentioned on here. I've seen people buy up glasses one at a time, same with tea cups (on ebay) so if you have the time to do all that go for it. Ebay though is a bit of a rip off...if it doesn't sell and you have lots of stuff you might end up losing money plus you have to have the shipping costs right up front for everyone and stay on top of it all.



Try Craiglist, you'll be happy...I've sold several things this month and traded a guitar for a violin for my daughter...so I'm really happy with the possibilities there.



Sorry about your husband. You sound like a strong woman, hang in there and you'll get it all sorted out.



Good luck!

Answer 16

I would be glad to help with the orgination of the stuff if you need a hand and are close to were I live, Reidsville NC. If you organize by items and take pictures you should get alot of space for other things freeded-up.

Remember that your two youngsters will get older and some of the items my be a very nice gift from a family member they never got to know, expecially anything that was their Dads.

I'm sorry to hear about your Husband, cancer is very unfair but God has a master plan for all of us. My mother passed away at age 27 in 1973 from cancer and I have some of her things that i will pass-on to my 3 teenage girls. They never got to meet her but they'll have a connection with their Grandma Faye.

Source(s):

Answer 17

Here is my educated guess:

1)National Geographics- You can put on eBay and see if they sell. I would only list ones that have celebs/politicians/etc. on the cover. No one will buy something with a (ex:) cat on the cover.

2) Again, if there are big names on there turn to eBay.

3) Atari games DEFINATELY put on eBay or try to sell them to a 2nd hand game store.

4) The movies are junk probably. Waterford crystal, china, etc. could be sold to an antiques dealer or eBay again.



....anything that can't or won't sell online/to a dealer, why not sell in a garage sale or donate to the salvation army/goodwill?

Answer 18

This could be a full time job and you probably already have one of those. What you have right now is an overwhelming mountain. Take a magic marker and number the boxes start with box number one and vow to open, sort, research value of and contact the best place to advertise the item. Start with one box a week and increase it as you become more knowledgeable. By the time you get to box six you should be into the routine. Turn off the TV, turn on the music and plan on spending a lot of time on the Internet.



One mans junque is another mans treasure. Good Luck!!!

Answer 19

When I moved a few years ago, I had to sell almost everything. I sold larger items on eBay, and stipulated Buyer Collects. That worked ok for me, and saved all the hassle of shipping.



As for records, I have an extensive vinyl collection of 45's and albums, some going back to the 50's. However, I didn't buy them to collect, I bought them to play, and play them I did. None are in pristine condition, and none have perfect sleeves. I tried a number of used record dealers, and stores when I lived that traded in that kind of thing, and none of them were interested as it was mostly pop stuff, nothing specialized.

Answer 20

Good Lord are we related?????????? LOL!!!!!!



First of all - I highly recommend the site, www.flylady.net - really helps the clutter-busting blues.



Second. National Geo's - donate. Record albums - if you don't want 'em, toss 'em. Same with atari games and big disk movies.



Think about selling: Skis, Waterford, beleek. Waterford and beleek you might want to try www.replacements.com. Misc. china and glass - get in touch with antique dealer or auctioneer. Or have estate sale. Many "pickers" would be thrilled to buy and sell them on ebay.



Good luck!

Answer 21

Have you thought of contacting an auction house? Borders books (Walden's too) have books on price guides for collectibles. Some record albums are worth a fortune. For example: Some of the original Elvis Presley albums are very valuable. Internet sites for collectibles also help in valuabtion.



Sort the items you wish to sell or get rid of. Get a digital camera and take pictures of them, like a catalog type thing. Then look up the values on the internet or in books. You can then set up an auction with minimum bids on certain items of value in person or on e-bay. You can also check with your local libraries. They have books on collectible glass or colored glass. Never underestimate the value of items that seem worthless on their surface. For example: One of our members had collected old lead crystal --Old English pattern from the time she was a little girl. Because she paid 5 cents for some of the individual pieces, she thought they were probably not worth much. A dealer offered her a small fortune for the whole crystal set, more than 1,000 times what she paid for it over the years she collectd it. It is truly leadware crystal, too!

Answer 22

You know how you can eat a full cow: One bite at a time!

Your problem has many facets to it. Sit down and create a plan. Any plan. Some software for project management can help, but the most important part is to make an initial plan, no matter how sketchy. You can revise it later as needed. It will give you great relief to see in writing that there is a finite list of actions you need to take to get rid of everything or at least decide what to keep and keep the whole thing out of mind for good. You should aim for an initial list of action items and a timeline to complete each one of them.



