Expert: Jamie Novak - 2/13/2008

Question
Hi Jamie
I noticed that you had given a wonderful list of potential helpful contacts to a
person in Maine who had to go through a great deal of stuff and live off the
proceeds. I have recently inherited a lot of things, not much of value, but a
few nice rugs and a lot of what an auction appraiser told me very politely was
"goo".
What to do? I am sorting boxes and trying to make sense of it all. I have some
appliances to sell and some antiques. I am fortunate to have my mother's
basement for free storage, so time pressure is off, but it still is a lot of stuff.
Any advice or contacts in the columbus Ohio area would be so helpful to me.
Thank you for your time.
Laura

Answer
Hi Laura,

Thanks for taking the time to send over this question. In your area I think Molly would be the best person to connect with:

Molly Butler, ISA AM   
5926 Elm Bluff Way
Columbus OH 43213
Phone:614-864-4796
Fax:614-445-1476
Email: mbutler@insight.rr.com
Webpage: http://www.deedadik.home.att.net
Discipline: Antiques & Residential Contents

She'd be a great first step since she'd be able to help you know how to sort.

You are lucky to have storage, just be careful about the moisture level of the basement and any other issues about basement storage.

Sorting boxes is the way to start, so you are already doing it right!

When sorting I'm guessing you are making clear piles or new boxes that are clearly marked? Maybe topics like Donate, Ask Family if they want it, toss, keep, and get appraised.

Also if you want to make the time you can search online auction sites like EBay to try to buy what you own, that way you can see how many people are selling similar items and for how much.

And the research librarians at your local library can be a huge help! They have books where you can look up items.

It sounds like you are well on your way, work in small blocks of time and make it as fun as possible like playing the radio. Also maybe you can bring a box out of the basement to look through so you are not in the basement working.

I'd like to invite you to join me for a f-r-ee call next Tues. 2-19 9pm est you can see details at www.JamieNovak.com it's a great call where you can ask questions and get motivated.

Best of luck to you, enjoy the treasure hunt and I hope you find some wonderful items to use and love.

-Jamie