In Other Words with Dave

I recently had to come to terms with a particular reality: “No one wants your old stuff.” 

In February we moved to a smaller office. Alison and I had 25 years of office stuff to pare down. We donated calculators, scissors, staplers, hole punches, and label makers (remember those?). Then we sold desks, chairs, couches, laptops, lamps, TVs, and even our coffee maker – all at bargain prices on Facebook Marketplace. 

Of course, there were items I refused to sell “on the cheap,” like my 14-year-old conference room credenza- I was determined to get top dollar for that. It was custom-designed, in perfect condition and happened to weigh over 350 pounds. Surely, someone would see what an amazing buy this is. I posted it. No interest. Still, I was so convinced of its inherent value that on moving day, I paid extra to have the movers put it in my garage at home – right on top of the storm shelter. No worries, my wife’s car will be fine in the driveway. Surely it would sell quickly. 

It did not. Days turned into weeks – still no interest. Deflated and depressed, I was about to call a donation center to haul it off when a prospective buyer messaged me. I cut a deal, and it was gone. Phew. Lesson learned. Sometimes, no one wants your old stuff. And my wife’s car is back in the garage. Things are better at home.