First, decide how many hours a week can you dedicate to this project and assign a particular time of the week to work on it (i.e. Sundays from 2 PM to 4 PM). That will give you structure. Write down all the different collections or items you need information on. Perhaps an Excel workbook w/a different spreadsheet per collection/item type is a good way to start. Then you can ask here more specific questions in each category or search the web for resources. But the important part is to break it down first. Otherwise you'll be so overwhelmed that the temptation of doing anything but working on this will be impossible to resist. Take a deep breath and start typing.



Also, don't fret too much about possible mistakes along the way such as the furniture that sold for less that it was worth. You have limited time to research for each item and that will happen with some of them. That is life, not your fault. Expecting to resolve everything perfectly is unrealistic unless you’ll be quitting your job, sending your kids to boarding school and hiring a full time maid to take care of the house and shopping. Relax and allow for less than optimal results. Overall, getting that huge weight off your shoulders will have such a positive effect that in the long run it won’t matter at all if the record collection went for a song (pardon the pun).



With the variety of items what you describe and your many additional responsibilities, dedicating only a couple of hours a week may take you a long time to sort through everything and decide on each thing. Take it with patience and don't forget to add to your plan mid-point landmarks to celebrate your progress.



The silver lining is that this process can be an incredibly useful exercise for your kids to learn how to tackle big, confusing projects. Involve them as much as possible according to their age and it can turn out as a very valuable life lesson for them, as well as a source of family fun (going to flee markets together, looking for information on line, classifying items effectively, etc). You may be surprised about how excited kids can get about classifying stuff. They get pleasure on the repetitive tasks and the clear order structure.



Good luck!

Answer 23

Put a listing for your things on freecycle.org You OFFER and people respond to you by email. You may see that something you have is listed as WANTED there. As for the Nat'l Geo. magazines- if they are in good condition , consider giving them to the local library. If therecords are in good condition, depending upon the era of the music, you might consider donating those to a nursing facility or senior center. The rest of the stuff can go on ebay sold as lots. All of the Atari games in one auction, Video disc/Laser disc in one lot. The skis can be donated to an organization that can use them as a prize in a raffle to raise money. (Try your local church.) As for the Waterford and Beleek - they are worth more over time. You might want to keep those to enjoy. If not, try a consignment store or an auction house (set a reserve). Best of luck.

Answer 24

I would think the old albums and Atari games would bring in big bucks on ebay. Your should try the old National Geographic magazines too. What you don't sell you can give away, donate or maybe a big yard sale to raise money for a local benefit??? Sorry for your loss, I know how you feel, just give yourself alot of time and keep busy. Don't forget to cry when you feel the need, that comes naturally. Love to you, and yours!

Answer 25

Go online and try to find out what everything is worth. Yes, I know, that takes time, but this way you can see what is actually worth something and what is just junk.

If it's not worth anything or you still want to try to get some money out of it, then just have a simple garage sale. What's left is just for the junk man. When you find out what it's worth, list it on ebay OR call an antique dealer and start dealing. Remember to keep some things, if anything, for memory sake. Good luck!

Answer 26

hi there wow sounds like u have your hands full but hey they are great nice programs on TV as clean sweep simply clean much more go on line they can help trading spacing /while you were out these are just a full TV shows that are willing to help u some stuff get trade to other companies. if not then why not you and family go room by room and put things in 3 category AS IN KEEP TOSS SALE IN A BAN OR HAVE A ACTION SALE TELL ALL FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS PUT UP SIGNS THAT WAY U GET MONEY UPFRONT OR HAVE A GARAGE SALE ON WEEKENDS HEY BUT ALWAYS KEEP SOMETHING OF YOUR HUSBAND THAT HE WOULD OF CHERISH THE MOST TO PAST ON TO HIS CHILDREN AND SO FOURTH SO SORRY ABOUT YOUR LOST. WISH I WAS THERE I WOULD OF BOROUGH SOME STUFF. EBAY U HAVE TO DEAL WITH PEOPLE WHOM U DO NOT KNOW THAT IS TAKING A RISK . IS THERE AN ANTIQUE STORE NEAR YOUR HOME THAT THEY WOULD SEE THE STUFF AND BUY IT FROM YOU . OLD STUFF IS WORTH GREAT MONEY OR A WINNING AWARD TO OTHERS. HEY EVEN YOUR TV NEWS CAST CAN HELP YOU GIVE THEM A RANG GOOD LUCK GOD BLESS

