The Odyssey of Junk

April 2, 2012 | Julie Hall

Has your junk been more places than you?

It doesn’t matter how long I’ve been in the estate business, I still wonder why we hold on to so much “junk” and why we have such difficulty letting go of it. Oh sure, we may have it in neat piles, boxed in a spare room, crammed in closets, or out of sight, but make no bones about it — it is THERE, lurking in the darkness of our drawers, attics, and closets faithfully reproducing while we go about our busy lives. How on earth do we amass so much?

I have a theory. Somewhere back in our long-ago DNA when ancestors were primitive, I think we developed a “switch” in our brains that told us to gather and collect. Humans were, after all, hunters and gatherers, and I believe we still are on some level. Back then, we had to collect wood for fire, food to eat, etc. Our survival depended on it. If you didn’t collect these items, you and your family would perish.

Today, we do it on a grand, 21st century scale. We buy, buy, buy, and don’t really understand why. We have far more than we need and far more than we will ever use. Did you know we actually use only 20% of what we own? Think about it — we wear the same, favorite clothes, shoes, use the same kitchen items, toiletries, etc. So what happens to the other 80%? It sits there, not being put to use, often until a loved one dies and then it has to be dealt with. By then, it is too late and much of it is usually discarded.

We not only hold on to, but also keep moving stuff from one home to another: our college stuff, our kids’ stuff, even stuff for grandkids who aren’t walking yet, but we think they may want these items one day.

When we are in estates cleaning them out, or if clients ask us to clean out their attics, we find boxes with original moving company stickers from the 60s and 70s, and those boxes are STILL taped shut. No one ever opened them after the move 40+ years ago. The message that sends to me is these items weren’t important enough for me to open this box, so why do we still have them?

Our elders, God bless them, saved everything including broken appliances and parts (because you might need them one day), tons of catalogs and magazines (because those old National Geographics might be worth something). The entire kitchen is cluttered with mayonnaise jars, Cool Whip containers, pie tins, etc. The truth is, they are never used, because we find decades of dust on them.

Sometimes families move the entire household of a deceased relative to another state, only to clutter up their own homes. This cycle is long, tiresome, and laborious, and the pattern needs to be stopped, or at least interrupted, so we can analyze why we do these things. No wonder we’re all so tired, buying stuff, finding places for it, and then at some point, being forced to deal with it. It will eventually become the proverbial monkey on our backs or our children’s backs.

Logic would dictate that we need to be free of it, in order to make our lives simple again. It’s APRIL and the perfect time for SPRING CLEANING. I’ll deal with my piles if you deal with yours!

Sensible Shoes

January 30, 2012 | Julie Hall

I’ve always been a people watcher. My attention was drawn to a young lady wearing the most obscene pair of shoes. The heels were sky-high and the toes were so pointy, I could feel the gout pain flaring up in my own big toe and bunion. I watched her walk with much difficulty, holding a stack of books in her arms. But when she started up a set of stairs, those long pointy toes got in the way and she fell down, landing on her throat on the corner of an upper step with all her weight. I ran over to see if she needed help, knowing her thyroid (among other things) would never be the same.

I couldn’t help but wonder why we make the decisions we do, and why we sometimes make life so much harder on ourselves than it has to be. At the very least, why torment your feet — that glorious pair of bony attachments at the end of our legs that quite literally carry us through life? Seems a shame to punish them when they are so loyal to us.

I see it every day in my estates. We all carry too much. We all have too much. In fact, we have so much, we have trouble walking through our own lives carrying all our stuff. We aren’t making sensible decisions because we are too preoccupied with how we look and how much we own. What we all need is a good dose of sensibility.

There was a time when I wore stilettos (a very long time ago when I didn’t think about the damage it would do to me now at nearly 50). Today I prefer the simplicity of going barefoot in my own home. And for those times when going barefoot are not optional, I opt for good, sensible shoes. While I have been the butt of jokes from my teenage daughter regarding shoe selection, I have reached a point in my mature life where comfort outweighs how I look.

As for me and my feet, we choose sensibility. It’s my way of thanking them for carrying me through this obstacle-ridden journey of ours, and they in turn reward me with happy feet.

One less pain to deal with in life.

What I’ve Learned as an Expert in “Things” (part 2)

November 7, 2011 | Julie Hall

I probably don’t have to tell you this, since Wal-Mart and almost every other store are playing holiday music already: The holidays are coming soon!!

