The Value of Things
Recently a client wanted to sell a gorgeous custom-made table that she purchased for $10,000 years ago. I was afraid she’d be expecting to get close to what she paid. That’s when she mentioned “used household goods.” She had worked for a moving company for years and remembered that they offered insurance for household goods for 60 cents per pound.
Can you imagine? You fill a truck with your household belongings and insure them all for 60 cents a pound. That wouldn’t be close to enough to replace your things if something happened to them.
In the same conversation the client said, “My husband is worth quite a lot to me; I don’t think he’s going to go for much on the open market.” I love her sense of humor. Clearly, she was realistic about what we could get for the table. (We were able to sell it for over $1000 – a great Facebook sale.)
When you consider the value of your treasures, it’s important to check your mindset. You have to ask yourself: Is this worth more to me because of what I paid for it, or who gave it to me, or how many memories are attached to it?
Many people believe their stuff has a lot of value and are surprised to find out that it doesn’t…that people aren’t really into that style anymore, that trends have changed, that people aren’t buying much of that stuff on the secondary market these days.
Others feel the burden of responsibility for taking care of someone else’s stuff – their mother’s china, a figurine brought over from the old country, handmade linens from a grandmother. Often, they aren’t using these items (and may not even like them) but storing them, taking up space that might be at a premium.
Even when they’re ready to let go, some are concerned about relinquishing items to others. “Will they take care of them? I want this to go to a good home.” It’s understandable that you’d want your treasures to be appreciated by others. At the same time, it’s important to accept that once an item is sold or donated, you can’t control how it is cared for, used, or appreciated.
After all, “It’s just stuff.” This is what a dear friend said to me recently. She has been caring for someone who has dementia. After that person was moved from her home to a memory care community, my friend witnessed her stuff being carted away by a junk hauler, topped off by beautiful Baker dining chairs. My friend was disappointed to see such quality furniture going out with junk, but understood she couldn’t control the outcome.
So enjoy your beloved items while you have them. When you’re ready to let go, give thanks for the value they had in your life…for the memories, the loved ones who gave them, the beauty they added to your home. Then relish the freedom of releasing those things into the world, trusting that it’s the right time.
