It's time to declutter

I have to tell you after going to the auction Thursday evening, I've decided it's time to really get busy and declutter my mess. As I walked around the tables and all I could see was my own cupboards, closets and hidden places staring right back at me. Geez, what we keep hidden until it shows up on eBay and at auctions, garage/estate sales.

Not many tables for this downsize auction. Most boxes of "stuff" were bringing under $5 per box or boxes.

This was a Rohleder consignment auction of two households that are downsizing. One couple is downsizing into an RV and traveling through their retirement (Another brave couple, Louise and Gene Sanchez are living the RV life and blogging about it. I hope you are enjoying the Colorado State Fair in your RV). The seller at this country auction are also selling their house and rolling across the USA without a nice big bathtub to come back to. Don't think I'm that brave but I admire the idea.


The pickings at this country auction were slim and illustrates how our interests change through the years and how our age dates us to the olden days. Makes me smile as I poke through those boxes on the tables and think, "I've got some of those old records in the basement." Remember the grease drainer that sat on the stove or better yet remember grease? Well they don't have much value other than memories at country auctions. The boxes of acrylic paints found a new owner the auction for a few dollars.



Anyone remember the reel to reel tape players that were so popular in the 1950s? Could have had this one with speakers attached for $5

How about this art deco night stand --one of a pair that went for $10

After I got home I thought, I'm going upstairs to check out my clutter rooms and attic. Then I froze, glued to my chair with the anticipation of facing my clutter paralyzing my intentions. And it was Thursday evening with Keeping Up Appearances about to be on the TV, everyone needs a role model.

I looked!!! aagghhh, do I really have to take pictures of this mess!!??? Next post I'm doing it. Okay now maybe I don't feel quite so alone. eBay here I come.

The Declutter Country Auction

This is a different kind of auction. Around here it may be an evening auction or a Sunday afternoon auction. It is marked by what a seller determines they can live without while they clean house or open a closet door full of stuff. Or better yet what they have tucked away in cupboards, drawers and closets that may still be new in box --albeit the box a little yellowed around the edge.

Who needs three sets of flatware, or two of those Frybabies so popular in the 1970s. How about Sampsonite suitcases, you know the prestige ones that are way too heavy for air travel and too bulky for the trunk of the car. Pencils, pens, flashlights, rulers and wrapping paper. It amuses me that some people sell (and others buy) old sets of sheets, old pillows and bathroom towels. Then there is plastic containers, with and without lids, boxes and boxes of them.

For decades we've been accumulating, collecting, and building equity in what we save. Now we look around and think, "I've got to get rid of this stuff." The "stuff" may not work, it might be a piece of broken crystal or a floor lamp that wobbles when touched. Or it may be boxes of patterns and fabric that once had lofty intent.

I have to smile because I'm one of those people looking to declutter 40 years accumulation and once I get started I'm going to let you watch me do it in this blog. Getting started is downright hard and I empathize with people who have gone through the process and are finally getting rid of it through auction, estate/garage sale and eBay.

So this Thursday I'm going to a country declutter auction and we are going to see how well the items sell and what people are willing to pay for all that clutter. Maybe even find out where the items will end up.

So tune back in Friday, August 28, to have a look at what one declutter auction had for sale and what people pay for it.

Keep watching because I'm taking my credibility into my own hands and heading for the attics to let you see what real clutter looks like in the "before" state. oh my...