Selling family items

**8paws** · 05-23-2010, 08:13 AM

Hi everyone,
I am very "stuck" in my process of selling some family items and would appreciate any advice from anyone who has been in the same situation.

I inherited my mother's furniture, most of which were very nice antiques and other nice pieces. I have my favorite items in my home, but the other items that I either don't have room for or don't need are stored in my basement.

My goal is to sell the items that I don't need, but every time I start looking at what to sell, I run smack into the sentimental memories I have of these items.... For instance, my beloved brother's chest of drawers (he passed away many years ago), the dining chairs that my family used, the woven seat chairs that i re-caned as a child, well, you get the idea....

I have been rationalizing keeping these items by telling myself that I might use them someday or that I might regret selling them, or, well pick a reason.... sigh

I know that nothing about this situation is rational.... Have any of you been through this? How do you get over the sentimental attachment to family items so that you can part with them? Any suggestions or feedback?

Thank you!
S

**ladytoysdream** · 05-23-2010, 08:25 AM

Hi. Well if your basement always stay dry, then your furniture is okay there. If any moisture at all, you may run into problems with mildew etc.

I would start with one item that you think you won't regret selling. Maybe a ad on craigslist ? Won't cost you anything.
Don't put your phone number or address in the ad, just let them contact through the email. I always ask for a phone number and best time to call. Then when I do call them, I use my cell phone, not my house phone.

Once you get one item gone, then maybe the rest of the stuff won't be so hard. Is there family members that would like some of it ?

**8paws** · 05-23-2010, 08:45 AM

The issue is that I want to sell these items to pay down credit cards. For me, the idea of "frugality" includes the idea of using one's resources efficiently, as well as putting resources to their best use. To this end, keeping furniture that I do not need and do not use seems wasteful, especially when I am working very hard to pay down debt....

That said, I do appreciate the suggestion of beginning by liquidating one piece to see how that goes. That may be easier for me; the idea of calling a dealer to come get it all has been intimidating.

Thanks!

**ladytoysdream** · 05-23-2010, 09:33 AM

Hi. I would not call a dealer unless you really had to. They will offer the lowest price they can.
Do some looking at stores that sell used furniture. Antique shops, thrift stores, etc. Check out craigslist.com. Get a feel for what items are bringing. Maybe go to a household auction.
Like I mentioned, if you start with one item, then you can get a feel for how things go. You will get the most for your items by selling them yourself. And payment needs to be cash. Don't take any checks.

I sell things on craigslist every now and then. I have found it better than a newspaper. And you can't beat free. Just be careful. Take a good picture of your item for the ad. It does help a lot.

**buffy871** · 05-23-2010, 10:26 AM

I ran into something similar years ago. I collected far too much stuff for the small apartment I moved into. It was hard to get rid of sentimental things, so I kept one thing from each person. I put everything else in storage for two months and then went back and went through it. It was amazing how many things I hadn't even thought about. Craigslist is good, but use common sense in how you invite strangers to your house. Someone was robbed and killed over a diamond ring they were selling there. I wouldn't list anything that might make people think you were wealthy.

**8paws** · 05-23-2010, 11:37 AM

While I very much like the idea of selling these items myself, using Craigs List to do this worries me. I have heard the stories on the news lately about people who have been killed as a result of using CL....

Any suggestions on how to screen people before letting them come to the house? I would ask for a telephone number and return the call to make sure it was valid, but while using common sense is a given, any other ideas about making sure the person coming into the house isn't looking to rob, kill, maim, or mutilate?

Originally Posted by buffy871

Craigslist is good, but use common sense in how you invite strangers to your house. Someone was robbed and killed over a diamond ring they were selling there. I wouldn't list anything that might make people think you were wealthy.

**ladytoysdream** · 05-23-2010, 02:48 PM

Craigslist. ..........
If small item, arrange for a different location for pickup.

In your case, selling furniture, which would be bulky, start with one item. Or if a bedroom set for example, sell that as the one item. Don't have the other stuff for sale out in sight.
I use our deck and normally the time I choose for the appointment, my hubby is home. If you have to, get a friend or a family member to be with you when the sale is taking place.
Have a cell phone on you. Only accept cash. Maybe put the item outside like in the driveway but near the house.
I get their phone number first. I call them. If I feel secure enough I go ahead and give them directions and a time to pick up the item. So far, I have had no problems.
Every once in awhile, I do get a spammer in email. Usually they are pretty easy to spot. I just delete those.

