LOTW
Well-known member
The thought just hit me that one day someone is going to have to clean my shop out and get rid of everything.
Morbid thoughts
- Thread starter LOTW
- Start date
73RR
Blank Email
...not news to anyone over 60 and should be kept in mind by everyone.
If you have unique or expensive tools and/or collectibles you should have a detailed list of what you have and current value.
If you have unique or expensive tools and/or collectibles you should have a detailed list of what you have and current value.
Super Sport
Well-known member
It amazes me how many people don't think about these things. I lost both my parents by the time I was 24, so I guess I learned while I was still young how much of a job it is to clean up somebody's mess once they're no longer with us.
I'm a bit of a collector/hoarder myself, and I hate to think of the work my wife would have to go through if I died. We're planning to move in the next year or two, and if I don't get it done before then, I'll be going through everything and doing a bit of downsizing.
I'm a bit of a collector/hoarder myself, and I hate to think of the work my wife would have to go through if I died. We're planning to move in the next year or two, and if I don't get it done before then, I'll be going through everything and doing a bit of downsizing.
PelicanPines
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I remember sitting my 70 yr old father down to get his finances recorded on paper... he had a small amount of money in just about every bank... he worried the bank would go under and he would have issues getting his money out... THANKFULLY he wrote it all down before he passed.
Leaflessshadetree
Well-known member
PelicanPines
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I do remember about 20 years ago... a buddy who was retiring early decided to have the ultimate "Going Out Of Life" sale... he literally was selling every single thing he owned. He retired and moved to Mexico after selling everything. He got a place near the water on the west coast... lived in some kind of condo/permanent hotel place. Still get 
cards from him.
cards from him.oldrockhead
Banned
- Joined
- Jan 4, 2017
- Messages
- 21
Deleted
Last edited:
kwschumm
Well-known member
I figured my family would, for the most part, divvy up what they want to keep and then just have an estate sale. After that call the junk people to haul away everything that didn't sell. I don't want them to go through itemizing and selling stuff unless they decide they want to maximize value. Placing a ballpark value on the big ticket items is a good idea though.
fsae0607
Well-known member
I feel ya. I lost my dad last year and I'm still going through his massive collection of tools and parts. He was the type to buy tools just because they were on sale. I've given those to family and close friends since they're usually harbor freight quality stuff and not worth selling. I'm keeping his good stuff and building a toolbox of mid-grade stuff I had for my son for when he's older.
All I know is when I kick the bucket my son will royally score, since he'll get both grandpa's and daddy's stuff!
I just turned 46, my son is 21... he tells me pretty regularly "You know... when you die, I'm just gonna get rid of all this stuff, right?"
He's only half-kidding.
If he stays close to me, geographically, he'll come over to my shop all the time to work on his projects, so there's little need for him to get his own big tool box, Wildon vise, grinders, etc. etc.
He's handy, and knows how to use tools. I suspect that as he gets older, he'll have his own project vehicles.
I doubt he'll ever have a use for my restored Sun distributor machine and stuff like that, but at only 21, it's possible his needs will expand to fabrication, and he'll get use out of my stomp sheer, etc.
Parts? Yeah, most of that stuff will probably have to go.
Then again, I'm working on that now. When I'm finished on this side of the grass, I hope to leave him a bunch of finished hot rods, with very few parts.
I also hope to have grandchildren by then, and might be able to corrupt my young nephew by then as well, so...
-Brad
He's only half-kidding.
If he stays close to me, geographically, he'll come over to my shop all the time to work on his projects, so there's little need for him to get his own big tool box, Wildon vise, grinders, etc. etc.
He's handy, and knows how to use tools. I suspect that as he gets older, he'll have his own project vehicles.
I doubt he'll ever have a use for my restored Sun distributor machine and stuff like that, but at only 21, it's possible his needs will expand to fabrication, and he'll get use out of my stomp sheer, etc.
Parts? Yeah, most of that stuff will probably have to go.
Then again, I'm working on that now. When I'm finished on this side of the grass, I hope to leave him a bunch of finished hot rods, with very few parts.
