What becomes of your treasured heirlooms when you’re downsizing? Family members may want some, but what about the rest?
Advice columnist Eric Thomas shares some ideas.
Dear Eric:
My husband and I have lived in our very spacious, comfortable, lovely home for many years. I am in my 80s. My husband is 90. We are each fortunately in reasonably good health. At times we talk about downsizing, perhaps moving to a retirement community.
Over the years, at home and in our travels, we have accumulated art, antiques, furnishings, some of which may have significant value, others not much at all.
Our children may want some things, but a good deal would remain. How and where do folks in our circumstances find out what items are worth, who and how to consult?
– Heirlooms and More
Dear Heirlooms:
For many years, the television series “Antiques Roadshow” has been helping people like you answer that exact question. But you needn’t wait for your spot in front of the camera. Depending on the nature of your collection, the items in your house may be of interest to an art gallery, an antiques dealer, a vintage store, or a secondhand reseller. You may have a collection that is of interest to an auction house.
When thinning out your belongings, enlist your children’s help in categorizing your belongings by type – art vs. antiques vs. furniture, for instance. Tell them that they can lay claim to whatever they want, but you want their assistance in reaching out to professionals who help you appraise everything else. Involving them starts the conversation about what you’re going to pass down to them, but it also gives you support to keep from getting scammed. This isn’t the kind of project where they’d need to be there every day. But they can do the leg work of finding the kind of gallery that specializes in the kind of art you collect, for instance.
If you’d prefer to get the ball rolling on your own, I’d start by having an informational conversation with a local antiques dealer you like. They can walk you through their collection process, things they look out for, and ways that you can expedite the process. They’d likely be willing to walk through your house with you and give you ideas for next steps, as well.
R. Eric Thomas (he/him) is a national bestselling author, playwright, and screenwriter. His accomplishments include “Eric Reads the News,” a daily humor column covering pop culture and politics, serving as the interim Prudie for the advice column “Dear Prudence,” and “Congratulations, The Best Is Over.”
Send questions to eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.
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