Answer 27

I dont recommend posting every single item on ebay, but you could use ebay backwards, and see if other people are selling what you have, and for how much. Then you will have a ballpark range of what is useless to you, and what will be worth some money. You could call around to small shops, and sell things all at once. At the end you could have a garage sale, or you could donate everything, get a receipt and use it as a tax deduction. but call H and R block or something first, cause sometimes there are limits on how much you can claim... i dont know really know much about taxes... so you can ask someone who would.. good luck

Answer 28

you have received several very good answers already. I will tell you how we resolved some of that problem several years back. We had a very reputable antique dealer do a certified appraisal. We then had a huge estate sale and cleared a lot of clutter. sold some things we shouldn't have and didn't sell others. Have plenty of help on hand if you do this. we were mobbed! Don't try to do everything at once. It is too overwhelming. good luck. (Let me know when you have your sale;)

Answer 29

Been there......done that. All of us face this dillema at some time or the other ( some, more often than that! ).Sit tight for a couple of months, ask around. Check with friends or colleagues, you might be surprised how many people are avid collectors.Yes, getting 'taken' is fairly common, but take heart -you are not the only one.Hang onto the Waterford crystal......the rest you can get rid of gradually.All the best :-)

Answer 30

I started 10 years ago to unclutter. I am at a reasonable state now.. I got this great book"Clutters Last Stand". It is so humorous that I didnt feel picked on or guilty. Also what helps is when I see the folks in fire and flood on the TV, they lose everything. They are thankful for their lives.They grieve most for old Photos. That helps me to "give Away" A Native American Indian ceremony..

Answer 31

Hi Lavander !!!

Don't get frustrated. What you really need to do, is to place things in boxes. Organize and label all the things for storage. then find a place where you can remember, so every time you go out for a stroll, or to church take some things with you.



Lavander, you'll be surprise if you get to go near a shelter, or church, where there are so many people, that will be happy to take, what you don't need.



Especially now that Christmas is coming !!!! You could make others happy.



You will be rewarded before GOD'S eyes and you will get rid of some of the clutter!!!!!



GOD BLESS YOU;

ALLIV Z

Answer 32

Dear,

Well, you did the first important move "Realizing that you have to do something and asking for help"

A few years ago I read a book that changes my life. This book is about Feng Shui an ancient Chinese philosophy. It is a way to mindfully organize your environment so that it fully supports you in life. This book is "Move your stuff change your life" by Karen Rauch Carter. (I’m not a friend or a promoter or anything)

After I read this book, I started to reorganize, gave stuff to Salvation Army, and forgot about how many .25 cents I will get for it. A friend of mine helped me. We got ride off everything I didn't use for the last 6 months and also the hardest of all...Stuff for people who had past away, my dad, my mom and my late husband. When I finished I felt so relieved. I started to see a difference in my life almost immediately. In the following weeks, I received unexpected checks, I met people who helped me with my finance etc.

This book is easy to read, easy to understand and apply and the author is kind of funny. (you need a bit of humor in this process, believe me.)

You can buy Karen's book at her website, www.fengshuipalace or any online store. This will be a philosophy that you'll apply in your life for all your life.

This advice will help you only if you go ahead and DO IT.

After you read the book and you're ready to go, ask friends to help you. You will be surprise how people like to through other people stuff away. And if it's too hard, let them do it, go to Starbucks and enjoy your coffee while your life is about to change before you.

Good Luck

Metao

P.S My first language is French so "mille excuses" if sometime I make mistakes.

Answer 33

There are businesses that will catalog, photograph, and list your items for you on eBay in return for a small fee or percentage on each item. Before you dismiss the idea, consider the time, effort, and expense involved in listing, selling, and shipping hundreds of items yourself - it might just be worth it to get some help! As an example of one such business, check out: http://www.quikdrop.com/what.php. Another advantage is that you can start slowly and see how it goes. If stuff is selling, great! If not, try another approach.



If there aren't any of these types of businesses in your area, you could contact an auction house and set up an estate sale/auction.



I know it's hard to part with things at a lower value than you know they are worth (your furniture, for example) but items sitting around your house taking up space are not adding value to your life. Better to have a dime in your pocket or bank account than an old hunk of vinyl sitting in your closet!