I also hope to have grandchildren by then, and might be able to corrupt my young nephew by then as well, so...
-Brad
Richard Cranium
Well-known member
Being my wife and I have no children, I one time asked my wife what she would do with all my tools if I passed, Her reply was she would give them to her brother. There is many thousands of dollars worth of tools even at used prices.
I contacted a local school/collage of mechanics about donating my tools to the school, and was advised that they are contracted with snap on and that is the only brand of tools that they can have. So what I have told my wife to do is go up and find the poorest looking kid in the shop and give them all to him. The school might not want them but I am sure a young student just starting out in school would.
I contacted a local school/collage of mechanics about donating my tools to the school, and was advised that they are contracted with snap on and that is the only brand of tools that they can have. So what I have told my wife to do is go up and find the poorest looking kid in the shop and give them all to him. The school might not want them but I am sure a young student just starting out in school would.
The only reason for my will is my tools and my guns. They are the only things with any real money value. Electronics, furniture, etc. is so cheap now days that I doubt there will be a fight over what I have. Something may have sentimental value, but what is important to one may mean nothing to another.
I divided the tools into large power (table saw, etc.), hand held power (drills, etc. as a batch), hand held (hammers, etc. as a batch), and the large tool box full of wrenches etc.
I have 5 kids.
One girl and four sons.
They get to go around the circle, in age sequence, picking one thing at a time.
I have a pretty good stash of ammo so I said to divide it up by the number of guns it fits and that amount goes with the gun.
One thing I learned somewhere is not to be too detailed.
It might cause problems if you listed a specific tool or gun as going to someone but you sold it before you died.
How are they fairly compensated for not getting something?
I divided the tools into large power (table saw, etc.), hand held power (drills, etc. as a batch), hand held (hammers, etc. as a batch), and the large tool box full of wrenches etc.
I have 5 kids.
One girl and four sons.
They get to go around the circle, in age sequence, picking one thing at a time.
I have a pretty good stash of ammo so I said to divide it up by the number of guns it fits and that amount goes with the gun.
One thing I learned somewhere is not to be too detailed.
It might cause problems if you listed a specific tool or gun as going to someone but you sold it before you died.
How are they fairly compensated for not getting something?
ambenz
Well-known member
My job when I retire is to start selling all the odds and ends around the house and garage.
I have been pretty good in that I don't hoard but I do have a collection of 16 toy coaster wagons, about 50 antique oil lamps and a lot of car plaques and trophies.
I also have a few big items like my Uncles grandfather clock...stuff like that.
The last items to go will be the bicycles, vehicles, and tools.
Hopefully I will get it all sold before I kick the bucket.
No kids to leave anything to .....so I might as well spend it all!
I have been pretty good in that I don't hoard but I do have a collection of 16 toy coaster wagons, about 50 antique oil lamps and a lot of car plaques and trophies.
I also have a few big items like my Uncles grandfather clock...stuff like that.
The last items to go will be the bicycles, vehicles, and tools.
Hopefully I will get it all sold before I kick the bucket.
No kids to leave anything to .....so I might as well spend it all!
L5wolvesf
Well-known member
I deal with this kind of thing as part of my work.
Most everything I have, in detail, on Excel with what I paid and its original retail price. It is for insurance and "Going Out Of Life" (love that
purposes. Its easy to do.
My suggestions as to how to deal with things, cars, tools etc is on a separate WORD doc.
Most everything I have, in detail, on Excel with what I paid and its original retail price. It is for insurance and "Going Out Of Life" (love that
purposes. Its easy to do.My suggestions as to how to deal with things, cars, tools etc is on a separate WORD doc.
bczygan
Well-known member
jeeper46
Well-known member
Auctions: Where a bunch of old guys pick through a pile of some dead guys stuff, and take it home to throw on their pile to be auctioned eventually.
Crazyjake8493
Well-known member
I'd like for something like this to happen with my tools someday if I don't have kids, or have kids who aren't interested in tools.
Stuff like my ladders and drywall lift I'd hope would be passed around the family to whomever needed them.
