Should Empty Nesters Who Like Collecting Downsize, Upsize Or Stay The Same Size When Buying a New Home

Are You Ready To Downsize ?

Empy Nesters Should You Downsize. Upsize Or Stay in The Same Square Feet? 

Many couples labor over whether they should "downsize" , "upsize" or stay the same size when changing homes after the kids are grown up.  To help you decide what to do I need to ask you (and others you might live with) a critical question.... Are you a hopeless collector/saver? Additonally, do you (or mate) go to Tag sales and Flea Markets regularly?

Time To Let Go And Move On...Maybe 

STOP right here if you you are indeed a shopper, collector and bona fide saver. Unless you are ready to throw out your kid's report cards from kindergarten (your kids are married with children) or dump old appliance parts...you are not truly downsize ready. The leap to a truly smaller home or apartment needs to happen gradually...when you are serious!

This is not to discourage you from moving to the Condo/cottage /apartment etc of your dreams, but to realize that downsizing takes time.

Downsizing A Home Is A Process

Downsizing is a process.  Stage one is to begin to de-clutter the family home you are living in while you are exploring new home options. You will never be totally ready for the move, so give up on the idea of getting the purging all done in time for a move. STUFF will come with you no matter what. Accept the fact that you will be revisiting your junk (the stuff you didnt get to) in your new place.

Stage two is sorting out things in your new home and thinking about a smaller place the next time you are thinking about smaller places.  

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

Helping Mom And Dad Sell Antiques, Collectibles, Art When There Are Beginning Signs of Dementia

Helping Older Adults Downsize When There Are Early Signs of Dementia 

A few years ago, my dad was beginning to liquidate the contents of his home. He began by trying to sell his paintings which he had acquired in his more prosperous years. With a turn in the economy he was hoping to sell off some of his paintings to help pay the bills.

Saying Good Bye To Art And Collections

It was indeed a very sad state of affairs when dad had to part with the paintings he had collected for many years. At that time dad still had his memory and cognitive abilities. He knew how to evaluate who he was getting advice from and he was still actively engaged in the world at large.

Helping Parents Sell Antiques And Collections: Estate Liquidation

But what happens when a parent begins to develop early dementia and slowly begins to slip away from the world at large.  Should they be selling anything on their own? This post is to open up the conversation about helping older adults participate in downsizing before they are having progressed symptoms of dementia. And by all means, keep mom and dad always in the loop, gently helping them with the process.

Keeping An Eye On What Parfents Are Sellng And When

If you are the adult child of a parent who is an Octogenarian or even older you will probaly find yourself involved sooner or later in the care of that parent and the liquidation of  heirlooms, collectibles and valuables. It is best to keep on eye on the situration as early as possible. If you suspect that a parent is starting  to have trouble with memory, activities of  daily living  or managing their household and finances etc. they will certainly need help in dealing with  Auction houses, galleries, Antique stores etc. Even if your parent(s) has modest collections, you still want to evaluate what you have before you accept any offers.

Intervening Early When A Parent Starts Showing Signs of Dementia

The time to step into the situtation is before the symptoms of dementia as described below are observed. However if you find yourself already in the middle of Mom or dad's dementia, you may want to take a more active role in deciding what goes where and when.

You will also need to get legal authority, so be sure to consult an attorney to establish a Power of Attorney so you can advocate for a parent who needs your help.

How I Antique Online.com Can Help With Resources And  Information

If you do not have a background in antiques, collectibles or art you may want to join my free site I Antique Online.com. This is the largest social network on antiques and  collectibles. With over two hundred group forums on every imaginable topic related  to  antiques, you will find lots of helpful information and resources. We welcome new members and you wil find a very congenial atmosphere . This is a great community to help you learn more about the collectibles you are evaluating and the options available to you for liquidation.

I especially urge you to visit a group on the site I Antique Online.com called "Estate Mavens: Help With Estate Liquidation" . I co-moderate this group along with Julie Hasll aka The Estate Lady.

