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Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: pscocoa on 31 January 2011, 16:08:42

Title: Difficult decision - do I really clear the loft
Post by: pscocoa on 31 January 2011, 16:08:42
After 36 years of marriage you can guess the amount of valuable goods we have collected over this amount of time.

But how long do you hang on to this stuff/ will anybody really be bothered only you.

Keep - yes - photos, Leeds United programmes from 60s and 70s

But what about games from the 60s - Mine a Million, Formula 1 - should I bin them or continue to store as  momentos. My son would scrap the lot.

I have several tonnes of books - again - why can I not wiz them - after still giving laods to charity shops.

So yesterday I rented 100 sq ft from Big Yellow Storage (just opened in Camberley) and started to at least get the stuff out of the loft and garage -  to review it all , knowing it is costing me money if I keep storage beyond 8 week offer period which is quite cheap.

In the meantime will get the loft re-insulated. Then what to load back in is the question.

Anybody else a hoarder - or do you find it easy to throw out old school/college papers, birthday cards/anniversary cards, clothes?
Title: Re: Difficult decision - do I really clear the loft
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 31 January 2011, 16:15:27
I personally would take them to a local auction house and get them to bulk everything up into lots that will interest collectors.  The auctioneers take usually 15% commission, but I am sure you will come away with some good cash if the collectors are around!

That is better than giving them away, or even worse dumping them with their historical value to come being lost forever.

 ;) ;)
Title: Re: Difficult decision - do I really clear the loft
Post by: chalcroft on 31 January 2011, 16:23:39
I would just dump the lot. We cleared our loft out a couple of years ago.Took it all down the tip, several trips worth but felt so much better to declutter.
Title: Re: Difficult decision - do I really clear the loft
Post by: Dishevelled Den on 31 January 2011, 16:33:56
I'm an unashamed dumper/recycler. :y
Title: Re: Difficult decision - do I really clear the loft
Post by: albitz on 31 January 2011, 16:34:04
You could put a lot of it on fleabay. Collectables often go for good money on there.
Have similar problems myself. The loft is almost completely full of allsorts of stuff. Started the process of sorting/clearing before christmas, then when daughter went to Oz last week, she left a load of stuff to go up there which has more than filled the space which was cleared, now the kitchen fitters have left enough spare gear to build another kitchen, it seems a shame to dump it so it looks like it is going in the loft. ::)
Title: Re: Difficult decision - do I really clear the loft
Post by: pscocoa on 31 January 2011, 16:38:23
Quote
You could put a lot of it on fleabay. Collectables often go for good money on there.
Have similar problems myself. The loft is almost completely full of allsorts of stuff. Started the process of sorting/clearing before christmas, then when daughter went to Oz last week, she left a load of stuff to go up there which has more than filled the space which was cleared, now the kitchen fitters have left enough spare gear to build another kitchen, it seems a shame to dump it so it looks like it is going in the loft. ::)

Unfortunately I am the same - but you have a point about kids stuff now they are no longer at home - tennis stringing machine, baskets of tenis balls, 20 tennis racquet covers, horseriding stuff - I think I know now where this may be going!!
Title: Re: Difficult decision - do I really clear the loft
Post by: Varche on 31 January 2011, 16:38:23
Just cleared two lofts for uncles. You would not believe the tat. Offcuts of lino, dried up tins of paint just in case.

In your case clear the lot, put down a proper amount of loft insulation. then shut the loft hatch and put a padlock on it. Then in future you won't be tempted to keep stuff. So much esier for nephews when you get to be 105. ;D
Title: Re: Difficult decision - do I really clear the loft
Post by: pscocoa on 31 January 2011, 16:41:16
Quote
Just cleared two lofts for uncles. You would not believe the tat. Offcuts of lino, dried up tins of paint just in case.

In your case clear the lot, put down a proper amount of loft insulation. then shut the loft hatch and put a padlock on it. Then in future you won't be tempted to keep stuff. So much esier for nephews when you get to be 105. ;D

Yes - I sort of started from this position thinking clear it now whilst we can - and then decided to add the loft insulation as a further incentive.

Today took half a ton of carpet to tip.
Title: Re: Difficult decision - do I really clear the loft
Post by: pscocoa on 31 January 2011, 16:44:38
Quote
I personally would take them to a local auction house and get them to bulk everything up into lots that will interest collectors.  The auctioneers take usually 15% commission, but I am sure you will come away with some good cash if the collectors are around!

That is better than giving them away, or even worse dumping them with their historical value to come being lost forever.

 ;) ;)

Lizzie - would love to do this but I am not allowed to mess with all the pottery, dinner sets, paintings etc. This, I am told, is not my department.

Used to have large railway in loft years ago which is dismantled (not Beeching induced) - this is worth probably £1000 - so that can stay there- maybe grandson can use in a few years time!!
Title: Re: Difficult decision - do I really clear the loft
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 31 January 2011, 16:58:38
I am terrible, Had a loft full and 2 sheds full as I started to move in June 2009.  Got ruthless with the shed as a lot of it was just old paper work  and old computers and monitors.

Tackled the loft by dradding it all out into the spare bedroom once I had empltied that, it was horrendud what I had collected.

Loads of hifi seperates from upgrades over the years, 22 brand new computer cases all different, about 15 injet printers.  Desk lamp, boxs of bits and all the empty boxed from building computers for mates etc, often buying extra parts for the next build and then forgetting I had them and buying more each time.

Now all I have is a spare bedroom filled from floor to ceiling that I keep saying I will sort and never do.   :-[
Title: Re: Difficult decision - do I really clear the loft
Post by: Kevin Wood on 31 January 2011, 17:03:10
I would say join your local "freecycle". I have used our local one for a year or so and it feels better to be giving stuff away to people who might find it useful, than for it to be cluttering up the loft or dumped. In most cases, they'll collect it so you don't even have to bother to transport it anywhere. :y Have come across a few things I've needed through it as well.

You will always need something you've dumped the week after you've got rid of it, no matter how long you keep it. ;D

Kevin

Title: Re: Difficult decision - do I really clear the loft
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 31 January 2011, 17:16:59
Quote
After 36 years of marriage you can guess the amount of valuable goods we have collected over this amount of time.

But how long do you hang on to this stuff/ will anybody really be bothered only you.

Keep - yes - photos, Leeds United programmes from 60s and 70s

But what about games from the 60s - Mine a Million, Formula 1 - should I bin them or continue to store as  momentos. My son would scrap the lot.

I have several tonnes of books - again - why can I not wiz them - after still giving laods to charity shops.

So yesterday I rented 100 sq ft from Big Yellow Storage (just opened in Camberley) and started to at least get the stuff out of the loft and garage -  to review it all , knowing it is costing me money if I keep storage beyond 8 week offer period which is quite cheap.

In the meantime will get the loft re-insulated. Then what to load back in is the question.

Anybody else a hoarder - or do you find it easy to throw out old school/college papers, birthday cards/anniversary cards, clothes?



Giles....Jones....Hunter ...Reaney.....Bremner....Clarke.....Charlton....Gray...etc..etc.... :y
Title: Re: Difficult decision - do I really clear the loft
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 31 January 2011, 17:19:59
Quote
Quote
I personally would take them to a local auction house and get them to bulk everything up into lots that will interest collectors.  The auctioneers take usually 15% commission, but I am sure you will come away with some good cash if the collectors are around!

That is better than giving them away, or even worse dumping them with their historical value to come being lost forever.

 ;) ;)

Lizzie - would love to do this but I am not allowed to mess with all the pottery, dinner sets, paintings etc. This, I am told, is not my department.

Used to have large railway in loft years ago which is dismantled (not Beeching induced) - this is worth probably £1000 - so that can stay there- maybe grandson can use in a few years time!!


In that case start rebuilding it now in a shed or garage ready for your grandson, and in the meantime you can play with it like my ex used to!! :D :D :D :D :D :y
Title: Re: Difficult decision - do I really clear the loft
Post by: Pitchfork on 31 January 2011, 17:40:14
Quote
I'm an unashamed dumper/recycler. :y
So it was you that left what I stepped in on the pavement last week was it? :-?
Title: Re: Difficult decision - do I really clear the loft
Post by: Bent valve on 31 January 2011, 17:45:35
Wait till spring and take the lot to a car boot sale. People will buy any old crap just to justify going there, I know my wife does ::)
Title: Re: Difficult decision - do I really clear the loft
Post by: Elite Pete on 31 January 2011, 18:03:13
Quote
Quote
After 36 years of marriage you can guess the amount of valuable goods we have collected over this amount of time.

But how long do you hang on to this stuff/ will anybody really be bothered only you.

Keep - yes - photos, Leeds United programmes from 60s and 70s

But what about games from the 60s - Mine a Million, Formula 1 - should I bin them or continue to store as  momentos. My son would scrap the lot.

I have several tonnes of books - again - why can I not wiz them - after still giving laods to charity shops.

So yesterday I rented 100 sq ft from Big Yellow Storage (just opened in Camberley) and started to at least get the stuff out of the loft and garage -  to review it all , knowing it is costing me money if I keep storage beyond 8 week offer period which is quite cheap.

In the meantime will get the loft re-insulated. Then what to load back in is the question.

Anybody else a hoarder - or do you find it easy to throw out old school/college papers, birthday cards/anniversary cards, clothes?



Giles....Jones....Hunter ...Reaney.....Bremner....Clarke.....Charlton....Gray...etc..etc.... :y
Don't forget my hero, Lorimer ;)
Title: Re: Difficult decision - do I really clear the loft
Post by: redelitev6 on 31 January 2011, 18:44:15
On a more serious note, you will probably lessen the effect of the loft insulation if you pile everything back on top of it ,it only works well when it's not squashed up in to a thin layer
Title: Re: Difficult decision - do I really clear the loft
Post by: jonnycool on 31 January 2011, 18:50:58
Quote
I am terrible, Had a loft full and 2 sheds full as I started to move in June 2009.  Got ruthless with the shed as a lot of it was just old paper work  and old computers and monitors.

Tackled the loft by dradding it all out into the spare bedroom once I had empltied that, it was horrendud what I had collected.

Loads of hifi seperates from upgrades over the years, 22 brand new computer cases all different, about 15 injet printers.  Desk lamp, boxs of bits and all the empty boxed from building computers for mates etc, often buying extra parts for the next build and then forgetting I had them and buying more each time.

Now all I have is a spare bedroom filled from floor to ceiling that I keep saying I will sort and never do.   :-[
Bloody hell Skruntie, you've got a problem mate - you'll be on one of those programmes before long burrowing through your own house under tonnes of rubbish  ;D

Chuck it out, whenever you need something you always buy new anyway, you won't even remember what's there, let alone dig through everything to find it  :)
Title: Re: Difficult decision - do I really clear the loft
Post by: Webby the Bear on 31 January 2011, 18:59:55
my dad keeps everything he ever owns. he'd probably keep plastic bottles if he was allowed. it does my nut!!!

i say if something aint used freaking well bin it!!!!
Title: Re: Difficult decision - do I really clear the loft
Post by: VXL V6 on 31 January 2011, 19:03:16
Quote
Quote
You could put a lot of it on fleabay. Collectables often go for good money on there.
Have similar problems myself. The loft is almost completely full of allsorts of stuff. Started the process of sorting/clearing before christmas, then when daughter went to Oz last week, she left a load of stuff to go up there which has more than filled the space which was cleared, now the kitchen fitters have left enough spare gear to build another kitchen, it seems a shame to dump it so it looks like it is going in the loft. ::)

Unfortunately I am the same - but you have a point about kids stuff now they are no longer at home - tennis stringing machine, baskets of tenis balls, 20 tennis racquet covers, horseriding stuff - I think I know now where this may be going!!

Depending on the make some horse tack has value.
Title: Re: Difficult decision - do I really clear the loft
Post by: bluey on 31 January 2011, 21:19:02
Stuff like old footie programmes have a bit of value, and other stuff you could sell which would then most likely cover the cost of the new insulation.

It's a bit of a freebie cycle, old stuff makes money to buy something which then saves you more money.  That's how I look at it.
Title: Re: Difficult decision - do I really clear the loft
Post by: Gaffers on 31 January 2011, 21:23:21
As I move house every 2 years I have learnt to get rid of stuff, although I could still do better.  I shed a little tear when I got rid of my trusty old bbc master.

You just got to do it, keep the heirlooms, pictures, valuable stuff... dump the rest  :y
Title: Re: Difficult decision - do I really clear the loft
Post by: Vamps on 31 January 2011, 21:36:18
Quote
my dad keeps everything he ever owns. he'd probably keep plastic bottles if he was allowed. it does my nut!!!

i say if something aint used freaking well bin it!!!![/quote]

And a couple of days later you will need it, been there done that.....Which is why there is no space in the house, garage or loft...... :D :D :D
Title: Re: Difficult decision - do I really clear the loft
Post by: pscocoa on 01 February 2011, 00:02:40
Quote
Quote
Quote
After 36 years of marriage you can guess the amount of valuable goods we have collected over this amount of time.

But how long do you hang on to this stuff/ will anybody really be bothered only you.

Keep - yes - photos, Leeds United programmes from 60s and 70s

But what about games from the 60s - Mine a Million, Formula 1 - should I bin them or continue to store as  momentos. My son would scrap the lot.

I have several tonnes of books - again - why can I not wiz them - after still giving laods to charity shops.

So yesterday I rented 100 sq ft from Big Yellow Storage (just opened in Camberley) and started to at least get the stuff out of the loft and garage -  to review it all , knowing it is costing me money if I keep storage beyond 8 week offer period which is quite cheap.

In the meantime will get the loft re-insulated. Then what to load back in is the question.

Anybody else a hoarder - or do you find it easy to throw out old school/college papers, birthday cards/anniversary cards, clothes?



Giles....Jones....Hunter ...Reaney.....Bremner....Clarke.....Charlton....Gray...etc..etc.... :y
Don't forget my hero, Lorimer ;)

the prorammes I've got includes teams with Mike O'Grady, Rod Belfitt, Terry Hibbit  and Albert Johanesson - also found a notebok I used to fill in after matches - not seen that for 40 years
Title: Re: Difficult decision - do I really clear the loft
Post by: scimmy_man on 01 February 2011, 00:06:23
Ebay it,
freecycle is ok if you like waiting in for people who dont turn up, or come in a mini to collect a shed. ::)
Title: Re: Difficult decision - do I really clear the loft
Post by: pscocoa on 01 February 2011, 00:18:22
really not sure about selling this stuff on ebay but wil give it some thought. I hoard mobile phones as well - althought do give them to family members when needs arises but still have some from 10 years ago.

one thing I have discovered in moving all this stuff into store is the benefit of side loading the Signum with those huge rear passenger doors. We are slowly starting to dump.

What to  do with a huge Kenwood Sub Woofer though?