James-W
Well-known member
Actually, I knew 3 people who did that, one went to Mexico to live and two went to Costa Rica to live. I have no idea how they are doing, this was quite some time ago and since we weren't all that close they don't send me cards or letters. But the point is, in retirement you can live much more comfortably with a meager income by living is certain other countries.I do remember about 20 years ago... a buddy who was retiring early decided to have the ultimate "Going Out Of Life" sale... he literally was selling every single thing he owned. He retired and moved to Mexico after selling everything. He got a place near the water on the west coast... lived in some kind of condo/permanent hotel place. Still get
It's been 3 1/2 years since my Grandfather passed. We still haven't made it through everything. Three houses and three garage/shops in three towns over two states. It's an absolutely absurd amount of stuff. Some of it is really neat to got through. Some not so much.
I have a friend who did this and moved to Thailand.
taumac
Well-known member
I'm 42 and been downsizing myself for past few years. I know against GJ mantra but got realistic about my plans and garages I will have in the future. Sure I have a dream garage if I hit the lottery but it's kinda modest place I have plan. As for wills father and FIL have wills set up and I have one myself. They both been downsizing their stuff and getting things in order.
jgregt
Member
I find de-cluttering to be an ongoing process. The older I get (50) the easier it is to let go of stuff I no longer want, use or need. I've sold off a a fair number of collectables from my childhood.(Corgi, Matchbox) Have more to go. I look at some of these things that have been kicking around for years and realize there must be someone out there who would enjoy that item.
More and more I find that I like it a lot better when things are neat and organized. Less is more.
Will likely have to deal with my mom's possessions within a few years. Mostly furniture to jettison. There's a good antiques to hang onto, though.
More and more I find that I like it a lot better when things are neat and organized. Less is more.
Will likely have to deal with my mom's possessions within a few years. Mostly furniture to jettison. There's a good antiques to hang onto, though.
jeeper46
Well-known member
My sister got my parents house after my mother died last year. She's only just now getting a handle on all the stuff left behind by my two parents-it took endless trips to Salvation Army , and a 20-yard dumpster to make the place liveable-they were children of the Depression, and didn't throw anything away.
I look at all the stuff I've got, and I really don't know what my son will do with it. It's not junk, but it's stuff he has no interest in, like my old cars and motorcycles. Hopefully, he will use some of my tools, but I can see a big auction as the only real solution to clearing this place out.
I look at all the stuff I've got, and I really don't know what my son will do with it. It's not junk, but it's stuff he has no interest in, like my old cars and motorcycles. Hopefully, he will use some of my tools, but I can see a big auction as the only real solution to clearing this place out.
dirt_dobber
Well-known member
my morbid thoughts are - I finally added the last great tool I need to my super organzied garage and boom. I pass on.
Then wife's new husband sits and marvels at how great this setup is...
Then wife's new husband sits and marvels at how great this setup is...
Kaizen
Well-known member
I have an in case of death folder in my safe.
Has inventory and value of items as well as financials.
Most importantly I have a numbered list of what to do, who to call, etc.
Obviously the first ones are funeral related but after that is misc stuff like the guy that's been trying to buy my car for ten years and the price to sell it to him for if they want to.
I swear no one listens to me so figured making this makes sure they get the info.
Has inventory and value of items as well as financials.
Most importantly I have a numbered list of what to do, who to call, etc.
Obviously the first ones are funeral related but after that is misc stuff like the guy that's been trying to buy my car for ten years and the price to sell it to him for if they want to.
I swear no one listens to me so figured making this makes sure they get the info.
Kaizen
Well-known member
If its me i'll keep em all dusted off and sharp for ya buddy. Any man worth his salt would do the same.
OccupantRJ
Well-known member
I have a fully loaded shop, enough to fill a semi trailer, which I also own. My youngest son will get the tools, and my oldest will get compensating cash from the shop fund, as he is not the handy type. If son wants to leave the shop set up here he can, and if he wants to move it, the forklift and trailer are waiting. GJ member Tundraman can pull it for him. In fact, Tundraman is for hire on the East coast if anyone needs to hire a semi.