As I write this blog on what I’ve learned as an expert on “things,” I realize that these last two thoughts, promised to you last week, will revolutionize how you view this year’s holidays. They’ll probably also save you money and frustration when holiday shopping time comes. Please consider the following observations from this expert in “things:”

3. It’s what you do with what you have that really counts, not what you possess. In these tough economic times, it’s important to remember there are others dealing with greater difficulties than you. Even while we tighten our purse strings, we can still give in many ways that others would be so grateful for.

Give of yourself.
Go visit someone you have been meaning to see for a long time.
Write that letter.
Bake those cookies.
Volunteer for those needing help.
Visit those confined to home by infirmity or sickness.
Surprise a loved one.
Make that phone call to make amends with one you haven’t spoken to for years.
Bring your children to an assisted living or nursing home; watch the residents light up.
Say what you need to say, and do so right now.
Ask for forgiveness and offer it, no matter what.
Offer hugs to those who really need it.
Listen to your elders because you will learn so much.

4. If you have a senior in your life … Spend a full day with them and ask them to share stories of your family history — fun stories, challenges, family secrets, marriages. Look through old photos. Record this day and make a book for them (and copies for each sibling) so it may be passed down for years to come. Many children regret not having more family history, but they realize this only after a loved one has left us.

What I’ve Learned as an Expert in “Things”

October 31, 2011 | Julie Hall

As an expert in personal property, my days are filled with visiting estates, consulting with my clients, and ascertaining what has value versus what does not. I help boomer children make sound decisions after mom and dad have passed on, and work closely with seniors, helping them make a plan for their heirlooms and understanding their worth.

My world revolves around many beautiful things, what they may be worth, and then sadly watch people fight over them after a loved one dies. Having met thousands of individuals in my career, I can safely say I have learned from each and every one of them. Here’s what I have learned:

1. We exit this world the way we enter it — owning nothing but a beautiful spirit that houses love and memories earned over a lifetime. You can’t take anything with you, so why fight over “things?”

2. “Things do bring instant gratification, but not long-lasting happiness. So we keep buying more things to keep feeling good. Too many of us fill our lives with “things” to ease unresolved pain and issues. As we continue to go into debt and buy ourselves the latest electronic gadget, we are still left unfulfilled and discontented. We buy to feel good, we buy because we deserve it, we buy because we are depressed. But in the long run, it ends up in the hands of family, or a professional such as myself, to sell it.

Next week, I’ll share two more valuable lessons I’ve learned as an expert in “things.” I hope these lessons today, and the two next week, will alter your plans to gain more and give more “things” during the upcoming holiday season. Please come back for the other two positive lessons!

“Julie, Are You Sitting Down?”

October 24, 2011 | Julie Hall

Every now and again, a story so bizarre comes along, you just know you’ll never forget it.

I knew I was in trouble when the voice on the other end of the phone began with, “Julie, are you sitting down? We need to know if you are up for this one.” There was a large 1920’s home in a well-known and desirable area that was “full of junk.” Certainly in all these years of doing this line of work, I was accustomed to what people describe over the phone and have seen my share of junk in the world. Very little within a home could ever scare The Estate Lady. I was given the key to go over to the home to assess it myself, but was told to consider myself warned.

The key worked, but the door didn’t. Strong as I am physically, there was something barricading the front door … and the back door, and the side door. My assistant and I peeked in the windows and could clearly see the most unbelievable sight. Debris was everywhere and anywhere you looked. The beautiful trees had punched holes through the glass windows and vines grew in the interior of the house. The floor could not be seen and neither could the furniture. The bathrooms were inoperable, so I will go no further on that issue. In all my years, I had never seen one like this. This, I thought, would take a miracle. Not one to shy away from challenges, we decided we were up for it.

Once we gained entrance to the interior of the house through a window, it didn’t take us long to realize the resident had not opened his mail in years. Decades, actually, since 1964 to be exact. The paper and other debris was up to our knees on the first floor and up to our chest on the second floor. The attic too was full, as well as the basement. It is still among the most fascinating cases I had ever seen for hoarding.

The job itself took 9 days to complete, but several dumpsters later, we sifted through 3 massive commercial dumpsters full of mail that had not been opened since I was a baby. In that mail, we found considerable amounts of money the family never knew he had: overseas accounts, etc. Financial documents were found that were needed and other personal items were also discovered, long forgotten by family members that had given up on this hopeless situation.

