Had I done this a several years ago, the personal and financial landscape may appear far different.
For the first change, I had to reflect back to a conversation with Aunt Lou at Christmastime in 2009. When in a conversation about returning to drumming turned to equipment, I said I would probably have to upgrade. Aunt Lou came back with with the comment that the set she and Uncle Harry bought me back in 1969 was a very cheap set, and probably couldn't be restored.
Upon years of reflection since that comment, I finally sold these three drums last month. Someone else now has the charge of rehabbing them. They were just taking up space in the storage unit anyhow - as they had done in basements and attics since the early 1980's. Why was I holding onto them anyhow? I DID keep the snare and Cymbal Uncle Harry bought me, however.
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Another change....
Locked away in storage for the last 18 months - and virtually unused for the 12 months preceeding that....
Was I using them? NO. Was I likely to any time soon? Not hardly, I should think. For one, I don't have a large enough place. I can barely afford to live where I am at now, for goodness sake! Then, after some lengthy contemplation of the 6 month rule... I decided to part with them as well. Sure... family heirloom and all... Nevermind... stick to the 6 months rule. What's the 6 month rule? Have you used it in the last 6 months? NO? Have you missed it? WILL you likely use it again in the next 6 months? NO? Will anyone from the family want it? Use it? Be willing to pay the storage for keeping it? NO? Then why do you KEEP it?
In doing so, I have eliminated about 25% of the space used in the storage unit. I have begun the task of bringing home the Album Collection... which I WILL use. As will I use the Stereo.... if it still works.
Of all my kids, only Michael has expressed any interest in any of the things I have stored. So... he'll get the Star Trek stuff... ALL of it... including the Betamax and all the series tapes.
In the end, I have begun DE-hoarding and reduced the monthly outlay as the storage unit can be downsized. In the end, most of my hoardings will be parted with. I may keep the tools, but soon the rest of the stored CRAP will be gone.
I'll always have memories and photos...
... but without the family homestead.... I mean, REALLY... why keep the family homestead furnishings?
