Collections and Downsizing

Most of us have some sort of collection.  These collections may have value on the open market, such as well-curated stamp or coin collections.  Others may have been financial investments that haven’t panned out—think Beanie Babies or decorative plates.  And most of us have collections of items that are personal, never meant to be in a museum or auctioned off at Sotheby’s or Christie’s. 

No judgement: there are a lot of weird collections out there.  I say that as one who has bought my father globes from various historic eras during his globe-collecting period (he liked to see how border changes were reflected in the globes. It’s actually kind of fascinating when you get into the details). That rather bulky collection is still (mostly) housed, although pared down, in my parents' guest room and attic. 

As an experiment, I searched the internet for what I considered a relatively far-fetched collection: a fictional vintage hotel soap collection. First hits? People on Etsy selling groups of old hotel soaps in their original wrappers—meaning someone collected them 30 years ago. (Spoiler: the listed prices will get you anything from a fast-food burger to a full meal at a chain restaurant, so this is not a get-rich-quick scheme).   If you recreate my search, you’ll also find at least two Facebook pages and several Reddit “vintage” threads that reference collecting hotel soaps. Moral of the story: if you can buy/procure/find it, someone is probably saving it.  

Unfortunately, when we downsize, those collections usually are too bulky to take with us. So the questions is what to do next. For ease of discussion, let’s consider various collections in categories.

1. Mainstream valuable collections. If you have a collection that is conventional enough to have organizations or experts in the field, such as numismatic societies, it is almost always a good idea to have your collection valued.  Whether you have a family member who will take it, you are donating it to a museum or specialized organization, or donating to your favorite charity, having it evaluated may be useful for tax purposes. Valuation may also be a good idea if you are trying to fairly distribute your valuables amongst your family.  

These universally-valued collections are typically the easiest to rehome even if your family and friends aren’t interested in keeping them.  Societies, local clubs, museums, and reputable dealers can all help find a place where your collection will still be valued.  

For example, my parents recently donated a portrait of a Ukrainian historical figure to a museum in Toronto. The artist was well-known within a specific ethnic community; they knew neither my siblings nor I were interested in the painting; and my parents had run out of wall space. So they found an institution which would not only ensure the painting’s continued existence, but it would make it more available for others to enjoy.  This wasn’t as easy a journey as one would think—they did ask other, closer museums first.  And as it was a wedding present from an artist no longer with us, there was undoubtedly at least a sentimental twinge. But, that’s one item off the list for them as they ensure the belongings they value most are well-cared for in the future. 

2. Collections that were sentimental or were never intended to be anything more than amassing variations of something you liked or enjoyed using are the most common.  Real-life examples I’ve come across, in addition to the aforementioned globes, include smoking pipes, flower frogs, fly fishing gear, vintage Boy Scout gear, and linen tablecloths.  The value of these can greatly differ, as can the methods and places of distribution.  

If you have the time and feel strongly about passing your collection on to someone with the same passion for the items, some research will likely reveal kindred spirits who may purchase them or take care of them if donated. 

One of our clients had a reasonably large, well-used pipe collection that the family was ambivalent about.  This client preferred to just donate items instead of spending time reselling. We had concerns that, since pipes are considered “smoking paraphernalia,” the family-preferred charities picking up the rest of the donations would throw them away.  A little research found a group that fixes old donated pipes and then gives them to deployed troops. Apparently, that’s a thing!  In the end, one of the family members decided to keep the collection, but it was good to know there were options. Since certain kinds of pipes are collectable right now, they could have also restored the collectable ones professionally and then sold them (who knew?). This scenario is an example of where it pays to find an expert, even if you're very knowledgeable already.

If you have time or patience, selling the items individually or in lots on sites such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or even Etsy may also an option.  There are local companies that specialize in selling items if you don’t want to do this yourself. If the collection is extensive and has some value based on materials, current trends, or ongoing value, traditional consignment and auction houses may be interested. 

However, don’t be surprised if the greater world doesn’t see the same value in your collection as you do. My kids’ childhood art projects come to mind. I have a box of them, but recognize I’m the only one who wants to leaf through them occasionally—even my husband doesn’t care.  To that end, I’ve been going back biannually (or so) to cull the pile, taking some photos of items to share with the respective child, and throwing them away.  The same may be true, someday, of my collections of china (orphaned china at the thrift store is so sad!) or other things that I enjoy using but no one else cares.

If there are no family members, organizations, museums, or resale options that want your collection, you may just have to take some photos, appreciate them one last time in person, and donate or dispose of them.  And that’s alright too—the enjoyment and memories you have from owning those items in your life is their value.