After over two decades of working in the organizing and downsizing business, we’ve learned that people usually come across these categories of items when they clear out their parents’ house.
Brown Furniture
Brown furniture is a term furniture dealers use to describe items constructed from solid wood. Some brown furniture items are antiques; others are reproductions.
Generally, antique pieces fetch a high price at auction or on consignment. High-quality reproductions by well-known manufacturers may also sell for a reasonable price. Unfortunately, auction or consignment businesses may not be interested in generic reproductions even if they are still in amazing condition. You can still sell them, but not necessarily at the same price as antiques because trends and styles change over time.
For more information, check out this article from Coast Consignment about furniture obsolescence.
Old Technology
The outdated technology at your parents’ house may include:
- Telephones: From rotary dial telephones of the 1950s to suitcase-sized car phones of the 1980s. You may also find versions of Blackberrys, flip phones, pagers, and early versions of smartphones.
- Music: Record players, vinyl records, cassette tapes, “ghetto blasters” and CDs. Also various portable music devices like Walkmans and MP3 players.
- Cameras: Polaroid “instant” cameras, slides, and photograph negatives, along with several types of digital cameras and video cameras.
- Video: Super 8 cameras, films and projectors, digital video cameras, VCRs and VHS tapes (and maybe even some Betamax), DVDs and their players.
- Gaming Consoles: From 1970s Atari sets to 1990s PlayStations. You’ll also find the cables, chargers, accessories, and game cartridges.
There is a market for vintage telephones, gaming consoles, and audiovisual equipment in good working order. However, finding the right buyer takes time and effort. As with most electronics, you can recycle them, so if you don’t sell them, ensure you dispose of them according to the regulations in your municipality.
Fine China, Crystal Stemware, and Silverware
In the early to mid-20th century, (typically) young women chose fine china, crystal, and silverware patterns. Then, they received a piece (or more) on birthdays and holidays, so they had complete sets by the time they were ready to marry. Sometimes, they inherited a set from a grandparent or other older relative.
Things are different today – much different. No one has the time or energy to polish silverware. Nor do they want dishes or stemware that won’t go in the dishwasher or microwave. In fact, you shouldn’t even put some older dishes in the refrigerator because they are not designed to withstand temperature changes.
Furthermore, safety standards were almost non-existent back in the day, so many of the paints and glazes on antique dishes contain lead – sometimes at toxic levels. If pieces have chips, cracks, or crazing, you shouldn’t use them with food. They make wonderful decorative items, though, so feel free to display them, but only if they hold sentimental value.
Additionally, today’s small homes do not have space for buffets, cabinets, or credenzas to store all these “special occasion dishes.”
If you have a complete set of china or silverware in excellent condition, you may be able to sell it at auction or on consignment—especially if it is a popular pattern. Sometimes, buyers look for specific pieces to complete sets they have and may pay a premium to get them. Unfortunately, the price for generic tableware—including teacups—is low. However, there are many places that accept donated items, such as seniors’ centres.
Coast Consignment has a great article about the factors that determine the value of used furniture and household goods.
Toys, Games, and Collectibles
Chances are, when you downsize your parents’ house, you’ll come across toys and games you played with when you were young. If they still have all the pieces and are in immaculate condition, you might be able to sell them for a good price. However, if they are well-loved, the price drops significantly. If you choose to donate them, give them a good cleaning first. Check out our article on antiques, vintage, retro, and collectible items to learn which category your toys and games fall into.
Downsizing the belongings in your parents’ house can be like a trip back in time. From the brown wood dining suite set with grandma’s fine china and crystal, these items carry memories and stories of generations past. It’s challenging to balance sentimentality with practicality as you sift through them. Whether selling, donating, or preserving these treasures, the Out of Chaos team can work with you to ensure that you have the opportunity to reflect on and honour the past while paving the way toward a manageable future. Contact us for all your downsizing needs.
