Moving Mom Or Dad: Furnishing Their Smaller Apartment

What Elderly Parents Need When They Move 

What types of  accessories and housewares should you get when moving elderly parents into a smaller apartment or an Assisted Living facility? Many baby boomers are finding themselves re-locating parents  from cities quite a distance from where mom and or dad will be living. ( i.e. Floridians returning to live closer to adult  children up North).  It may not be practical to bring kitchen-wares,housewares and accessories from mom or dad's original apartment or house to  their new  residence.  Instead of moving up old stuff, BUY nice old stuff (nearby). 


Buy Vintage For Mom Or Dad

Elderly parents on a fixed income are usually on very small budgets. If you need to re-locate your parents to a smaller home or Assisted Living apartment you may not want to spend too much money for what may turn out to be a temporary or short term move. A prudent way to go is to to shop second hand.

What To Put On Your Shopping List For Elderly Parents

Let me suggest a few very good ideas about some great vintage items you should buy. When out shopping for mom and or dad think functional, safe and easy to handle.   Here are some items you can buy in a consignment store or Antique Mall or at a Flea Market

1.A nice older juice set from the 1940s or 1950s  (small pitcher and small glasses).
2. Formica table with chrome legs (nice and sturdy and easy to clean).
3. Vintage Tupperware....real easy to find in vintage thrift stores.
4. Older kitchen and bathroom appliances (visit Goodwill).
5. Small tin tip trays (great for putting a cup of tea on or near the bedside for eye glasses, watch etc).
6. Vintage tin serving trays great for serving meals on.
7. Smaller vanity lamps (reasonable and charming to light up dresser).
8. Floor lamps attached to a table.
9. Side tables with rounded corners.
10. Kitchen chairs with arms for support.


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Think Small, Comfy, Safe When Downsizing Parents:

Helping Older Parents Move 

What do you need to keep in mind when you are helping your parent's downsize into a smaller place. The key words here are SMALL and  temporary.  

I know it is a hard concept to swallow, but when you move a loved one into a small apartment whether it is in an Assisted Living facility or a private apartment complex...think  small, comfy and safe. It's important to take along sentimental items, but NOT everything. It's a tough time for
everyone. Sometimes an older person is comforted  
if they know that family members will hold onto some of their keepsakes.


Comfy But Not Cluttered

Those are the three words I would  emphasize...small, comfy and safe.  When you buy or bring furniture do not over do it. Older people

 Always bring a few of mom's favorite things.

who are unsteady on their feet are fall risks. So keep the setting open and airy but cozy. Do not clutter with lots of small tables, plant stands, floor decor, area rugs  etc. that an older frail person could TRIP OVER.

Buying Smaller Scale Furniture


Vintage  furniture is often of smaller scale than what you will find today inmost furniture stores.  If you start shopping around for furniture you  will see that everything tends to be oversized. This style is great if you have a big home, but most  apartments for downsizing seniors are SMALL. This is where it makes sense to visit a Second hand store, Antique shop or Consignment shop to look for  furnishings. Many people do very well buying items on Craigslist.com Some towns have weekly newspapers with classifieds as well. Look for comfortable and safe furnishings i.e. rounded corners on tables, solid wood pieces that do not wobble, kitchen chairs with arms.

Read all my articles about "Vintage Mom and Dad"

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Getting Ready To Downsize A House

Tips From The Editor of I Antique Online.com About How To Clean Out Your Basement

Getting ready to downsize a house is a BIG step couples take. I know first hand what it is like to venture into your basement and stare at 30 years plus of stuff! The good news is that I have already made a dent in the clean up process. Years ago I unloaded the cribs, high chairs, and kid junk.

Saving Binkies: Are You Kidding?

Well perhaps I am not being totally honest here about holding onto kid junk.. I mean I do still have plastic boxes filled with every report card, book report and handmade card that my kids brought home. Why on earth do we all keep all this old paper? The answer is nostalgia. Yesterday I was cleaning out an old desk drawer and I found three rubber baby binkies from the last kid. He is twenty now. Do you think he really wants to inherit his old pacifiers?