Signs Of Early Dementia

Some of the signs that a parent might show when there are early signs of  dementia are :

1. Confusion about what bills to pay.
2. Paying the same bill several times.
3. Unopened mail.
4. Disorganized workspace.
5. Comfusion on how to use computer and send and receive emails.
6. Pulloing away form uusal activities i.e. reading the newspaper, going food shopping.
7. Not eating and drinking properly, getting dehyddrated.
8. Poor grooming, not shaving, not bathing.
9. Mixing up the names of children, forgetting important events and milestones.
10. Change in personality

Photos were taken at Antiques On The Farmington, Collinsville, CT

Read :
CARING FOR AGING PARENTS VINTAGE MOM AND DAD http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/search/label/older%20adults


If you need help regarding Senior Care Services and Eldercare contact my friend Sheri Morris MSW, ACSW, LCSW a very experienced Geriatric Social Worker. Her website is My Senior Care Connection. 

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 Help With Estate Liquidation For Elderly Parents

Introducing Estate Mavens: Help With Liquidation A New Group On I Antique Online.com

As the editor of I Antique Online.com, I hear from a lot of people who want to know how to go about selling their parent's stuff. Everyone always asks "who should they call". Antique dealers who have been in the business for a long time and who may own their own store, are quite familiar with the customer who strolls into the shop with a box of "goodies " that they may have found while cleaning out mom's house.

Is Your Stuff Of Interest To An Antique Dealer?

Many shop owners enjoy digging through boxes of "stuff" brought to them by "walk-ins". It's always amusing to me to watch a seemingly sincere customer drag in a box of JUNK trying to convince the shop owner that valuable treasures are to be had!


Who Can You Trust When Trying To Sell Mom And Dads Antiques And Collectibles?

On the other hand, there are those times when a customer arrives to their neighborhood antique shop after dumping out the contents of mom's dresser drawer into a shoe box, and the shop owner realizes that there are indeed valuable pieces of jewelry amongst the junk. A trustworthy dealer will be straight up with their valued customers, but how do you know who you can trust? And let's face it, as the Reality T.V. Shows have demonstrated, you can't be an expert on everything. Some people know documents, others are more familiar with furniture, while others are specialists on jewelry.

Introducing Estate Mavens: A Group Forum

When you are trying to sell off mom and dad's stuff, you need to know more about who you are consulting. I have just added a new feature on my site I Antique Online.com called Estate Mavens: Help With Liquidation a group forum to offer tips and resources with the liquidation of an estate. Here you will learn more about how to deal with mom and dad's stuff.

Co-moderating this new group with me is The Estate Lady, Julie Hall. Please come visit us at Estate Mavens for help when you are coping with downsizing, soriting and selling an estate.
Read More:

How To Divide Your Family's Estate And Heirlooms by Julie Hall

Boomer Burden: Dealing With Your Parents Lifetime Accumulations by Julie Hall

Photos taken at http://www.millerscrossingct.com/

Read :
CARING FOR AGING PARENTS VINTAGE MOM AND DAD http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/search/label/older%20adults


If you need help regarding Senior Care Services and Eldercare contact my friend Sheri Morris MSW, ACSW, LCSW a very experienced Geriatric Social Worker. Her website is My Senior Care Connection. 
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

Buying A Used Dinette Set For Elderly Parents

What To Look For When Buying Vintage Or Older Furniture For Mom Or Dad

What do you need to think about when you are out shopping for a second hand dinette set for an elderly family member?    Be sure that any table and chairs you are considering are really sturdy. You have to be very careful what you buy for this age group. Wobbly old seniors do not need wobbly old tables. You are probably already aware that many frail seniors steady themselves by holding onto a table or chair when lifting themselves up and away from the kitchen or dining table. With this in mind, look for used or vintage furniture in very good shape.

Inspect all tables and chairs carefully before buying them.
The photo shown here is of a  used Country style table with an easy to clean Formica top. The table top is easy to keep clean,   Make sure the legs on all the chairs and the table are SOLID and sturdy. When buying a kitchen or dining set for a frail elderly person, be sure to have at least one chair that has arms. Again, this is to help the person lift themselves up and away from the table. If you can not find a table set with this type of chair, consider buying one "orphaned" chair to use.

