Out in 10 Days

EVENTUALLY, EACH OF US FACES emptying a house full of "stuff." Maybe we are moving or downsizing; perhaps we are liquidating the estate of a parent, or just trying to make some room. Whether we are thirty-something Millennials or sixty-something Baby Boomers, that day is coming. I recently moved thirty years' worth of possessions from my eight-bedroom, 5,000 square-foot home in Kennebunk, Maine to Atlanta, Georgia. Though this wasn't my first household move, it was the most intimidating. Was it stressful? Sure it was. I had a house full of antiques (I am an antiques dealer and CEO of WorthPoint Corporation, an antiques and collectibles data company). Even minor damage to an antique can negatively impact its value. Plus, how does one part with cherished items? Their value cannot be expressed in monetary terms. I was able to sort, pack, sell, donate, and move out of the Maine house in ten days. Challenges were overcome. Lessons were learned. If I had to do it all over, I might change a few things, but overall, I was pleased with the outcome. My story is short, but valuable to anyone facing relocation. In the telling, I offer tips on how to sort, pack, and sell items to maximize return and minimize damage. My advice is especially relevant if you are moving artwork, antiques, collections, or other treasured items.