Storage in my house has been filled to the gills with old, unwanted garage sale items… overflowing in fact, to the point that I began calling the bonus room the “garage sale room”.
Over the course of our marriage, we have moved every few years. Not only has the change been nice, each move has been a natural opportunity to purge. Until now, 6 years later.
Where did all this stuff come from? And how much of it is going to end up back in my closet??
“This skirt really isn’t too short for me. Is it???”
“Hey – my boobs looked great in this strapless shirt.”
“I know I’m forty, but… it’s from Hollister.”
I totally fell off the wagon.
It’s sad really. I have more excess than a lot of people have at all. I could wardrobe an entire family with what’s currently in my garage. Outgrown toys, outgrown home decor and junk I don’t know why I bought in the first place is quickly piling up on tables…. and while the purging feels good, it’s not easy.
There’s a memory tied to each item for sale.
Where there’s a memory, there’s a challenge to part with the item tied to it.
The kids are snatching items back up, hesitant to relinquish them for their nostalgic value. There are several items I can’t bring myself to part with for very unrealistic “what-ifs”, future grandchildren and the promise that “it will be worth something someday to someone”. Annnnd I’m having trouble pricing stuff because what it’s worth to me doesn’t necessarily hold the same value for anyone else.
“Yes, you can have my first home schooling table – the one my children learned to read, write and figure at in their sweet, formative years. For $750.00. Okay, $40.”
“The big boy bunk bed that nestled my sleeping, growing son? The one I’ve spent hours snuggling and reading books in? Sold. For $1,000. Or $75.”
“The beanie babies I stood in a line of 87 people for? (So. not. kidding.) $20 each. Alright, 50¢. Yes, that’s a piece. Don’t press your luck, granny. They’re collectibles, you know.”
And speaking of giving away value….. what about allllll the business attire that was dry cleaned and never worn again? I spent what? $2 per item to clean what will sell for $1 a piece?? Explain that to me.
The fact that they’re all wrinkled from being stuffed in a black trash bag in the attic brings me solace. Heh.
Okay. Focus. I must dwell on the value of getting rid of it all.
I’ve got my bonus room back, a load off my shoulders and whatever cash we rake in will supplement what hasn’t been raised yet in mission trip support.
While I could easily justify a pedicure and massage for these aching feet and back and the 40-odd hours I spent sweating organizing and manning the sale….. I’ve got boys to send to Africa in June.
I won’t be much for haggling. I’m pricing pretty aggressively and have nostalgia and missions on my side.
My plan is to launch into a diatribe about “value and proceeds for Jesus” until I get paid to shut up.
And then watch happy bargain hunters walk away with my memories.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m a packrat. Trying to retrain myself. But for every time I think “Shoot! I wish I hadn’t gotten rid of those shoes!” another 3 pairs stays gathering dust in my closet.
If only I’d packratted the girls’ clothes. I’d have something to put on my baby.
Sarah at the mommylogues´s last blog ..In which we take a road trip
I haven’t the stamina for a garage sale. When I decide something has to go, I take it right to the car. The next time I pass goodwill, I drop it off. Gone for good before I get a chance to change my mind.
simply heidi´s last blog ..As Promised…
oh it is a lot of work, I tip m’hat to you. hope you sell lots and feel all clean and new. I’m just wading through laundry over here…t
I hear you. 10 years of living life and business under one roof made for tons of work. But not much of it garage sale worthy (although, I am sure someone would have liked tax returns from the beginning of time).
Enjoy the weather and get those boys to Ethiopia!
Nancy´s last blog ..Zoo Days
We’re doing a sale this weekend tomorrow, too. For scouts-raising the $ to go to Sea World. Pleaseohplease let us raise a bundle. That s*it is expensive.
Headless Mom´s last blog ..Not Getting Better
I think you should take that money and buy a fourth dog. Or maybe some Christmas decor.
Kristenkj´s last blog ..Little Miss Magic
I don’t have a hard time purging but I do know what you mean about pricing! AND I feel like I put all that effort into sorting and pricing and sitting outside and at the end of the day you’ve got what? Like $20?!?!
Christina´s last blog ..Mothers Day!