And don't buy a table that is too small either. Remember to leave room for visiting family
members and caretakers.

Be sure to read more articles about this topic at
http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/search/label/%22Vintage%20Mom%20And%20Dad%22

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

What A Good Nursing Home Looks Like When You Visit

How To Find The Best Nursing Home For Mom Or Dad

I know there a many articles on how to go about choosing a Nursing Home for a parent, but I just have to add my two cents into the resource literature. We need to talk.
Selecting Mom Or Dad's Long Term Care 

Often mom or dad  gets directly admitted to a local Nursing Home after some awful event like a bad fall or medical event.
Sixty per cent of admissions to Nursing Homes come from hospital transfers (By the way, you do know that you can always move mom or dad to  another facility after the urgent crisis is over).
Finding The Right Nursing Home

Now  let's talk about choosing a Nursing  Home (a long term facility) when the family has time to actually select the placement? This is the topic I want to discuss with my readers. I have just made the rounds on  many Nursing Homes and can speak from experience (I am also a retired Nurse Practitioner). I am looking for a placement for a family member who is in need of more care than what an Assisted Living placement can offer. This is one of the most difficult jobs you will have to take on.
Medicare Guidelines To Review 

You will find  plenty of important  published guidelines to consider when  reviewing Nursing Homes. For those facts, I urge you to visit:  http://www.medicare.gov/nursing/overview.asp a site that will allow you to check out and compare  Nursing Homes  based on such important categories as "staffing", "health inspections" etc. While this is a very valuable website to look at when choosing a Nursing Home for a family member, I strongly urge you not to base your opinion  entirely on this data. It is only a start. Read more about the limitations of these  guidelines at  http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/20/health/20patient.html?ref=health


Visit Nursing Homes In Person

Those in the know will tell you that you must actually go and visit each and every Nursing Home you are considering. What I found in so many Nursing Homes is that even though the lobbies were attractive and the receptionist in each place appeared  efficient and courteous ... something key was missing! In home after home that I toured, after I got past the entance way the total picture seemed to change.

As I toured many long term facilities, going floor to floor, in a very short time, I felt a sense of sadness and depression (and I was only visiting, imagine the residents who llive there). Something very critical was absent.  That something was a sense of LIFE! Read more to see if you can get what I mean.

What A Good Nursing Home Should Have

The long term care facility that I  really liked the most had the following characteristics that I share with you. 

As soon as I walked into the facility (that I will consider a "model" for what a good Nursing Home should have,  I was made to feel at home. I felt like I was walking into a family setting where several administrative staff members were bantering with each other and also with some of the ambulatory residents who were in the main lobby area. Their conversations were warm and engaging. Most striking was that all the residents of this facility looked well cared for; cheerfully dressed and busy; whether in bed, in the various dining areas, activity programs, clinical areas, or  bright and charming  windowed sitting areas.  The place was lively. There were other indicators of "life"...lots of healthy green plants, current magazines and newspapers displayed on prominent racks throughout  the facility, lots of display boards with hourly  activities written in large letters so residents could see what is going on each hour.There was obvious evidence that an informed Geriatric staff was paying attention to the real and holistic needs of their residents.


In The Nursing Home: What Do The Clinical Areas Look Like? 

In the "clinical areas" the staff wore colorful  uniforms and were truly  interacting with patients in respectful ways. When I was taken around by the Admission's director, she introduced me to the residents that we met along the way. She made the other patients feel like they were part of the community and that they had something valuable to offer. Staff communicated to residents professionally and not like children. I was introduced to ALL staff (nursing, dietary, activities, maintenance etc). I sensed that everyone that worked in this residence was valued and respected.

My guess is that the reason the residents in this facility looked better and appeared stronger is because of the tremendous efforts this long term residence is making to keep their residents oriented, active and involved in their care. There were no patients slumped over meal trays or"vegetating" alone  in beds with no sign of life in site.

I am convinced that older adults even with multiple health concerns can  thrive in the right nurturing environment. Like the green plants I saw sitting on the windowsills, older adults need to be cared for with   lots of attention, sunshine, nutrition, water and love. Visit many Nursing Homes before you make  this critical decision. Your instincts will lead you in the right direction.