Staying Sane When Downsizing Your House

O.K back to the subject of downsizing. How do you accomplish this task and stay sane. First you need a strategy and then you need supplies. To accomplish your goal you will need to set a realistic schedule. Now don't panic. Just because it took thirty years to get all stuffed up with junk, does not mean it will take thirty years to liquidate the load. But it will take time, so be prepared.

Step One: Get the supplies you need to be able to unload the stuff.

Supplies
1. giant industrial strength black plastic bags
2. plastic storage boxes
3. cardboard boxes from liquor store
4. giant zip lock plastic bags
5. brown paper shopping bags from grocery store

Step Two: Enlist help: Do Not Do This Yourself

If you are a baby boomer with a bad back or a couch potato with aches and pains....do not attempt to clean out thirty years of stuff by yourself. Hire a high school kid or handyman or bribe your kids, but get help with the clean out! You will need help getting things off high shelves, carrying bags of garbage to trash bins, bundling bags of like items etc. Basically you need a stuffer/sshlepper.

Step Three: Begin Creating a List of Categories

You will need to know ahead of time what is going where. Here are some common categories to consider.

Categories For Junk Liquidation

1. clothes to give away to charity
2. garbage
3. toys to give away to charity
4. books to donate to library
5. collectibles to sell
6. bric a brac to bring to Salvation Army or Goodwill etc.
7. Linens, blankets, toiletries etc. to bring to a shelter.
8. keepsakes to offer to family members.
9. junk to bring to dump yard .
10. Antiques and valuables to sell.
11. family photos and memorabilia to hold onto .
12. Broken or outdated furniture and appliances to junk.
13. old files to shred.

Step Four: Begin Sorting Out Junk

With help, I hope, you can set up your boxes and bags in the basement and start sorting out what you have into like categories. Be sure to label the boxes and bags so you know what is going where.
Once you start categorizing items, put the similar boxes and bags together in ceratin areas of your basement. Be careful not to mix up good stuff from garbage. Did I just say that? It's all JUNK isn't it?

Be sure to visit my site:

Estate Mavens: Help With Estate Liquidation

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Finding A Low Income Or Subsidized Assisted Living Apartment For Mom Or Dad

When Your Parents Need A Low Income Assisted Living Apartment

It is hard enough making the decision to transition mom or dad into a new apartment or into an Assisted Living facility when they want to stay where they are. But it is even more difficult to have to downsize parents when mom or dad has run out of funds and needs subsidized housing. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers seniors designated housing arrangements which are considered low income. How much rent the senior pays is determined by their current income and financial history.

What Is Senior Congregate Housing ?

In this category of subsidized housing (low income), are apartments in which seniors live independently in what is termed "Congregate housing" where mom or dad (or couple) has their own apartment but may share activities or meals and other services such as weekly house-keeping and transportation to doctor appointments. etc. In most subsidized housing complexes, seniors are offered studio(one room with an efficiency kitchen) or small one bedroom apartments. And in fact one bedrooms are often saved for couples. It's hard to think of a parent in "one" room but remember, most senior complexes have plenty of "living" space outside the room and want to encourage seniors to mingle and not stay isolated.

Adding Assisted Living Services To Senior Housing

Some Congregate Housing complexes also provide another level of care called Assisted Living. where clinical staff is generally contracted from an outside agency to provide nursing, social services and physical therapy services. Each complex varies on their staffing schedules and amount of services available. These nursing services are generally covered under entitlement programs.

Many Low Income Assisted Living Facilities Will Surprise You With Excellent Options

I have visited many low income senior housing complexes. Some are called "Low Income Assisted Living" and some are termed "Subsidized Congregate Housing " (with Assisted living options). To my surprise some of these facilities have as many bells and whistles as the "expensive" private Assisted Living facilities. For example, some senior subsidized residences I have toured had in- house cafes, grocery marts, beauty salon/barber shops, computer rooms, exercise rooms etc. in addition to recreation rooms, dining rooms and other standard programs which you will find for this age group.

