History When is it time to get rid of all your stuff?

Just moved into a bigger house. I cant believe the stuff i have accumulated. Im 46 and have made the decission to clear out the clutter. I have 3 hobby cars. Im going to cut down to one car and get rid of the parts stash. Its actually stressful to have to much to take care of. I would rather be cruising on a weekend then rearranging the garage to fit more crap. My father who isnt in the greatest health also has 2 cars, parts, and a crapload of diecast. My son also has this sickness. I give him a lot of stuff but since he still lives with me it never leaves.

 

I dunno I don't think it is the cash that is burdensome. My sis had to liquidate a few things when her husband passed and it was not the liquidation that was burdensome at all. There was more to it then the liquidation of things that she didn't need or the memories that they evoked, she also had to fight off the vultures, uh his family members.

 

porknbeaner is right: the cash isn't burdensome, it just doesn't matter to someone grieving a loved one. But dealing with the people is a burden.
My favorite was my brother's father-in-law (who is a dip and a scammer) who came to me and "as a favor" was willing to buy Dad's '69 Charger for about 66% of its value, on a payment plan with no money down, to "keep it in the family." I managed to not laugh, told him no thank you, and sold it for a third more than he offered to someone who actually paid for it.

But this is what I'm saying to all those who may not have ever been in this position: selling that car was not a source of joy for my brother and I, and the money was nice but not a reason for celebration.

 

Great subject. I too will be turning 68 this next June and have already decided to start liquidating. I will keep my cars (3) but parts that I don't need and collectables will go. I have already told my wife, who is car savvy, that if I pass before her that I will haunt her if she turns over any of my stuff to a local widow whore that reaps off of the obituary page. Scum bag!

 

Every time I bring this subject up to my best buddy while we're working on my 34 coupe he reminds me of one of his customers who is 91 and still planning and building hot rod projects.
Still, I generally have a lotta stuff to sell at our local swap meets. Occasionally I regret having sold something I need but very seldom. I say begin to sell off now..........a little at the swap meets, some on craigs list etc and see what works best for you. Selling on ebay is good for getting top dollar but you'll need to put up with screwballs and packing/wrapping/shipping hassles. I just use the local swap meets and use the cash for my number 1 project.

 

Yes, option FIVE...I am thinning out, mostly so I can find stuff when I need it and not trip over stuff in between plus the less junk you have in a building the easier it is to heat and cool and clean [ok, clean means turn the exhaust fan up to hurricane and stir things up with the air hose]..This summer I finally cleaned the side yard of a lot of really good stuff; where did I put the stuff? In the scrap pile mostly, couldn't even give it away..I been trying to find a home for a trailer load of stuff, I have tried to move stuff at antique engine shows/meets but other than talking to a few nice people it was hard to just break even cost wise, If some one bought one thing I'd give them a half dozen other things! Ties up a whole day [and a few before and after!] and your back aches for weeks....In the scrap pile it goes..This spring when more stuff in the trailer has rusted, I will sigh but in the scrap pile it will go...

 

Thats no a lot of stuff !

 

Remember the first one to die with the most toys WINS I'm off to play with my toy trains sorry off topic

 

My Dad said there's no trailer hitch or a roof rack on a Hearse... and I believed him.







I stand corrected...

 

Can't believe everyone is talking about liquidating and death.. I thought this was a traditional hot rod site..

 

Five pages and a complaint..No soup for you!

 

Keep the Cat off the tracks!!!!

 

At 64 I lost almost everything to a flood.I went a few years with no toys living in a camper trying to get back on my feet.Finally figured out laying around and going with others to the races and car shows was not all that much fun.
I spent 53 days in the hospital in September and October and four surgeries. They were ready to bring in the preacher a couple of times but I fooled em. A 57 chevy was posted on craigslist after I got out and here we go again. This time I'm doing it with almost no tools or shop equipment.
I didn't like the feeling I had in the hospital . I might not make it to Saturday but I am going to spend my time here doing something I enjoy. I'm 68,but what does that matter.

 

JOECOOL, Hamburg Iowa flood? I remember your posts about the impending flood.

 

my wife told me not to worry, the pool boy likes old cars........that was a relief.....but we don't have a pool.....

 

Ok Guys! I have to put a stop to this!
I am getting PM's People want my stuff or the subject makes them depressed.
This was just something I thought about and looks like many of you have as well.
My conclusion came today when someone wanted to buy something they saw in the photos posted on page one.
I told my Wife and her reply was "you know if you take something off the wall to sell it, you will just buy something else to replace it" She is a good woman and knows me well!
Then my cousin tells me he would help her if He out lives Me
He is someone that I know will always do the right thing
I thank everyone who has read or posted!
Some really good thinking people here and I am not ready to give that or my stuff up yet!
I enjoy you guys & gals so much just like when I walk into my garage and look around.
So I hope I did not ruin anyone's day! Again thanks for all the insight.
"Anyone want to buy some fenders" Just kidding!

 

X2, can we get back to the cars?

 

I like fenders

 

I think it is: "The one who dies with the most toys, still dies."

Really enjoying this thread. Lots of good thought provoking posts. I had been thinking about this subject already and hopefully will be getting get rid of some parts and projects soon. I want to concentrate on the 55 to the left. I have so much stuff (memorabilia and parts) that if I had a yard sale and sold everything for $1 per item, I would have more money than I could ever spend.
I like the marble story and will be getting a jar and about 520 marbles to go in it. I'm 64 now and know I need to get busy working on that Ford if I plan on getting to enjoy it.

 

OK guys you are on your own!