Read http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/20/health/20patient.html?ref=health

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

Advertisng Tips For Antique Dealers And Estate Liquidators

How To Reach Older Adults Who Have Antiques To Sell Or Estates To Liquidate

We have a local free booklet style paper in town called "The Yankee Flyer" which features items for sale, local advertising and classifieds. The "Yankee Flyer" is mailed out to homeowners weekly free of charge. Almost every area has a similar type of paper. The smart advertisers keep their listings in the paper each week or at frequent intervals so that if a reader is looking for someone to haul junk, for example, chances are they can find the same guy (or gal) listed regularly.

Advertising On A Regular Basis

Advertising has to be something you commit to multiple times because people will spot you once and then forget about you until they really need you. And not everyone clips advertisements out of their papers. Or who can find the clippings when you need to.
Reaching Out To Older Adults

Now the beauty of "The Yankee Flyer " and other smaller local newspapers is that their advertising programs are very reasonable for the amount of residents they reach. Even though Craigslist has become very popular, smaller print classified papers still have their place, especially for older adults who may not be as dependent on computers as their children. And older adults are just the clients who have stuff to sell or liquidate!

Keeping Your Service A Household Name

If you have a service to provide, such as estate liquidation, appraising antiques and collectibles, buying antiques and collectibles, running tag sales, consignment selling etc. advertising in a local paper may be a very productive way to reach folks looking for what you may be offering. But please remember to run your listings or display ads regularly. The best advertising programs require repeat exposure so that you too will become a household name.

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

Getting Ready To Sell Your Parent's House

Can You Move Mom And Dad Without Losing Your Mind?

We are all in this together...as Baby Boomers approach their fifth and sixth decade, our parents are moving into their eighth or ninth decade. And let the games begin....can you re-locate mom or dad into a safer smaller residence without losing your mind?

Does Your Mom and Dad's House Have Outdated Decor?

Am I being too harsh here? If your parent's have been living in a home for ...let's say... 30--40 years and when they bought that home it was OLD to start with... and they didn't believe in updates.....you may looking at a house or apartment with COLORS and DECOR that are very "UNIQUE" and a challenge to sell (in this lousy market) unless you take some DRASTIC measures.

Consulting With A Home Staging Expert

Well maybe "drastic" is a bit dramatic but at least you might consider, making some important changes. Ask your realtor to suggest some one who specializes in Home Staging. These professionals will know just what you should do to get the house ready for resale. It might mean, removing old carpets and exposing the hard wood floors. Or perhaps, "neutralizing" the paint colors on the walls. And good home styling experts have plenty of tricks to imply to make the house look fresh and updated. A few key changes could mean the difference in selling or not selling a house. And you may just re-coup way more for the value of the home than you expected by investing a little time and money in some reasonable updates.

If you recognize your mom or dad's house in the list below..........you may want to begin breaking the news to your parents that

Does Your Mom Or Dad's House Have Any Of The Following Decor And Appliances ? RED FLAGS

-Pink and black or turquoise bathrooms (circa 1950)
-Avocado green carpets ( circa late 1960s into 1970s)
-Orange counter tops (circa 1960s).
-Poodle wallpaper in the hall bathroom (circa 1950s).
-Teal carpets and pink wall (circa 1980s)
-Turquoise oven (circa 1950s)
-Brown shag rug in the den (circa 1970)
-Pink Swan wallpaper in the Master bathroom, (circa 1950s).
-Dark panel wall in the T.V. room, (circa 1950s, 1960s, 1970s).
-Confetti linoleum floors in the kitchen (circa 1940s, 1950s).
-Red Formica counters (circa late 1940s, 1950s).
-Flat beige worn rugs in the living room and dining room (circa 1950s).
-Faux white brick wallpaper in the dining room (circa 1950s).
-Hot pink and orange wall covering, drapes, carpet in the upstairs bedroom (circa 1960s).
-Harvest Gold appliances in the kitchen (circa 1970s).