Low Income Senior Housing Does Not Mean Substandard

The bottom line is that "low income" DOES NOT necessarily mean sub standard. In many communities housing authorities and local agencies together have managed to offer seniors some very comfortable and well managed options. And I might add, that a pretty lobby or carpeted halls does not mean "better". It is important to visit many places and evaluate your options. By the way, you might want to tour some of the private Assisted Living facilities to see how similar some of the low income places really are to the "fancy" ones.

For more help: Visit: http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/group/estatemavenshelpwithestateliquidation

Photos courtesy of Tickled Pink Antiques in Seymour, CT

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Safety Tips When Grandma Moves Into Your House

Is Your House Safe For Grandma Or Grandpa ?

Recently, I was asked by a reporter (Cammie Jones) of Augusta Magazine about safety tips when grandma or grandpa moves into your home. Here are some excerpts from my interview. Be sure to look for the article which will appear September 2011 . Please add your ideas as well in the comment section.

I think Cammie had some very important questions for me which I answered below.

1. What are some general things a family can do to prepare for the grandparent moving in, both physically and mentally?

The number one thing is safety. The house needs to be prepared to prevent Fall risks. Grip rails in bathroom, clutter cleaned up, toys out of the way, scatter rugs removed, appliances and dishes in easy reach, night lights, good lighting, dogs and cats out of the way (so you cant trip over them), etc.

2. What are some tips for a smooth transition when dealing with a health issue - be it dementia, or a physical ailment such as a broken hip, cancer, etc. How should parents explain what is going on to their children?

Aging is a normal process and when folks age there are many changes that occur such as brittle bones, slowed down motion, impaired hearing and vision, difficulty with memory and understanding. So it is bests to speak slowly and clearly looking at the person. Anticipate that grandma or grandpa may need assistance with walking or getting out of a chair. etc.

3. What are some ways to keep a feeling of normalcy for the family as well as the grandparent who is moving in? (both lives are drastically changing from the "norm.")

Offer a separate room for grandparent with a comfortable sitting chair, television, radio. Maintain boundaries and privacy. Allow grandma or grandpa to eat smaller meals and more frequently. Offer lots of fluids (dehydration) and a close access to bathroom. Invite grandparent to take part in activities i.e. watch a movie, but also allow for privacy.

4. What are some ways to handle issues that come up once the grandparent has moved in? For example, how to explain the situation to friends of the children, what if there is a habit that is bothering either the grandparent or the family that needs to be addressed?

Its wonderful to be able to take care of a grandparent. This is great for children to see first hand. But it is not easy. Respectful behavior begins with the adult child to model for the children.

Photos are from my book, "Hot Cottage Collectibles For Vintage Style Homes", Collectorbooks.com. Thanks to
Pink Pig Westport and Natasha Burns for their photos contributions.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Is What I Inherited Worth Anything?

Introducing A Group Forum To Help You Price What You Have Inherited

As editor of the largest social network on antiques and collectibles, I Antique Online.com, you can imagine how often someone writes to me and asks: "I wonder if what I inherited (from my mom or dad or grandma etc). is worth anything" ? I happily tell them about a featured group forum on I Antique Online.com called "Whadja Find" ?

Learn More About Your Inherited Item From Members Of I Antique Online.com

This group is made up of over 1000 members of I Antique Online.com who enjoy discussing items they have found or can offer some friendly advice to others who are searching for some answers. It's a perfect group forum for the average person who knows that they may have something special but just isn't as familiar with the antiques and collectibles business as some of the dealer or collector members of the group.

Curious About What You Have Inherited ?

A long time ago, I joked that we should call this group "One Night Stand" because so often I have seen people find their way onto the site and post a picture of an ordinary "bedroom night stand" that they may have acquired from grandma or mom. These new visitors to I Antique Online eagerly ask the group to help them decide what to do with their "night stand". Before long, the "one night stand" folks stay longer and enjoy being part of our
fun community.

