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THREE THINGS TO APPRAISE BEFORE YOU DOWNSIZE

September 5, 2023
Posted by:
Jim Henderson

When a homeowner is downsizing, they should consider getting valuable items appraised before they downsize. A certified appraisal on items that get donated can help homeowners on their taxes. Here are three common things to have appraised before you downsize.

Artwork – Many art collectors may think their art has increased in value just because they have had it for years. Often, with a declining market for old art, art collections have depreciated in value over the past several years. Getting a current certified appraisal of artwork is very important before you downsize.

Jewelry – Getting an appraisal on precious metals and gemstones before you downsize will help you to do an inventory on all your jewelry. Many homeowners will forget what they had before their downsize and think that any missing pieces happened on their move, when in fact, some of the pieces were already missing.

Memorabilia – Playbill collections, stamp collections, doll collections, etc. should all be appraised before you downsize. What has value to the collection owner may have significantly less value in an open market. Donating these collections may be the best way to have them go to a good home, versus moving them into a smaller home or, throwing them out.

One memorable collection that William C Huff White Glove Moving and Storage moved was a collection of pianos. The older couple had let their passion for pianos spill into a massive collection that filled every room in the house. They had to have us move and store many of these pianos because they literally could not give them away. If they had any idea how little value these had, they could have started to find homes for them before they were forced to downsize, when the husband suddenly passed.

William C. Huff Companies is committed to simplifying the complicated maze of moving and storing your priceless possessions. With over 40 full-time, tenured, and highly trained staff, you can be assured that your move will be handled smoothly and professionally, from the first phone call until the last box is unpacked.