Be sure to read more at Estate Mavens

Top photo courtesy of http://www.oldhouseweb.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.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

When To Start Organizing Mom's House

When To Start Liquidating A Family Estate

Trust me on this one...there is no time like right now to get cracking on the eventual project of cleaning out your mom's ( or dad's) house or apartment. What are you waiting for? As I have written about before.....open some closets, visit the attic, peek into the garage and basement.... in other words......get a handle on what you are facing.

Make sure that your parent's house is cared for or you may learn when it is too late that everything that they have been holding onto is damaged or beyond being salvaged. And cleaning out basements that have had leaks, sewage problems and/or mold will cost a great deal of money to liquidate, repair and restore.

Tell Me More About "The Estate"

The time will come when you and your siblings will find yourself downsizing your parent's home or facing the liquidation of an estate. Now when I use the word estate....I'm using it loosely...because many of our parents do not have "estates" like the Rockefeller family. Most of the folks I know, have moms and pops that have a house filled with junk and when the term "estate" is used, I have to chuckle.

What Treasures Is Mom Holding Onto?

Yes I know that everyone thinks their home is their castle, but having said that, the treasures that many people hold onto (broken appliances, camping gear, kindergarten drawings, old receipts etc) are just not the goodies that the big spenders are after at an estate sale" or antique auction.

Surprises In The Basement Or Attic Which Will Cost You Money

I too watch all the antique related shows on television about surprises in the attic or basement.....but my experience has been, that the biggest surprise that adult children will discover is that if you don't tackle the clean out sooner than later...the JOB GETS HARDER AND HARDER.
In fact I have head of too many stories of adult children visiting their parent's home and finding that not only have their parent's aged, but so has the house (or apartment). And with age comes all the unwanted household issues such as outdated plumbing, mold, leaks, damaged roof, crumbling foundation, overgrown trees, pests etc.

Here Are Some Common Surprises You May Find If You Wait To Long To Inspect And Clean Out A House

1. A basement, laundry room, den with MOLD.
2. Water in a basement , laundry room storage area with wet boxes of stored items.
3. Moth eaten clothing or other insect and rodent damage.
4. Damaged or wet paper items ( photographs, albums).
5. Rust on metal items (tools, ladders, shelves etc).
6. Rotten wood (old tables, chairs, benches, stools , trunks)
6. Odors which have soaked through keepsakes and collectibles.
And more........

For more information on cleaning out homes and estate liquidation, visit 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.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Moving To A Condo: Motivation To Start The Clean Out

Downsizing Your House When The Kids Move Out

I have been in a downsizing mode since the last kid went off to college. But here is the kicker, my kids think our home is a place for storage while they have these cute smaller apartments in the city.
Every time I think I have straightened out the basement or the upstairs closets, a new load of stuff seems to arrive from my adult kids.

Basement Stuffed With Everyone's "Storage"

Whenever I speak about moving to a condo, my friends ask me how on earth I will manage when I have so much stuff in my basement. Besides the kids "storage" items, I have craft supplies up the kazoo and boxes filled with "antiques" and "collectibles" aka " the stuff that I am having a hard time selling".

Motivating Yourself To Clean Out The Basement

So the cycle continues...every few months I make an effort to go down to the basement and tidy it up. One season I actually declared that I was going to actually move into a condo! (I'm still in the big house) . But the idea of a condo motivated me to really do a very serious clean out of my basement.

Supervising The BIG CLEAN OUT

What exactly did I accomplish when my friend Pam came over to supervise this BIG CLEAN OUT ?
Well we got rid of a box of wrapping paper and donated some books to the Goodwill store. Now when I need a piece of wrapping paper I am at a loss...it's gone.......what was I thinking?

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 courtesy of 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

Helping Older Parents Pack Up Their House

Tips For Adult Children On How To Help Mom And Dad Downsize Their Home

What adult child doesn't strategize on how they will go to their parent's home and dump all the junk accumulated in the basement, garage, attic, shed etc. Not to mention the treasures hidden away in the closet, drawers and extra bedroom? I mean who wouldn't want to inherit 74 million rubber bands, 10 tons of plastic grocery bags, a hundred pounds of plastic bag ties? Now that is a cache that anyone one of us would scheme to get our hands on.