Get Help With Identifying And Evaluating What You Have

To be clear, "Whadja Find" is not a professional appraisal service or a group of snooty of "know it alls". It's more like a group of neighbors who enjoy figuring out what you have and helping you take the next step in the process of identifying and evaluating what you have inherited or acquired.

And with over 187 Collector groups on the site, there are plenty of other resources built into this
social network.

Not Getting Snookered

But the "Whadja Find Group" is unique, because although it is made up of plenty of newbies, you will also find plenty of seasoned antique dealers, authors, experts, professional appraisers, estate liquidators, plenty of down to earth helping types and even a few "know it all" types. With the power of this popular social network you will not only get some answers about your antiques and collectibles but also plenty of members who are ready to buy what you may want to sell. And with thousands of members looking in on your discussions, it's hard to get snookered.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

What Is The First Step In Cleaning Out Your Elderly Parents House?

How Do You Begin Cleaning Out An Older Adult's House?

How do you know when going through 25, 40, 50 plus years of mom and dad's stuff, what are the keepers? what needs to be tossed? and what gets passed on? For many adult children, before they even call in a consultant they often are asked by mom and pop to check out the common storage areas. This review of the project(s) ahead is what I refer to as the "looking phase". I consider this step an exploratory visit to determine what it is that is "down under" (basement) or " above" (attic).

The "Looking Phase"

Clean outs are always a major family dilemma for adult children or grandchildren faced with the overwhelming task of sorting through and dispersing of the "treasures" in mom and dad's house. You may of course decide that you need to bring in a professional, but perhaps you are just beginning to take a look at things. How should you approach the "looking phase".

Wear Proper Gear When Doing Clean Outs: Hello Rubber Gloves

First I would encourage all of you to dress in the proper gear when you go snooping around basements, attics and garages that have not seen "the light of day" in quite some time. Pack along plenty of flashlights and bring light bulbs with you. Don't forget the rubber gloves or surgical gloves and wear clothing that you will not worry about ever again.

Do You have Rubber Boots?

Don't laugh, but I tell people to wear rubber boots when they are going down to basements that have not been kept up in years . Oh, I almost forgot.....bring along a disposable surgical mask....it can get pretty damp, musty, dusty etc in basements (and attics or garages). This is not a job for wimps or for folks with health conditions.

Keep Mom And Dad Safe: Fall Risks

And by all means.....keep your parents safe, especially parents who may be at risk for falling. Fragile older adults belong relaxed on the couch in the living room. If mom and or dad are eager to see what they have ignored for 25 years or more, take some pictures, but keep them out of danger's way.

By the way, if you and your family are not up for this type of adventure...and you have the funds to do so....hire some help.

Read more in Estate Mavens

Photo are courtesy of The Junk Shop Of Canton, Canton Ct. Eric is a great resource for clean outs.


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Moving Mom And Dad Into An Assisted Living Apartment: What To Take

Transitioning To An Assisted Living Apartment: Tips About Setting Up A New Home

If someone gave me the option to downsize and move into a lovely Assisted Living Residence with three delicious meals prepared for me and afternoon tea, bingo and field trips...I would sign up in a flash. In fact my kids know that my wish would be to find such a place near the ocean. In 25 years from now, that would be a dream come true for me. But for many elderly people who are at that juncture right now, moving to an Assisted Living development is not an easy sell.

When An Assisted Living Arrangement Makes Sense

Most older adults want to stay right where they are, in their family home with all the comforts that they are accustomed to. The idea of packing up a three or four bedroom home and downsizing to a small one or two bedroom apartment in an Assisted Living residence is an idea which is usually rejected at first by most older adults.

For some healthier seniors, a good solution might really be to remain in their own home with private home health aides or to move in with adult children. But these arrangements may not work for all. Let's be honest, for many ailing older adults or elderly folks with dementia, a smaller and safer environment along with 24-7 supervision and nursing care options is really a much better plan. This is when Assisted Living arrangements make the most sense.