Answer 34

I see that you have a lot of answers here but let me pass this

along to you.

At one time I lived directly across the street from one of the

largest flea markets in the US.

It boggles my mind about the "stuff" that people collect as a hobby & the prices the vendors get!!!

The old mags I'm not sure of,but I'm quite sure that there's an

outlet for them somewhere out there.

I DO KNOW...that there's a big market for the rest of the items

that you have."Big bucks" but you have to have some idea of a

fair market value & this is where your research begins.I'm sure

that there's a site that you can go to that'll give you an idea of an

asking price or the "going" price for these items.

At the risk of getting lengthy,no other way to go in this matter,I'd

like to pass on some thoughts & observations:

1) Anything that's old or is obsolete is collectable to someone.

2)Catagorize(sp) the items you have & separate them.

3)Have the items appraised by an APPRAISOR not a DEALER

OR get a starting point as to prices to ask from the web.

4)Check your area out for permanant "flea-market"sites.Set up

there after getting asking prices.(ask at a price about mid-

range to attract customers & at times,dealers)Guaranteed,

you'll move a lot of stuff,real fast.

5)Beware of dealers.If you advertise this stuff,you're going to

have these guys decending upon you like "buzzards on a

'road-kill'."

I'd hate to see you being worked over by unscrupulous people,

but by virtue of your question I'm quite sure that you're going to

be contacted by a lot of people,just looking to make a buck.

Hope all this helps.Get back to me v/yahoo at this site if you want

me to get even more lengthy.Ha,Ha.

Answer 35

You didn't get taken at the auction, you got what people were willing to pay for what you sold. The records should have been sold all or nothing. Look at what you have as a blessing. Group like things together. E-bay is probably not the answer. Try using a space at a local flea market, or have several small auctions.

Answer 36

Sounds like you've got enough to open an ebay store! I have no idea what any of that stuff is worth, if I were you I'd put it in storage and go through it little by little, checking value through ebay and other Internet resources. If any of that colored glass is carnival glass (has a shimmery rainbow quality) I know someone who collects it. Let me know, we might be able to arrange something.

Answer 37

A FEW CREATIVE IDEAS!!!!!!!!

1.) you can call a local upscale boutique(not mom-n-pop) and offer them to go thru and make an offer on items individually call several... and let it go piece for piece



2.) you could box it up until warmer weather and have a yard sale or go to a flea market and sale at your asking price



okay 3rd idea....



why not go thru it all and according to different friends taste (since it sounds like a variety) wrap stuff and gift it as christmas. i know i love a heartfelt gift if gently used. it says hey you know i like to collect butterfly stuff from the early 60's etc....

christmas is coming and what a way to give memorable things to friends and family. their is no rule that things must be new! you could save time and money and reduce clutter.

but, if the things are a bit dirty or worn , i suggest you clean them, febreze them when nessicary and wrap them gently in nice paper or a gift bag.



e-bay the national geographics..it is an aquired thing

records....e-bay also you can get money from all things

atari....can i have it..lol

crystal,ski's,china,colored glass...gift it out. or yard sale it

pass it off as memorabilia of grandpa,dad,cousin?...uncle...your late friend....

Answer 38

My rule of thumb is if I haven't used it in a year it's gone. Giving stuff to Goodwill is a great way to give and get a tax deduction. Also family members might want things that belong to someone in the family. Just some ideas off the top of my head.

Answer 39

for most of the things you should find a collector, or list them on e-bay. I know it's not easy, because I just went through that. Whatever you can't find a recipient for try donating to goodwill or some such organization, after checking all the possible sale or donate openings throw the remainder in the trash.

Answer 40

A. Research using internet, book stores, etc. the value of these objects.

B. Sell some on Ebay because flea markets won't give you good prices on those expensive valuables. People who go to flea markets are looking for a deal.

C. Check the replacements.com website for your china.

D. Have a flea market sale at a booth.

Answer 41

for the records that noone wants, contact a place that makes things out of old records and see if they'd like to buy them. (there was someone making coasters out of records. national geographics if complete set would be worth trying to list on ebay if they don't sell, donate to school.



what are big disc movies, are you talking about lazer discs? you can sell those. try craigslist or ebay. when you list things make sure you put photos and as much detail as possible, if you have no photos, no one will buy becasue they will thing you are trying to sell crappy stuff.