Oddly enough, we also found 9 loaded guns under the debris which we were stepping on all week, several deceased animals, a multitude of unmentionables that I will have to take to my grave, and a duct-taped freezer down in the basement which was reminiscent of the basement in “Silence of the Lambs,” complete with a swinging single light bulb and dirt floor. And yes, our imaginations went wild. But the good news is that within 6 days of our completed work and an empty house, it sold for a healthy selling price. All’s well that ends well — despite the circumstances.

It made me come home and donate and throw out as much as I could get my hands on!

Quoted on MSN Money by Liz Weston

September 22, 2011 | Julie Hall

MSN Money’s personal finance expert, Liz Weston, wrote about “How to Avoid Fights Over Mom’s Stuff.” http://money.msn.com/family-money/how-to-avoid-fights-over-moms-stuff-weston.aspx

Thanks, Liz, for asking me to contribute to a topic that is at the heart of what I do. This is why I wrote the book, “The Boomer Burden – Dealing With Your Parents’ Lifetime Accumulation of Stuff” and “How to Divide Your Family’s Estate and Heirlooms Peacefully and Sensibly”.

I want to educate people to avoid the harsh and painful reality of fighting and hurt that comes when families have to divide a parent’s possessions. Thank you, Liz, for bringing attention to this topic with such clarity and insight.

Welcome to those new visitors who are linking to my blog from Liz’s article. There are over 100 weekly posts here full of valuable insights about all areas of personal property. Check out the categories on the right, and sign up to receive my weekly blog. While you are there, you can click directly to Amazon.com and order my books in either print or ebook versions.

Your Reality Check for the Day

September 5, 2011 | Julie Hall

My clients have taught me that in the end, the worth of an item is measured only by the joy it brings at a particular point in time. Many of us claim to cherish our possessions, only to discover that with the passage of time, they don’t mean as much anymore, or they have become a burden to us in some way.

Perhaps our tastes have changed. Our home is too cluttered, or the sheer volume of what we own has caused marital strife. Maybe you feel guilty because mom passed away and you feel the need to take a lot of what she owned.

Today, more and more people are selling their stuff to downsize, make extra money, empty an estate, or to simplify their lives and not have their stuff own them. I’ve seen each scenario described, and I have witnessed what appear to be love affairs between people and their things.

A recent client told me he was terminally ill and he had many collectibles and oddities he had collected over the years. He wanted me to come over, sell what I could, and send the proceeds to benefit a wonderful organization. What a beautiful thought, but it’s what he said that made me really think: “Mrs. Hall, it’s time for someone else to enjoy these items which brought me so much pleasure. I am blessed beyond measure. These are just things that I had fun fixing up and looking at. But it is a humbling thought knowing someone won’t make it through the night, and it’s time to move forward. My job right now is not to worry about this stuff … it’s to live as long as I can!”

Suddenly, everything shifted as his words sunk in. I always thought I was unique to my industry – that while I was an expert in personal property, I never truly had love for these things, just appreciation. Clients like him have taught me what’s really important in life.

From Clutter to Cash, Part 3

June 13, 2011 | Julie Hall

Here are the final 4 options for turning the clutter stored in your home and garage into cash. Please pay special attention to Option #7 before you get rid of anything that might have value.

6. Do-It-Yourself – You can try Ebay, Craigslist, local advertising in your newspaper. These are time-consuming and often frustrating if you don’t know the proper way to describe the items, people never show up at the appointed times, money can be wasted in fees (especially Ebay’s, which are not cheap, but at times are worth it). For antiques, collectibles, jewelry, vehicles, larger collections: If you are determined to save the percentage you would ordinarily pay a professional, that’s ok. But keep in mind that professionals have the knowledge and skills to sell these items for the highest amount they can. If you are paying them a commission, they want it to sell for as much as possible too.

7. BEFORE you sell or give away anything you perceive has value, make sure a professional appraiser takes a look at it. A professional who is paid for an opinion of value and not one that will offer to buy it, which to many is a conflict of interest, but you be the best judge. I have uncovered items worth tens of thousands of dollars that were slated for donation. The fee my client paid me was well worth having me come over, because my experience and skills uncovered what they thought was give-away junk. For example, they were very happy when I discovered in their basement a vase that was sold for $57,500.

