“A house is just a place to put your things while you go out and buy more.” ~ George Carlin

Question: We are preparing to reduce our living situation. What are your suggestions?

Answer: For many locals, spring break is behind us, the Easter and Passover family gatherings have passed, providing an opportunity to reflect on spring cleaning and, as I like to say, resize our life situations.

Spending time with the family provides an opening to discuss what they want and what not as we have the right size. Interestingly, among the list of least sought after heirlooms; fancy tableware, dark brown furniture and sewing machines.

As the fight against COVID-19 continues, we are still spending more time at home than usual, making it a popular time to organize and declutter. But if you make a list of items that your kids or grandchildren can pick up (when circumstances allow), you might want to make a backup plan. According to Elizabeth Stewart, author of “No Thanks, Mom,” baby boomer kids aren’t interested in growing as their parents downsize. If your kids tend to prefer the phrase ‘less is more’ when it comes to goods, check out this list of 10 items they probably don’t want – and find out what you can do with them.

Books

Check biblio.com for more information about your books. If it’s rare or valuable, call an antique dealer. If not, ask libraries, schools, or charities like Ronald McDonald House if they can use them.

Paper

This includes old photos and greeting cards. Scan family photos but save prints for those related to a celebrity or historical moment, suggests Stewart. There might be a market for your historical snapshots among greeting card publishers and image archive companies. Other options include your local historical museum or the county archives. Chapman University’s Center for American War Letters might be interested in war letters and memorabilia.

Trunks, sewing machines and film projectors

They probably have no value unless they are made by a reputable company. Consider donating.

Porcelain figurines and decorative plates

Precious Moments figures may not be valuable to your loved ones, but an assisted living facility may appreciate them for gift redemption. Figures that trigger great memories might be worth a photoshoot with a professional photographer so you or your kids can continue to enjoy them without having to dust them off.

Silver plated objects

Unless your serving pieces and silverware come from a manufacturer like Tiffany or Cartier, consider donating them.

Sterling and crystal

Many families appreciate them as heirlooms. But if your family doesn’t, check out sites like replacements.com, which associates people with pieces that will complement their collection.

Fancy tableware

The next generation is probably not interested in offering full service for holiday meals. Again, consider selling to an alternate mail order service.

Dark brown furniture

There is still a market, likely second-hand stores or antique enthusiasts, who may be looking to recycle your pieces for a modern aesthetic. But don’t expect much if you choose to sell. Stewart suggests that you will receive about a quarter of the purchase price. Mid-century coins should fetch higher prices if you decide to sell.

Persian rugs

High-end pieces always sell in high-end places, like Martha’s Vineyard. Otherwise, your best bet may be to give them away.

Household linen

If your kids don’t want delicate textiles, see if you can find someone who turns hand-embroidered work into special occasion clothing, like christening gowns. Theaters and costume shops can also appreciate them.

It can be moving to sort out a lifetime where we’ve been, even if it means paving the way for the future. Your family and friends might be willing to lend a more objective eye while you’re downing – consider setting up a video chat to show off your articles, share stories, and hear their opinion. Make sure that you are also prepared to return the favor.

If you need even more objectivity, find a professional through the National Association of Senior Move Managers whose job it is to help people downsize. There are also companies specializing in real estate sales management to help you manage the task. Stay focused and plan accordingly.

This report does not constitute a complete description of the transferable securities, markets or developments referred to in this document and does not include all available data necessary to make an investment decision. Before making an investment decision, please consult your financial advisor about your personal situation. There are risks involved in investing and you can suffer a profit or a loss regardless of the strategy you choose. There can be no assurance that an investment strategy will be successful. The opinions expressed are those of the writer as of April 13, 2021 but not necessarily those of Raymond James and Associates, and are subject to change at any time. The information in this report has been received from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy is not guaranteed. Before making an investment decision, please consult your financial advisor about your personal situation.

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This article is provided by Darcie Guerin, CFP®, Vice President, Investments and Branch Manager of Raymond James & Associates, Inc. Member of the New York Stock Exchange / SIPC 606 Bald Eagle Dr. Suite 401, Marco Island, FL 34145 She can be reached at (239) 389-1041, email [email protected] Website: www.raymondjames.com/Darcie.