Sorting Out Junk From Heirlooms

And if the adult children and grandchildren don't fuss over who is inheriting the rubber bands or twist ties, I'm sure outside companies who clean out houses would compete for the bid to cart out such heirlooms?

When Are Household Items Ready To Become Compose?

And what about all the olive green and orange plastic housewares bought at the neighborhood Cheap store? Isn't that worth a mint? Or what's the deal on the stained, moth eaten, soggy soiled linens which have been growing moss for the last 60 years...aren't they collectible? Sure they are...to a farmer looking for compose!

Helping Older Adults Understand What Is Collectible ?

The first step in helping older folks downsize or liquidate an estate is to help them understand what has value and what does not. How do you accomplish this goal?

On the Job Training
I say you need to do some on the job training. That's right leave the parent home ....with the parent(s) and go on a field trip. Follow me on this one. First visit the bathroom , then grab the walker, the sweater, the jacket, the Kleenex and the bottle of extra water and head out the door to a nearby well established Antique Mall or large group shop.

Visit An Antique Mall As A Field Trip

I actually took a family member out for a little car ride to the Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT where I have a shop called "Kitsch n Stuff". My theory was that if I walked around the store (very slowly) with my family member, I could begin to give her an idea about what she has that might be collectible and what the market values are on such objects.

Are Their Price Guides For Grocery Bags?

Another starting point is to visit a library and take out price guides on antiques and collectibles to become more familiar with the range and values of collectible items. Right now my husband and his mom are reviewing a book on old tools. While you can't become an expert over night, I guarantee you that there are no price guides on plastic bags from Waldbaums, Stop And Shop, Publix, Wegmans, Winn-Dixie etc.

For some real 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.

Photos taken at Seymour Antiques Company, 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

What To Do With Junk When Cleaning Out A House

Got A House Filled With Plastic Bags........ Make Art Not Garbage

You have heard of the phrase, "from rag to riches", but what about "from plastic bags to riches"? Here is my question to you......does the junk that accumulates in mom or dad's house amount to anything besides garbage? Or put another way... are the plastic garbage bags worth anything?

Why Do Seniors Hold Onto Plastic Bags?

Let's start at the beginning. Why do older adults hang onto so many plastic bags? Any bona fide Depressoin era survivor has learned to save every single plastic bag that comes into their home. For someone in their eighties...that is a lot of PLASTIC BAGS over a life time. And let's face it, this habit was established way before it was cool to be "green" in the kitchen.

Should You Throw Out Plastic Bags?

But let's say that the time has come to pack up mom and or dad's home to move into a smaller place or to liquidate an estate? Should you throw out the plastic bags, save them, donate them or even try to sell them?

My first thought is that if you are planning to have a tag or yard sale, save the plastic bags to use in the sale for buyer to take home their goodies in.

Introducing Plastic Bag Artists

But I also want to tell you that there are oodles of people who are "plastic bag artists". Over the years I have met many mixed media artists who make art out of plastic bags. You will find plastic bag artists who all types of plastic bags and re-work them to make to make figures, pocketbooks, chairs, clothing, table decorations, party decor, masks, furniture etc. out of grocery bags, garbage bags, newspaper bags etc.

Throw Out The Garbage, Not The Garbage Bags

So if you discover a room or closet filled with plastic bags.......don't be so quick to discard them.
Hold onto to some to use for an upcoming yard sale and consider offering them or selling them (cheaply) to a plastic bag artist.

Photos courtesy of:
http://szildiko.blogspot.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

How To Advertise Your Tag Sale, Yard Sale, Estate Sale

How To Have A Successful Tag Sale, Yard Sale, Estate Sale With FREE Advertising

You may have great tag sale or estate sale stuff to sell, but if you don't create some buzz, how will you attract lots of buyers? Some people are lucky enough to live on a street with high traffic and lots of visibility. But folks who have homes or apartments which are tucked away in residential communities need extra help in getting the word out about their upcoming tag, yard, garage, estate sale.