When you put a ad in the newspaper, you have to give a phone number to call. And then you need people to come to your house. Not really that much different.
Just use common sense, be careful and you should be just fine.

And if all this is still uncomfortable for you........then get a dealer to come to your house.
And or if, you get a dealer to your house, get some offers from them. If you feel they are too low, then turn them down. Tell them you are still thinking about things. Then you know .... maybe 3 times the prices they quote you, it might be the right price for you to sell at. Helps to get you in the ball park.

If you know someone with a trailer, then take the stuff to a flea market.

**daughter of pearl** · 05-23-2010, 07:42 PM

Sorry, I have no advice, but good luck! I know I will have trouble with this stuff at some point in the future.

**Debbie-cat** · 05-23-2010, 10:09 PM

I have used craigslist alot and have never had any problems. I have them email me their number and then call them to set up a time. Everyone has come to my home but I never let them in and always have the item in the garage or outside.

I have taken pictures of much loved items that had to go so I could look back at them and remember the memories. I looked at it that the person who is buying the item is going to make new memories with it and will hopefully love it as much as I did. No one can take your memories from you. They will always be in your heart.

**Molemommy** · 05-23-2010, 10:25 PM

My Husband was a antique dealer for years (now we do jewelry and coins) but we have been to tons of peoples houses... but my advice is to get a reputable dealer one that has been around for awhile and get quotes most will do it for free and some cost a small fee... also you might want to think about auction. they will come get it and then they sell and give you a check. (also check for prices on this as well they take a commision and also sometimes a fee for pick up. The setamental value is often more then some can bare.. but allot of folks I have dealt with keep one item for instance that makes them remember the person the most and that is good maybe photo the items..

**TheresaRHPS** · 05-24-2010, 02:23 AM

Going in slightly a different direction...

I would start with getting a good assessment of what the pieces are actually worth...both from a monetary standpoint, but also historical. You can research the pieces yourself, or find a reputable dealer/appraiser to do it for free or a nominal fee.

If it looks like you're not going to be able to get top dollar on the pieces on the market, then you might want to consider checking your local area for historic preservation society, historical society, museums, and the like that take donations of antique furniture.

By donating your pieces to such a place, you can request a tax write off...which might actually be more of a financial benefit than trying to sell the pieces outright. With places such as Craigslist, you're not going to find too many people who will want to pay what an item's worth...you're more likely to get 'pickers' out for a great deal, or people who simply don't have the cash. Even with a dealer, you have to give them a cut, and they still have to find a buyer willing to pay a fair price.

More importantly, you can be reasonably sure that the pieces will be well cared for, enjoyed by others, and quite possibly available for you to 'visit' if you find yourself getting sentimental. You might even want to donate them in memory of your mother and/or brother.

Anyway, just a thought...

**frugalfranny** · 05-24-2010, 02:38 AM

Originally Posted by Debbie-cat

I have used craigslist alot and have never had any problems. I have them email me their number and then call them to set up a time. Everyone has come to my home but I never let them in and always have the item in the garage or outside.

I do the same thing for CL. Never any problems. Won't let them in my house for ANY excuse!

Originally Posted by 8paws

While I very much like the idea of selling these items myself, using Craigs List to do this worries me. I have heard the stories on the news lately about people who have been killed as a result of using CL....

Any suggestions on how to screen people before letting them come to the house?

Have it at the doorway...outside....or at the first part of your garage! Have even moved my car out of the garage to make room when showing! I sold a mattress and had it sitting just inside the door so they could see it. They didn't even have to come in.

Only daytime appts.........I have even googled a phone number that I have been given.

The people that got in trouble were selling a diamond ring..........that could be pushing it AND STUPID! Easy to rob. Furniture is a little tougher to 'cart off'........

**8paws** · 05-24-2010, 07:14 AM

Thank you for all your responses and suggestions. I especially liked your ideas about how to sell safely on CL. It is reassuring to know that so many of you have had success selling items that way!

I have a porch, so I can use that area to show items. I may also call a couple of area dealers just to see what they are willing to offer.

I really appreciate all your suggestions, thank you!

Best to all,
S