Try Out The Assisted Living Arrangement First

If you are an adult child helping to care for your adult parent, you may find yourself in the position of transitioning your loved one to smaller quarters such as an apartment in an Assisted Living complex. Most highly respected places allow you to try out their facility with a short term stay such as 1-3 months or longer. Most places generally have furnished apartments to try out before you actually commit to a move. This is a good idea for both your parents and for you. You will get a chance to test out the arrangement.

Moving Into An Assisted Living Apartment

Now let's say you are pleased with the facility and you would like to actually downsize and help your parent(s )move into this facility. What should you bring/ Should you start from scratch and buy all new furniture and accessories? Or should you bring mom or dad's old furniture?

What You Should Bring To An Assisted Living Apartment?

Here is what I have discovered....these apartments are generally very small. They can not handle large bedroom sets, big China closets, huge dining room sets , big old couches. What might make sense is to select certain cherished pieces and integrate them with some new smaller furnishings.

Trading In Your Couch For Two Comfy Chairs

One couple I recently met showed me their downsized apartment. They traded in a couch for two comfy matching leather chairs, each with a foot rest. This arrangement allowed them more room and flexibility to move the chairs as needed. They did however bring all their favorite paintings and photographs which hang in their living room and second bedroom.

Think Carefully About Your Bed Arrangement

Another resident I was introduced to at an area Assisted Living residence brought a few pieces from her bedroom set, along with her lamps, but decided to order a new full size bed to replace her very old tired mattress and over sized bed frame. For couples where one or both members are ill, I strongly suggest buying two twin beds. Trust me, you will find this arrangement much more practical when nursing needs increase such as Oxygen or bed baths etc.

Re-Creating That Cozy Feeling

It is important to help older adults make the best transition they can to a new residence. It is critical for them to feel as much at home in the new place as the can. Bringing special items from home will help make the adjustment that much easier!

For some great help on estate liquidation, visit Estate Mavens on I Antique Online.com. This is a group forum that I initiated to help others cope with managing estates and downsizing parents.

Photos taken at Seymour Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Cleaning Out Mom's House:

When Baby Boomers Are Faced With Cleaning Out Mom's House

What's worse than cleaning out your own basement or garage ?.....it's cleaning out mom's house. Ask any baby boomer who is faced with this job what they think about the challenge and I bet you will hear a lot of kvetching (yiddish for complaining). And if you want to be kind to your owns kids (who will be cleaning out YOUR house...now is the time for all of us baby boomers to get a handle on our own piles of junk....oh I mean family "treasures".

Cleaning Out Mom's House: The Family Drama

Often the decision to clean out a family member's home comes after a trying time such as a long illness or passing on of a loved one. This is always a very difficult time and layered with all kinds of family drama .....let's be honest here...it ain't easy! In fact to be true to my kitschy self.... let's face it, we all could fill up a lot of hours of Reality T.V. discussing what goes on in families when everyone is maxed out.

Kitchen Shrink Advice About Liquidations

When families are operating on high adrenaline, they tend to rush into too many decisions. You will often see well intended siblings move in too quickly to "organize' mamas things. Here is a bit of Kitchen Shrink free advice......go slowly.....give everyone a chance to absorb their feelings and to work out the inevitable family dynamics.

Resist The Urge To Dive Into The Cleaning Out Mode

Many people falsely conclude that the activity of "clearing out stuff" can somehow magically "get rid of the heavy emotional load" that all mourners carry. I have seen many people dive into the "clean out" mode way before they were really psychologically ready to disperse of or get rid of family mementos and years of accumulation. What's the real rush? Chill.....take your time, you'll thank me.

Advice from An Antiques Dealer

As an antique and collectibles dealer, I of course love to discover fresh estate sales or to advise families about cleaning out mom's house. But as someone who has had to pack up my own family member's belongings, I would say to others to resist the urge to "get rid of stuff too soon".