Answer 42

Organize! I'd recycle the National Geographics. or let your kids make collages out of them. If you are sure nobody wants the record albums, toss them. Otherwise, sell them. You'll get money and save the environment. sell all the other things. If you can't sell them, toss them.

Answer 43

Like me, you probably need to deal with prioritizing your life before you even try organizing your possessions. I found, that by having tons of possessions, I always felt weighed down with all of my collections/possessions. At one point, I decided to sell most of my stuff and only keep a few items from every collection that reminds me of why I like and idenfity with it.



Be careful of ebay selling your rarities, atleast research the value and "going price in the current market" before listing each individual item. Or (my least favorite) set reserve prices or BuyItNows :(

Answer 44

of these types of businesses in your area, you could contact an auction house and set up an estate sale/auction.



I know it's hard to part with things at a lower value than y

Answer 45

1. Recycle the National Geos

2. If you don't want the rest, donate or sell them

3. Get rid of the games

4. Not really sure about big disk movies, (you should probably pitch them, technology is moving on). Keep the skiis to treat yourself, unless you hate skiing. Generally, just look at what you really need and keep it, and then look for what you really really really would like to keep around, and then donate, sell, or pitch the rest. Believe me, too much junk is NEVER a good thing, especially with two young kids around.

Answer 46

Here is a list of ideas:

Call an auctioneer.

They will sell and organize it for you.

Open up an Ebay store.

Look in your local yellow pages for Antique dealers & antique toy dealers and call them with the list of stuff you have.

Open up a booth in an antique mall.

Put an ad in the penny saver.

Have a garage sale!

Good luck!

Answer 47

What ever you do dont throw the stuff out till you go to some one reliable, take the time to go through the stuff. It will be worth it in the end. I promise, and dont use Ebay, one time I sold something on Ebay for 20 bucks that was worth 525 dollars, so trust me I know from personal experience.

Answer 48

dont sell it one piece at a time. like those old national geographics, even of they arent really worth much, someone wiil still want them.. sell the whole collection of stuff whenever you can and youll get more money. sont toss anything until youre sure its worthless. those record albums could be worth a fortune, so dont even think about tossing them. maybe you should set up a stand at a flea market for the stuff like knicknacks.

Answer 49

heres my theory.......1 persons junk is anothers person treasure and alot of times its hard to part with things that has some type of sentimental value as far as old national geographics i say donate them keep the records,atari games are history(toss em)have the videos converted to dvd the skis sell them apparently you don't ski ..save the crystal.....and have a yard sale or something like that like i said 1 persons junk is anothers treasure ....Good Luck

Answer 50

Perfect chance to start selling on Ebay!!! Do some research on their site and get selling!!!! National Geographics could go to a school, or sometimes doctor offices will take some in donation for reading material for their patients. . .

Answer 51

Don't toss them,If you don't want the rest of your record albums I would gladly take them off your hands! :)

And as the rest of the stuff, you can sell anything on ebay especially the items your describing. It would be no problem to sell any of that stuff and ebay is so easy to use.

Answer 52

have garage sale, or check on EBay for similar items and see how much they want for them and sell your clutter on eBay.You know what they say a man's junk is another ma's treasure.

Answer 53

i agree with lilly apple

those people in the ebay outlets that set up and sell stuff on percentage are great



the rest try maybe 3 times at a flea market or yard sale



some local papers have cheap ads for household items



at one point free yourself and garbage it...



as set a time frame your willing to commit to sell by

i told friends of the skiis and boots and sold mine..that way

but at one point you need to free yourself and garbage it..

Answer 54

I have the same problem with clutter control and inhereted all my mom's old stuff in addition to my being just like her. ;)



But the stuff you listed, especially 3 and 4 is the stuff that a friend of mine dealt with exclusively in a small store in Raleigh, NC, and has even shown me some of the big disk movies from his collection. His name is Kirk Adam of Glitter Music and here is a way to contact him. Tell him Zandra sent you, or not, as you prefer. :) He may remember that reference or not...lol. He also has an art gallery on the third floor of a group of antique dealers, so he might have info on them too. http://glittermusic.tripod.com/



Also, for the crystal and china, I have another idea. There's a place n Greensboro NC with a national customer/source base that is always looking for China and crystal. What they do is find missing pieces of obscure dishes to complete people's sets. Therefore they need to buy lots of stuff. Lots and lots and lots of stuff. :) Here's the link!

http://www.replacements.com/misc/packship.htm



And their number and additional quote from their site:



"1-800-REPLACE (1-800-737-5223) and select "Option 4", or ask for our Purchasing Department (our average answer speed is 8 seconds!). Our expert staff will let you know if we are currently purchasing pieces or sets in your pattern(s). If so, we will e-mail, FAX, or mail a formal offer to you indicating the prices that we will pay for pieces in excellent condition."



