What to do with old stuff.

Grammaretto

Well done Elegran
But is anyone poised to take on your role when you go?
I have inherited not only the contents of DM house, including her university notes and artwork but my late DH's library, research, objects galore and some of his DP's stuff as well as the paraphernalia from a cousin who left everything to him!

She used to give illustrated talks on Edinburgh's history, as had her father before her but what should I be doing with their old cameras, their handwritten notes and so on?
It's weighing me down.
I've tried asking other cousins but they don't even reply.

I'm desperate to downsize.

A local museum?

I will try a museum Allira but most museums have very little space.
I'll let you know if I have any luck.

Yes elegran! Exactly! I know in the roofspace there's a box with the very entertaining speeches my late father in law gave to the eminent groups he was part of. And we have 3 bound copies of his PhD thesis. It's such a weighty responsibility isn't it?

Allira

Grammaretto

Well done Elegran
But is anyone poised to take on your role when you go?
I have inherited not only the contents of DM house, including her university notes and artwork but my late DH's library, research, objects galore and some of his DP's stuff as well as the paraphernalia from a cousin who left everything to him!

She used to give illustrated talks on Edinburgh's history, as had her father before her but what should I be doing with their old cameras, their handwritten notes and so on?
It's weighing me down.
I've tried asking other cousins but they don't even reply.

I'm desperate to downsize.

A local museum?

There is a camera museum in St Monans which would treasure his old cameras - his notes too, and a biography to keep alongside his cameras, and any photos you could spare. If you pm me I will send you a contact link. It is not open all the time to visitors - I can find out more details for anyone who might be in the East Neuk of Fife and would be interested to visit.

THEIR old cameras etc, not just his!

Have a word with an auction house. Unless anyone in the family definitely wants items and is happy to have them now, then you are better off selling to a collector who will ensure the items are treasured for many more years.
When I die, I know that nobody is interested in my Great Aunt's collection which I love, so we are looking into selling so the items don't just end up in a skip.

That's difficult, I was so overwhelmed 2 years ago I emptied my junk drawer into the bin outside that was ready for collection, didn't check it, I have only a very vague collection what was in it but havnt missed a thing, sadly I've filled the drawer again

Sadly most auction houses will only accept things they are confident will sell for a good price and some have a minimum expected sale price. Programmes like Bargain Hunt give the impression they are happy to sell things for just a few pounds - in reality they would not have accepted those low value items. There is also the question of being charged commission on things that do sell - our local auction house takes 30%
Charities are also very choosy about what they will take.
We've found Facebook Marketplace the best place to sell - or to offer for free for less popular items