Consider Packing Belonging In Plastic Boxes And Waiting To Disperse

Perhaps an important interim step might be to buy some large plastic storage boxes and sort out what you have first labeling all your boxes for later review. When the time comes to disperse them to family members or sell some of your things or to give them away to charity, you might want to consult Estate Mavens on I Antique Online.com. This is a group forum that I initiated to help others cope with managing estates.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Who Can I Hire For An Estate Sale Or Tag Sale?

Ask For Help When Liquidating Mom's House

The Good Stuff May Not Be In The China Closet

Should you hire a professional to run an Estate Sale or Tag Sale when you are selling off the contents of a parent's home? Or should you engage family members and conduct a tag sale or yard sale yourself ? Unless you have a super helpful family with a lot of time and knowledge.....I say you are nuts to do it yourself.

Running An Estate Sale Is A BIG Job

Running an estate sale is a BIG JOB! And from the volumes of emails I receive asking me to advise family members about whether what they have to sell has any value? I would say that bringing in someone who has experience on these matters is really critical. I have read many emails that have pictures attached to them with great things that would be of great interest to many buyers as well as looked at photos of items that were in very rough shape and work a few dollars at the most.

Hidden Treasures At An Estate Sale

But sometimes the stuff which seems like it in very "rough" shape is actually the hidden treasure.. You really need to know what the market iit is where you are. What folks are looking for in Manhattan may be very different than what they buy in a small town elsewhere.

What I have learned over the years is that the really "good stuff" may not be in the China Closet, but in the basement, garage or attic. Come on, you all have watched all these new T.V. Reality Shows on antiques and collectibles. Where are they poking around? Not in the Curio cabinet but in the rafters of the garage or storage areas.

Grandma Chic Versus Industrial Chic

In today's market, "Industrial Chic" is in, "Grandma Chic" is out. An old rusty factory table or stool may be of more interest to buyers than a nice Maple kitchen table. How crazy is that. I vote for bringing in a professional, someone who has been in the business for awhile and is well networked with auction Houses, antique stores, collectors and experts.

Even if the home that you are trying to liquidate is filled rooms of bric-a-brac and ordinary "used furniture", it is still a big deal to try to organize, price and sell off all these things. Why make the job harder than it has to be.....call in a professional Estate or Tag Sale service.

Introducing Estate Mavens

For more information about this topic, visit Estate Mavens
Estate Mavens is a resource group which you will find on my site I Antique Online.com.
You will find all the help you need to learn more about what you have to sell and who can help you.

Photos courtesy of "Refind Green Designs" Downtown, Manchester, CT 860-550-1954

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Cleaning Out Your Parent's House: Letting Go Gently

Selling An Estate Or Helping Your Parents Downsize

That dreaded day has finally come...you are asked to go clean out mom and or dad's house. But where do you begin? Your elderly parents tell you often that they have a lot of "valuables" in the house. But what do they mean by "valuables" ?

First I would like to clarify the term "valuables". An object (collectible) has psychological "value" as well as market value.
Most of us get attached to parts of our home whether it be a favorite chair or treasured coffee cup.

It's hard to say good bye to our dear furnishings and or housewares, decor etc. Older adults often need help letting go of belongings which have lots of meaning for them Adult children need to help their parents let go of their treasures in a gentle manner.

Sentimental Value: Letting Go Of Family Treasures

Lets us start with the concept of sentimental value? Getting to the place when you are beginning to let go of family treasures and furnishings is a very big deal. This is a process which needs to happen over time in stages.

Unfortunately, many older adults who downsize into a smaller apartment, nursing home, assisted living facility etc. simply can't take everything with them. So often time, adult children are faced with having to help mom and dad part with rooms filled with memories. It is my hope that many of you may take some time to make wise decisions.

Have Family Gathering Sessions To Share Memories

Sometimes, the transition is made easier, when furniture and belongings are dispersed among family members such as adult children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Many older adults feel so much better knowing that what they have will be passed onto to others in the family. I remember my Aunt Dotty inviting me over to her apartment before she moved to Florida to pick out some of my favorite kitchen dishes and serving pieces. But what if the younger members of the family are not interested in older furniture or decorative accessories? What is the next step?