Jhoff310
Well-known member
I lost my folks 6 years ago. It took me 18 months to get the house ready for an auction. My dad had an offsite garage that was PACKED!! I am still in the process of going thru some of that stuff. I know my grandpa's shopsmith is in there from when he died 20+ years ago.
I tell my son (hes 21)...someday this will all be yours...He looks at me and says " I can't wait to burn the Fu*k#r to the ground." I know he's joking, but he will be overwhelmed with the amount of **** he will have to contend with. I know he will pass some of it on to his best friend (who's like a 2nd son to me)...I'd be ok with that.
I tell my son (hes 21)...someday this will all be yours...He looks at me and says " I can't wait to burn the Fu*k#r to the ground." I know he's joking, but he will be overwhelmed with the amount of **** he will have to contend with. I know he will pass some of it on to his best friend (who's like a 2nd son to me)...I'd be ok with that.
Bluedodge
Well-known member
Ditto - one friend sold everything and headed to Mexico and another buddy headed down to Columbia. They both live like gods on about $1000 a month.
vettex2
Banned
once I'm dead, I don't care
Auctions move it quick but the heirs dont get much money
Kevin54
MEMBER EMERITUS
After going through what I did when both of my parents passed away, I'll never put someone in that position. Thing will be all in the Will as to what we want done special, and aside from that, items will be gotten rid of before the times comes.
As far as the house, cars, and whatever funds we have, it all goes to one person and can be gotten rid of as they see fit. My garage is fairly well organized anyways, so it's just mainly a matter of toolboxes, and whatever is in the cabinets. And most of what I have in the cabinets is in the way of tools, or a few cans of paint, pesticides, cleaning materials, waxes, and towels.
Other than my metal working machinery, everything else taken out to the point there is nothing in the garage, could be hauled off in a couple of pickup loads. I have a mill and a surface grinder that I'm trying to get rid of now, so that will leave a mill and a lathe left. Those could stay with the house I guess, and someone could use them.
As far as the house, cars, and whatever funds we have, it all goes to one person and can be gotten rid of as they see fit. My garage is fairly well organized anyways, so it's just mainly a matter of toolboxes, and whatever is in the cabinets. And most of what I have in the cabinets is in the way of tools, or a few cans of paint, pesticides, cleaning materials, waxes, and towels.
Other than my metal working machinery, everything else taken out to the point there is nothing in the garage, could be hauled off in a couple of pickup loads. I have a mill and a surface grinder that I'm trying to get rid of now, so that will leave a mill and a lathe left. Those could stay with the house I guess, and someone could use them.
kwschumm
Well-known member
That's what life insurance is for.
555
Well-known member
I've been building an inventory of all my tools and equipment. Everything is sorted by easily identified tool box. When I purchase something new, I add it to the inventory before it goes to the garage. I have a lot of "stuff" and I don't want it to be a burden on my wife or children.
rburke65
Well-known member
A list with a value now or purchase price won't mean **** 20 years from now. Our treasures will be their trash.
oldrockhead
Banned
- Joined
- Jan 4, 2017
- Messages
- 21
Deleted
Last edited:
moon_tanner
Well-known member
^^^Or doesn't care for the tools, and they are left junked up or out in the rain.
My other greatest fear is that my wife will sell my tools and guns for what I told her I paid for them
jboehm
Well-known member
Morbid or not it is the reality we all must face. Over the last few years I had to help my girlfriend liquidate her husband's estate after he died at 38 and had planned nothing. Even though he didn't have a lifetime of stuff he still had his and his parents stuff which he had never gone through. No help from his family meant I had to jump in a make it happen so we did the best we could not knowing what he wanted to do with it when he was gone. It made me realize how important this type of planning really is and now I am in the process of documenting everything I own and assigning value and who gets it.
dirt_dobber
Well-known member
^^^Or doesn't care for the tools, and they are left junked up or out in the rain.
My other greatest fear is that my wife will sell my tools and guns for what I told her I paid for them
I was roaring with laughter on that last sentence.