8. To sell or donate? – Should it just be donated, or can I try to sell it first? If it doesn’t sell, I’ll pack it up for donation. Whichever you prefer. If it is banged up and in horrible condition, recycle it or throw it away. If you would feel better giving your items to those less fortunate – there are many who are these days – please find a worthwhile charity or organization. By all means, give, give, give. You will receive a donation receipt you can use for this year’s taxes.

9. Scrap it – If it’s metal and you don’t want it, or it’s broken or bent, don’t throw it away; scrap it! Find out the location of your local scrap yard and haul it there to get cash. It is not unusual for a truck load to be $100-$150 depending on the type of metals you have. They are looking for insulated copper wire, copper tubing, auto radiators, air conditioning coils, brass, aluminum, bronze, cast iron, stainless steel, and other high temperature alloys.

Please leave a comment at the end of this article and let me know how this has helped you. What have you cleared out and how did you turn it into cash?

From Clutter to Cash, Part 2

June 6, 2011 | Julie Hall

We’re continuing our conversation from the last blog about turning clutter into cash. Here are several more options for finding a buyer for your clutter.

2. Consignment shops – For designer clothing, higher quality purses and shoes, nice quality furnishings and home decor, physically go into different stores to talk with the manager and get a feel for their percentage/fees and how they work. Some will negotiate on their percentage a little bit. You can expect to pay them 35%-50% commission, plus a possible pick-up fee. Remember: location, location, location.

3. Auction company – If you have a lot of household items, nice quality furnishings, and decorative items, consider a local auction house with a good reputation. Their percentages range from 15%-25% and may also have additional pick-up fees. Remember to ask for auction estimates for some of the better pieces, as the auctioneer should be able to offer you a range that he/she feels it will sell for. There are two kinds of auctions: absolute and reserve. Reserve means it will not sell until the reserve price (minimum) has been met. But many auctioneers will not place reserves on numerous items. They will sell for what the public decides; that is an absolute auction. When that hammer comes down and it’s only $20.00, that is what the item sells for.

4. Higher-end auction galleries – For higher end items, find higher end auction galleries and contact their consignment director to ask them if these items are of interest to them. Large auction houses have extensive lists of buyers and often sell to multiple countries. This is what you want for high-end items that are small enough to ship.

5. Selling gold? – A jeweler may not get you the most “bang for your buck” but it’s worth asking. Don’t be too hasty when wanting to melt down items. Many people are selling gold pieces with gemstones in them and not getting paid for anything other than the gold. Think twice and compare offers: Can I get more for this piece as it is, a ring or pendant, or should it be melted down? Do research in your area. Find the gold buyers that are one or two steps from the refinery itself, as they will generally pay you higher $$ than others. Call around; visit different places. Get the gold weighed and let them make you an offer. Go with the highest offer. Note: There are those who are sitting on their gold, thinking it will go higher still. Watch the gold prices closely.

We’ll have the last 4 options next week!

Clutter in Your Closets = Cash in Your Pockets

May 31, 2011 | Julie Hall

The Estate Lady® is well-known for her quote on keeping stuff. “If you don’t see it or use it for 2 years (maximum), statistically speaking you’ll never use it, so get rid of it!” Why allow your home to be cluttered up when life is hard enough? SIMPLIFY and make some cash too!

Easier said than done, believe me. As I write this, I feel like Mighty Mouse zipping through our entire home, closets, garage, etc. because I’ve grown tired of all the STUFF! My husband probably thinks I’m nuts, but to his credit he says nothing and lends his muscle. Call it an occupational hazard of being in homes every day and seeing everyone else’s stuff. Then I come home to my own cabinets and closets, eek! So I decided to do something about it and so can you.

Did you know that 80% of what we own we never use? We use the same 20% of things every day because we are creatures of habit — our favorite clothes, shoes, purses, kitchen ware, etc. So that leaves a healthy percentage of things we don’t really need and as I say, “put some cash in your pocket instead of clutter in your closets!”

From kitchen items to books, costume jewelry to tools, there is a buyer out there who wants them. Here are some tried and true options; which is right for you?

Yard sale – Utilitarian items are selling better than ever. Pyrex, pots and pans, used paint remnants, rugs, tools – anything someone really needs – are selling very well at yard sales. Just know these items won’t sell for retail, but try 25% of the value for these kinds of items. Make sure you don’t sell anything of significant value. If uncertain, hire a personal property appraiser to be certain, or it could be a costly mistake on your part.

Next week … 4 more options for your stuff. You don’t want to miss the rest of this list!