Something just clicked…..

[bczygan]

Good thoughts, that other thread about the cost of storage has been really depressing me. I spend so much money on storage of things that I do not even need or use. I just wish I could start over, but I am scared shitless that I will need it as soon as I toss it.

I know this is irrational, but I can remember every time that this happens. I just wish I could remember all the feelings of joy after cleaning out and tossing a bunch of junk. Seems like I am slightly dysfunctional.

If I thought about the cost of the things I am discarding, I wouldn't throw anything away. And we are still paying for those things, with interest.

Much is ruined, the rest junk we don't need. And the cost in time to try to recover some fraction of the cost, is not worth it.

Anything needing repair is another project we will never get to.

Multiples of things, are just space wasters.

I'm even getting rid of tables, as they are clutter collectors.

I used to have a round drum table as a night stand by the bed. It was always overflowing with stuff.

It's been gone for a couple of months, along with all the stuff it collected.

Even storage items are going. I just removed a half dozen or more tool boxes and a roller stack from the garage. Also three file cabinets. They had no specific purpose and were just becoming places to stuff things into.

Having just the right storage makes you have just the right tools, and no more.

I've learned this the hard way.

 

[Strouty]

Here are the pictures of the office trailer and the junk that was in it, basically you could not walk from one end to the other without climbing over something or walking on stuff. I have cleaned it almost completely out, except for the things that are staying in there. I am going to use it for a wood shop as well as my GF is going to use the front section for her crafts and furniture refinishing. I will post more pictures of it as we clean things up and get the shelving made.

 

[Strouty]

I have upgraded toolboxes, now I have something that should fit most everything I own with some room to grow.

I am going from this old box:



Into this one:

 

[TexasT]

Keep up the fine work!

We moved here about two years ago. Before that I think my hobby was moving and chasing money. We seemed to move every two or three years. We would buy a repossessed house, polish the turd and resell and move to another. While it made money it was taxing to steady be in the idea that we couldn't unpack because we would have to pack it up again to move it. I am still unpacking and finding things we haven't seen in years. I try to accomplish things but the mountain is tall. I like to repair, build and such but sometimes as pointed out it is cheaper to jettison and buy good used or heaven forbid, new.

Now we are starting to actually accomplish some of the projects that have been put on hold for various reasons. My wife is a crafty type so she like to do things and sew and make the pinntrest things too. This equates to her and me having mountains of "supplies" that get bought "on Sale" or with the idea that it will be needed. I don't think we are hoarders yet, but pack rats definitely. We have an understanding, we don't throw each others stuff away.

We just try to move forward and with the money chase slowed down we just do it on a budget.

Some Great insight posted here. Thanks to all who contributed.

 

[Strouty]

Keep up the fine work!

We moved here about two years ago. Before that I think my hobby was moving and chasing money. We seemed to move every two or three years. We would buy a repossessed house, polish the turd and resell and move to another. While it made money it was taxing to steady be in the idea that we couldn't unpack because we would have to pack it up again to move it. I am still unpacking and finding things we haven't seen in years. I try to accomplish things but the mountain is tall. I like to repair, build and such but sometimes as pointed out it is cheaper to jettison and buy good used or heaven forbid, new.

Now we are starting to actually accomplish some of the projects that have been put on hold for various reasons. My wife is a crafty type so she like to do things and sew and make the pinntrest things too. This equates to her and me having mountains of "supplies" that get bought "on Sale" or with the idea that it will be needed. I don't think we are hoarders yet, but pack rats definitely. We have an understanding, we don't throw each others stuff away.

We just try to move forward and with the money chase slowed down we just do it on a budget.

Some Great insight posted here. Thanks to all who contributed.

Are you finally staying in one place? Those damn sales always get me. My GF does the same thing, except she will talk herself out of way more things than I can.

 

[Strouty]

A quick morning craigslist ad turned into an all day process. I just bought more cabinets! I know, I know, but these are going to replace some shelving that is far less useful. I had help loading them, but no help unloading them. Since the shop is a mess, the forklift was useless, plus they were in my suburban. I had to slide them out, then tilt them down to the floor. The big grey one is a Lyon cabinet and it is heavy. The blue one is a Lista 9 drawer unit with all drawers the same size. It was easier, but I had taken out the drawers, the Lyon was not as easily disassembled so it stayed together.

I used some of my suction cup handles, these things are probably the most used tool out of all my auction finds. They were designed for glass, but they work on any solid smooth non porous surface. They are awesome for moving metal sheet stock. I do not think I would have been able to move it without them. It was so heavy that I had to use both to pick the bottom up enough to clear the trim on the rear door of the sub. With one, it would just slide, they are rated for 250 pounds. Now my back hurts….LOL. Taking my GJ break and posting maybe I will take some tylenol too.

 

[Strouty]

I bought the Lyon cabinet as a package deal to get a better price, I know I did not get a smoking deal, but I ended up paying $900 for both. I know that they are worth $450 each all day.

Here is a link to the Lyon cabinet, Lyon cabinet $1700 I all ready found the dividers for the yellow tilt bins. Those bins are designed to handle 45 pounds each and the shelves are good for 1450 pounds.

Shipping weight is 450 pounds, so it must weigh about 400 pounds, it felt pretty heavy!

 

[bczygan]

You are getting some nice storage cabinets.

Having nice cabinets encourages me to fill them only with nice tools, not junk.

 

[Strouty]

You are getting some nice storage cabinets.

Having nice cabinets encourages me to fill them only with nice tools, not junk.

I am also figuring that they will replace shelving that takes up twice the room. I am in process of cleaning off the shelves now. It is great timing, since all the woodworking tools need to go into the trailer now anyways.

I have tons of shipping boxes and I do not use a lot of them, I am going to take a bunch to the recycling on the way home. I figure I will have the shelves out and the cabinets in place by the Fourth, that way I can relax and feel like I have accomplished something.

I am pretty sure that I am going to move my vidmar cabinet in with the lista, then the lyons can go out on the shop floor for some heavy items. It is also a lot easier to move with the pallet jack, where the other cabinets are a forklift or dolly only item. In the stockroom, they should not need to be moved unless I change the stockroom location (of course that is possible!).

 

[Strouty]

I got the cardboard out, then I decided to keep moving. Man it was almost a full suburban load of cardboard. I tried to return the USPS boxes, but they would not take them back. I had not realized how the regional rate boxes work and they get too expensive compared to the flat rate ones for almost everything that I shipped.

 

[Strouty]

I loaded all the woodworking tools and some misc stuff into the office trailer. I also took some pictures to show the effort that was put into cleaning the trailer to start building the wood shop.

 

[Strouty]

So I got ambitious and I had enough energy that I actually got everything moved! I don't know why I thought it would take me so long, but now I have the entire week to start organizing.

 

[Strouty]

This morning I got rid of all the cardboard then headed to the shop. When I got here, it seemed weird to me, like the other two big shelves were just in the way. I am trying to figure out if I will take them out as well.

Another thing that I started thinking about was my ebay items. I figured I could start listing some for sale, when I started looking around, they were all low dollar items. I will have time listing them, time to pack them, and then run the risk of some weird ebay/paypal chargeback. I am going to load up a bunch and put it in the dumpster.

I am kind of scared about this, but I think having the space back will make those feelings go away. I am also reassessing a lot of my projects and spare parts. I may start getting ruthless as Bill would suggest.

 

[bczygan]

That photo of the cabinets and shelving lined up along the wall is just so sweet!

It's getting downright organized in there!

 

[mdbeck1]

So I got ambitious and I had enough energy that I actually got everything moved! I don't know why I thought it would take me so long, but now I have the entire week to start organizing.

...

So now that you have those purdy cabinets in place... what are you going to put in them?
\

 

[Strouty]

I temporarily filled them with hardware and tools.

The plan is to use them for specialty tools and hardware. I have some of the smaller drawers filled with gaskets, but I really do not feel that it is a good use of space.

I am also removing the other two green shelves to the far right of the cabinets. I have plans for a electronics/hobby/shipping area. Nice combination of things????

 

[mdbeck1]

I temporarily filled them with hardware and tools.

The plan is to use them for specialty tools and hardware. I have some of the smaller drawers filled with gaskets, but I really do not feel that it is a good use of space.

I am also removing the other two green shelves to the far right of the cabinets. I have plans for a electronics/hobby/shipping area. Nice combination of things????

I don't want to sound critical. My wife has more than once accused me of being a hoarder. For me.... I have found that if you decide what you want in a set of cabinets you should start putting that thing in there (and label the drawer or cabinet). Now you have a location for similar items and when you find them you MUST put them in their proper place. This makes room in other areas and gives you a reason to clean up another area. If you have more than will fit in one cabinet you need to decide if you really need that many or find another cabinet to put beside the one you just filled up.

I have also found that stacks of plastic tubs (or boxes) near an area that you are sorting help you do a "rough sort". I started off with things like "household electrical", "automotive electrical", "plumbing", "automotive liquids", "corded tools", .... When I filled one box I added another to the pile. Don't forget the boxes marked "trash", "scrap", and "give away". These make room in your garage/shop for the stuff that you want to keep. Later you can go back through the general sorted tubs and sub-sort. "Automotive Liquids" becomes "Engine Oil", "Fuel Additives", "Brake Fluid", .... Then you can set up racks or cabinets to put these things in and find them easily.

 

[Strouty]

You don't sound critical. I took some pictures of some of the drawers that I will post when I get home. I have to load two cabinets and my new snap on tool box. I will be doing what you suggest tomorrow.

* I am conveying my true thoughts telepathically *

 

[Strouty]

Here are the pictures of the drawers that I took. The mess inside is fun for another day.

 

[FunkyfullWidth]

I feel your pain. I sometimes have money for new junk/projects but no money to finish the old ones. Sometimes it's being overwhelmed, sometimes it's the uncertainy of, "how do I want to finish this.." or " I want to sand it and paint it." Sometimes it's best to use something as is for a while... Thats been my problem my entire life. Take something apart to "fix" it. I usually end up stashing all the parts in a box for a later date.

Since I moved into my new place almost 2 years ago I've been evaluating what I need. 17 tool boxes (exaggeration) is not something I need. I went through my boxes, doubles are ok, but any more than that I've been putting into a ebay/ craigslist pile.

It looks like you've made a good dent in your shop there. Just keep at it and one day it'll be what you want, or close to it at least! We all have to deal with this issue in one way or another, on different scales.

 

[Strouty]

Thanks for the support, glad to see I am not alone.

One thing I have found is that "ebay/craigslist pile" should have a time limit on it. If you don't list it by a certain time, say 6 months, then donate it. That is kind of what happened to me, I made entire areas dedicated to craigslist and ebay, then never got around to listing it. I have been getting ruthless, yesterday I topped of my dumpster with some "ebay" items.

Today the dumpster is getting emptied and I plan on trying to get it full again by next week. I also have about 30 big industrial hanging lights that I bought for $10, they are worth about $35 each on ebay, but only as a tested working light. I don't feel like testing them all, then having to pack and ship them, so they will end up getting me maybe $3 each in scrap. I have a local guy that actually pays 10 cents a pound for ballasts, most places charge to take them.

That is the plan, but it was hot (for Maine) yesterday and today it is going to be hotter, then wednesday will be even hotter than that. I really wish I had one of my big AC units working!

 

[mdbeck1]

... but it was hot (for Maine) yesterday and today it is going to be hotter, then wednesday will be even hotter than that. I really wish I had one of my big AC units working!

If the AC isn't working turn a couple box fans on. Not as nice as the fans but better than nothing.

It was around 100F here yesterday.

 

[Strouty]

Yesterday I ended up doing a bunch of errands, then went to the shop in the afternoon. I moved a bunch of stuff around outside so I can hopefully be productive today inside. The dumpster was emptied, but now I have it almost full again due to the bulky nature of some of the trash that I have been tossing. I made a mess of the inside of the shop, but I am moving forward with getting rid of stuff! I will not be doing any organizing, at least nothing that will amount to anything.

Of course now that I have the suburban going, I have been acquiring stuff again. So far it has just been small stuff and far less than the amount that is going away. I gave a friend some new camp stove propane bottles that were in my way, I also gave him a nice portable camp cook top. It felt good to have someone get the items that will actually use them.

If the AC isn't working turn a couple box fans on. Not as nice as the fans but better than nothing.

It was around 100F here yesterday.

I am setting one up today, I may have two. It was only in the upper 80s here, but that is a lot hotter than it has been. The rest of the week is supposed to get into the 90s with thunder storms.

 

[Strouty]

So now that I have had a chance to really look at the stuff I bought this morning and do some research, I hit a gold mine!

I bought a box of electronic goodies for $20, then I paid $10 for a stainless steel bin.

I cherry picked some items that seemed like they would be valuable. Here is what I got:

These VFDs are currently selling (completed listings search) on ebay for at least $90 each.


These are wearable barcode scanners and they are selling for about $700 each, I also got another charger with spare batteries.


This motor starter has been damaged, I was hoping to be able to use it, but it may end up being junk.


This is a nicely made stainless hanging bin, the bottom is curved to make it easier to get things out.

 

[Strouty]

And this is the mess that I made inside:



If I was to hold onto these, I may be able to get more money for them, but I know myself, I will not take the effort to sell them. I am scrapping them, I only paid $10 for all of them at an auction so I should get my money back.

 

[Strouty]

Only 3 hours to break almost all of the parts down. I still have to take apart some of the hooks that have cable inside them. I feel a lot better, plus there is quite a bit of aluminum and a bunch of wire. The ballasts will be worth 10 cents a pound as well.

I am going to load everything tonight so I can get it dropped off first thing tomorrow.

 

[Strouty]

Anyone need some mercury vapor bulbs?

I may have to post an ad on craigslist, but I have tons of them, I previously scrapped almost 100 of these same lights.

 

[mdbeck1]

So I've got to ask....
Did you buy this stuff to resell? ...and are there ebay/cl listings already out there?

 

[Strouty]

So I've got to ask....
Did you buy this stuff to resell? ...and are there ebay/cl listings already out there?

I usually buy with the intent to resell but it doesn't always happen. I have found that if I make my money back selling a portion of it then I tend to put the rest of the stuff on the back burner.

I am working on changing that. I want to have a nice working shop not a warehouse.

* I am conveying my true thoughts telepathically *

 

[mdbeck1]

If I remember correctly VFDs are used to turn 220 single phase into 220 three phase. ...and therefore good for 3 phase motors. That would mean that you can run industrial equipment in your house. I don't know if you need that but there is probably some interest on the board.

Of course I could be wrong about all of that.

 

[mechan]

So now that I have had a chance to really look at the stuff I bought this morning and do some research, I hit a gold mine!

I bought a box of electronic goodies for $20, then I paid $10 for a stainless steel bin.

I cherry picked some items that seemed like they would be valuable. Here is what I got:

These VFDs are currently selling (completed listings search) on ebay for at least $90 each.


These are wearable barcode scanners and they are selling for about $700 each, I also got another charger with spare batteries.


This motor starter has been damaged, I was hoping to be able to use it, but it may end up being junk.


This is a nicely made stainless hanging bin, the bottom is curved to make it easier to get things out.

How much would you want for a couple of the vfd's for a local sale?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[Strouty]

If I remember correctly VFDs are used to turn 220 single phase into 220 three phase. ...and therefore good for 3 phase motors. That would mean that you can run industrial equipment in your house. I don't know if you need that but there is probably some interest on the board.

Of course I could be wrong about all of that.

You are correct, except these ones are actually rated for much higher voltage, so they can't be used with 220. I have a rotary phase converter to run my 3 phase tools. The VFD would be nice since you can change the speed of the motor with a simple turn of the dial.

 

[Strouty]

How much would you want for a couple of the vfd's for a local sale?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

They are for 380 to 480 volts input, so I don't think they will be a lot of help to anyone. If they can be made to work on 220 input, I could use all of them myself. If you can use that voltage, PM me.

 

[Strouty]

I went back to the salvage yard yesterday to see what else I could find. I bought another $60 worth of stuff. I got a bunch more barcode scanners and a bunch of portable barcode printers. Appears that the ebay value is about $1000 so This weekend I will be listing a bunch of my new treasures for sale.

I had always wanted to setup a barcode system for my stockroom, so I am going to keep one unit that I found, it is low resale value so it won't hurt me much. I figure I can keep one of the barcode printers as well, then I can print barcode labels and scan them too.


It has been so hot and humid (for Maine) the last few days that my productivity has been slowed to a crawl. I am actually going to work today since the weather is kind of crappy due to Arthur and his rain. I did get rid of all the parts of the lights that I disassembled the other day. I got $111.47 total. I ended up getting just about my $3 per light estimate. Now I am breaking down some old radio equipment.

 

[Strouty]

I guess I am about halfway done with the radio equipment. I am glad I broke it down, there are some huge aluminum heat sinks that weigh almost 40 pounds each. I also got some decent copper chunks, I do need to use a torch to remove some soldered parts, but it will be worth the time and effort.

I need to research a few more things. I did learn that my last scrap run I gave away a ton of copper that I could have gotten out of the ballasts fairly easily. Now I know so I won't make the same mistake again.

One thing I want to mention to anyone that wants to disassemble electronics, you need to be careful of the capacitors (silver can things), they can hold enough charge to knock you on your ***. I used a meter to confirm they had no voltage, these ones have been unplugged for years, but in theory they would self discharge in hours. Anyways thought I would mention it.

 

[Strouty]

The transformers are built so they do not break apart easily, I was hoping to get more copper out, but it doesn't look good. I may try cutting one with a cut off wheel and see if it can be pulled out.

I am off to separate the copper pieces that have been soldered.

 

[Strouty]

Done for the night, I got the smaller transformers done, the big ones will need to be cut.

 

[David Jackson]

Well I am just a rookie I guess.
I have actually been getting rid of stuff. My garage is only 80' long and 24' deep and I keep cars and a tractor in it.

I am glad that there are real garage collectors out there! Perhaps I can interest some in my excess stuff.

Regards,

David J.

 

[keelan]

Strouty,

Stop going to the salvage yard!

 

[Strouty]

You can't make me!

I will keep updating on my salvage yards deals. If they sell then I am doing well, since this is my job technically. Overall I have cleaned out a lot of junk and I have moved forward on a bunch of decisions. I have also gotten rid of tons of mental clutter as well.

* I am conveying my true thoughts telepathically *