Having An Interim Plan Before You Let Go Of The Contents Of A Home

For some families, the need to sell off the contents of a house or even the house itself, comes way before the psychological work of letting go of memories has been completed. Older adults may need help in the letting go process. Here are some ways to begin helping older adults transition into smaller space.

1. Have immediate family members (adult children) gather in the home to have time to share memories and to go through belongings together.

2. A second or third gathering might include adult grandchildren or nephews and nieces to the home to also share in the letting go process.

3. Designate important belongings to come along into the new residence.

4. Consider putting furnishings and family collectibles in storage as an interim step.

5. Consult an estate liquidation expert. Consult: Estate Mavens on my site I Antique Online.com.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Liquidating Your Parent's Home Fast and Efficiently: Hiring A Professional Estate Sale Service

Getting Rid Of Your Parent's Stuff Quickly And Efficiently

One of the fastest and most efficient ways to get rid of a house full of stuff after a family member has passed on or mom/dad decides to move to an assisted living facility or smaller place is to have an estate sale in the home. You can recruit family members to help you hold the sale (BIG JOB) or engage an estate sale professional to conduct the sale for you (SENSIBLE IDEA) .

When To Call In An Auction House

When there is a lot of very good furniture, paintings, jewelry you can also consider hiring an auction service that may actually run the auction right on the premises or select out some of the contents to sell in their auction house.


When An Estate Or Tag Sale Makes Sense

While calling in an auction house may make sense for some estates, for many families, the treasures left behind fall more into the tag, garage or yard sale category than the gavel category. Boxes of unopened can openers, kitchen canisters, glassware, store premiums etc. do well when sold at an organized estate or garage sale. The same is true for older linens in fair condition, common book collections, knick knacks, housewares, Made In Japan figurines, holiday decorations, luggage, old boxes, old tins, clothing, lawn furniture, records, common paper collectibles, tools, puzzles, etc. Of course you may have a few gems hidden in the piles of accumulated stuff. This is a perfectly sound reason why getting professional help makes sense.

Professionals Have Know How Which Is Key To Having A Successful Estate Sale

The task of pricing lots of "smalls" can be quite a project and it is great to have experienced professionals come into you home and do all the tedious work. Estate sale companies bring tables, staff and know how to your sale making the process so much smoother. Professionals also know how to promote and advertise a sale which is key to the process.

Networking To Others in The Estate Liquidation Business

People who run the sale for you can be a tremendous help because they are usually already networked to others in the business such as auctioneers, antique dealers, delivery and trash services. It can be an overwhelming task for adult children to come into their parent's home and know how to disperse years worth of furniture, collectibles and JUNK.

Stages of Liquidating The Contents Of An Estate

1. Family members visit the home and review and discuss the contents of the home and any written directives about who is getting what. If nothing was in writing, the immediate family needs to talk about how they are going to divide the contents.

2. The next step is to disperse sentimental and requested items among adult children, grandchildren, relatives etc.

3.The family should then make decisions about how to disperse the rest of the home, garage, attic.

4. Families should discuss possible options available to them when deciding to liquidate ta parent's home. Family members can liquidate a home themselves or engage a professional estate sale liquidator .

5. Next, a designated family member calls in a few estate sale professionals to interview them about their services.

How To Find Estate Sale Professional

1. Visit Estate Mavens a wonderful forum for resources on my site I Antique Onlile.com
2. Network with friends who have used services.
3. Contact a a trusted real estate company who will know of services.
4. Call a reputable auction house for referrals of estate sale professionals.
5. Ask a local and trusted antique shop or antique mall for referrals.
6. Look at advertisements in you local newspaper to see who is actively doing this work.
7. Check out http://www.estatesales.net/
8. Watch for sales in your area and visit a sale run by professionals.

These wonderful photos are from the collection at http://www.etsy.com/shop/kelleystreetvintage

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists