When Nobody Wants Your Antiques!

If you want to throw your or your parents into a state of disbelief, I suggest offering to look up how much their/your antiques are worth. Unfortunately for most of them, not much. (The valuable items are always a surprise! (Sign up to receive our e newsletter, HOME with HELM where our next issue shares more on that topic.) Downsizing—or, as many of you know, I prefer to call it "Rightsizing"—can be a bittersweet process. Letting go of items that hold sentimental value, like family antiques, can be especially challenging—especially if your family or friends aren’t interested in taking them. But don’t worry! There are plenty of meaningful and creative ways to rehome or repurpose your cherished belongings. Here are some ideas to ensure your family antiques and other items find a new home where they’ll be appreciated:

1. Donate to Historical Societies or Museums If your antique has historical or cultural significance, reach out to local historical societies or museums. They often welcome items that help preserve a story of the past and can keep your heirloom in good condition for future generations to enjoy.

2. Sell to Collectors or Antique Shops Collectors and antique dealers may be interested in your items, especially if they’re rare or have historical value. Take time to research or get your piece appraised so you can find the right buyer. This approach not only rehomes your item but can also provide a financial benefit.  Ask me for my list of appraisers. Some of my clients have had great success on Facebook Marketplace. You’ll need to be a little tech savvy and patient and open to dealing directly with the public. 

3. Gift to Someone Who Will Appreciate It If your kids or close friends aren’t interested, think outside your immediate circle. Perhaps a niece, nephew, or distant relative would cherish the piece. Alternatively, you might know a friend or neighbour who has admired it over the years. Bring up the topic and let people know you are looking for good homes for some of your pieces. You’d be surprised how fast word gets around!

4. Organize a Community Swap or Auction Host a small gathering where you and your friends exchange items you no longer need. A community auction could also be fun—where proceeds can go to charity. This way, your antiques may end up with someone who truly values them, while benefiting a good cause. This takes time and is a lot of work, yet can be fun!

5. Contribute to Local Theatre Groups Theatres often seek unique items to use as props or set pieces. Your antiques might become a star on the stage, living a new life in the spotlight! 

6 Donate to Charities or Second-Hand Shops Church thrift stores, and other charitable organizations often accept antique and other donations. Even though your children might not want the piece, another family might be thrilled to add it to their home.

7. Document the History Before parting with your special pieces, take the time to document its story. Write down its origin, significance, and any special memories associated with it. Whether you pass this along with the item or keep it in your family records, it’s a way to honour the item’s legacy.

8. Consider Professional Auctions For highly valuable or rare antiques, explore professional auction houses. These services can help ensure your item finds a buyer who appreciates its worth, and you may earn a significant return. 

9. Embrace Letting Go Finally, remember that rightsizing is about creating space for the future while honouring the past. Parting with an antique or item doesn’t erase its meaning or the memories tied to it. Focus on the joy it will bring to its next owner.

Whether it’s finding a new owner, breathing new life into an old piece, or using it to support a cause you care about, there are countless ways to honour your family antiques and items as you move into the next chapter of your life.

If you’ve had success with passing items on, I’d love to hear your story.