Good luck digging out. We're both gonna need it!

Answer 55

have to disagree. The beauty of eBay and other on-line auction sites is that you have a GLOBAL set of buyers instead of just the people from the surrounding couple miles who show up at the flea market or read the pennysaver. You ca

Answer 56

1. National Geographic - chunk em

2. Record albums - ebay em - no takers ? garage sell em ? still no takers - chunk em

3. Old Atari games - I doubt anyone has a player that will play the atari games - ebay em - no takers? chunk em

4. Big disk movies - ebay em - no takers? garage sell em

5. Ebay consignment stores

6. China type stuff - find a consignment store

Answer 57

do you have cable? on hgtv there is a show called mission organization that helps really cluttered people. although you might be tight on money, while the people on the show are spending big bucks, try and pick up some of the tips on leading a more organized life. it helped for me!!

Answer 58

Sell it on Ebay

Answer 59

I like lilyapples answer and some others, but when you decide you don't want somthing call a thrift store or the good will don't trash it unless you feel y;ou need to.................I am trying to unload just about everything I own anybody want it all ...I feel it is unhealthy for me to be hanging on to all these material things

Answer 60

hey if they cant help it then youll have 2 kick them get them up somehow bribe them even u gotta do what u gotta do who wants 2 be in clutter? and dont be afraid to put things out youll get new ones keep a few or get a storage. u gotta do somethin

Answer 61

I personally can't be much help--I'm an OCD hoarder--but, if fear works as inspiration for you, check out this site for what must be the extreme result of clutter-keeping:

Answer 62

Rent a storage building.And u can look around on ebay to see how much the different stuff you have can sell for.

Answer 63

i know how you feel. i also have alot of STUFF i'm trying to unload. dont sell it.... put an add for free stuff... check collectors of vintage games and records. i'm sure someone will be more than happy to unload these items. We all need extra money, but giving it away will give you more gratification!

Answer 64

i think u should do a yard sale.get rid of all that junk ya have in ya room.then ya can buy somet u really want





by the way u can find some tips on my website i do some trash and junk selling business



http://users.cjb.net/babarsattars/home.htm

http://users.cjb.net/babarsattars/babarsfun.htm

Answer 65

I agree with going little by little at a time. I "too" am in a period of de-cluttering and appreciate you posting this question.

Answer 66

Lavander- I once bought a book to teach me how to get rid of clutter and organize myself, but I have no idea where I put it.



LOL! Funny, while at the same time, sadly true.



Here is a website which might help you:

www-clutter.com

Answer 67

national geographics are worht absolutely nothing.

Records, you will find someone that wants to buy them.

Old atari games, you can find someone to sell those to.

The rest, no clue.

Answer 68

One word. Organization.

Answer 69

put everything in a storage space.Look for collectors to buy your magazines,records,crystal&china.As for your nicknacks if its not a series or from an era garage sell it.

Answer 70

I ONLY REPLIED IN ORDER TO SAVE INFO. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO SAVE.

Answer 71

Try FlyLady.org / com aint sure?

MY mom uses it and it wokrs really good try it out!

Answer 72

Check out The Container Store - they can help you find storage containers for everything. http://www.containerstore.com/index.jhtml

Answer 73

have a big yard sale

Answer 74

Try a trash can, it always works for me :)

Answer 75

DONT REMEMBER THE SITE BUT U CAN ORDER A BOOK OF VALUE FROM ONLINE WHICH WILL HELP U. TRY YOUR LOCAL DEALERS THEY WILL KNOW. ALSO MOST DEALERS WILL TAKE CONSIGNMENT WHERE U CAN PUT THE VALUE ON IT YOURSELF OR NO SALE TILL U APPROVE OF IT

Answer 76

WAY TO GO IS EBAY

Answer 77

www.messies.com or just sell it all on eBay.

Answer 78

if you have all that you probably have more

Answer 79

GARAGE SALE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!