Who Buys At Tag, Estate, Yard Sales

First I want to discuss two different types of buyers. The casual buyer may be a neighbor who sees your sale sign and stops by your home or yard to browse and perhaps pick up a few bargains. But another type of buyer may be an antique dealer or collector who is after a particular item and searches out sales on a regular basis.

Finding The Right Buyers For Your Upcoming Estate, Yard, Tag Sale

If you have a lot of vintage and antique merchandise for sale, you really do want to find the motivated buyers who will appreciate what you have for sale. One terrific and FREE place that you can advertise upcoming sales is on I Antique Online.com. , the largest social network on antiques and collectibles.

You can promote your upcoming tag sale or estate sale on I Antique Online.com in several different places. First you need to join this free site...takes a minute or two. Then you can post your sale in the following places on I Antique Online.com

How To Use I Antique Online.com To Post Your Upcoming Tag or Estate Sale For FREE

1. Post your sale on The Main Forum of I Antique Online.com (front page of the site).

2. Post your sale in the Estate, Yard, Tag Sale Connection Group on I Antique Online.com

3. Post Your sale in any of the over 180 Group Forums (i.e. Glassware, Jewelry, Furniture) which you will find on I Antique Online.com

Post your event in the events calendar on the site.

Reminder : Be sure to tell your friends and neighbors about 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

Getting Rid Of Parent's Stuff: Start Early

What Your Folks Save Is Your Problem

Guess what, you ought to keep track of what your parents are holding onto and saving. because in a few years.......guess who is going to have the task of finding a new home for all your parent's collections and accumulated stuff.

Nip It In The Bud

I say, nip it in the bud from the get go. Unless you are eager to inherit boxes filled with kindergarten memorabilia, moldy sleep away camp gear, High School notebooks, a lifetime of birthday cards etc., you ought to take control NOW on what your parents are saving. Cause guess what....it's all coming back to you. I know, you tell yourself that it's not your problem, that what your parents save is their issue. NOPE...it's going to be your issue.....and sooner than you can imagine.

Do You Want Kindergarten Memorabilia?

It may not even come back all at one time. My husband's mother packs up her STUFF in installments. One Thanksgiving, she sent my husband home with brown shopping bags filled with papers, photos, memorabilia. The problem was that since my husband is an identical twin, there was two of everything.

Twins Have Double The Stuff

And what happened was that my husband's brother didn't want his half of the STUFF. So now we have duplicates of everything. And I do not have the heart (nor authority) as the daughter in law to throw out every freaking essays (or was it composition) these two brainy kids from Carnarsie (Brooklyn) wrote during their all their school days. Not to mention brown envelopes filled with Report cards. It's all here.

Plastic Storage Boxes Are Your Answer

I'm telling you, don't close your eyes on this matter. It pays to get a handle on what your parents are saving ....FOR YOU! And how are they saving the stuff for you? The kindest thing you could do is to buy your parents a bunch of clear plastic storage containers and help them develop a system of organized saving now while they are younger.Help them sort and label boxes. Super large resealable plastic bags are great to have on hand as well. My favorite brand is Hefty Jumbo Slider Bags (approx. 14" X 16" ) Get a Sharpie marker to label them.

How Many Shopping Bags Do You Need To Hold Onto?

And unless you want cartons of used shopping bags, plastic grocery bags, plastic deli containers, empty jars, used wrapping paper,old newspapers etc. Intervene now! Help them to save in moderation and volunteer to assist them in dumping some of this stuff on a regular basis.

Too Old For Shlepping

Because when they get into their mid eighties and beyond ...they are NOT going to be much help in cleaning out all the stuff....they saved for you. My best advice is to start the process of sorting and organization early. TRUST ME ON THIS.

Estate Mavens

I'm so passionate about this topic that I started a new group forum called "Estate Mavens: Help With Estate Liquidation" I mean misery enjoys company.......all of us who are downsizing our parent's home need to stick together. Come visit others and learn a few tricks of the trade.



Photo Credits:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/kelleystreetvintage

http://www.flickr.com/photos/60546721@N00/3044678958

http://www.chalkydoodles.com/blog/category/livingthebest/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30216510@N07/3362957227/

http://www.infionline.net/~rwhend/index.html

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