Something just clicked…..
- Thread starter Strouty
- Start date
Well some of you guys are going to be mad, but I have decided to scrap a bunch of my steel shelving. It has been outside for years now, it is missing braces and is starting to rust up pretty good. I was going to put it all on some wood pallets, then band it to the pallets and wait six more months for the next auction.
That just seems like way too much effort and time to invest in a gamble. It is all going. This is the first casualty of my "stuff bankruptcy". Just making the decision has me feeling all kinds of mixed emotions, then off course I have to wait until tomorrow morning to unload it all at the scrap yard. I have a feeling I may be sleeping rough tonight.
That just seems like way too much effort and time to invest in a gamble. It is all going. This is the first casualty of my "stuff bankruptcy". Just making the decision has me feeling all kinds of mixed emotions, then off course I have to wait until tomorrow morning to unload it all at the scrap yard. I have a feeling I may be sleeping rough tonight.
That was good therapy, loading the shelving by myself made me realize how much work would need to be done just to use them. I offered them to may people before going through with this, no one wanted them. I figure I may even end up getting what I would expect to get from the auction, regardless, they are going, I won't have to worry about moving them again or even have to look at them again.
I think everyone agrees that I do not need more shelving. I will take a picture and then everyone can scold me for scrapping all this beautiful shelving.
I think everyone agrees that I do not need more shelving. I will take a picture and then everyone can scold me for scrapping all this beautiful shelving.
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bczygan
Well-known member
No scolding from me.
If it was meant that you or someone else should use it, then it would have happened. You gave it every chance. And it will have another chance at the scrap yard, if anyone desires it.
And I know all about the mixed feelings. I'm still thinking about a CB1000 I gave away and all the nice limestone cut stone I tossed, and numerous other things. But I have nice expansive spaces, and room to walk, and the use of my house and yard. So take some deep breaths. Slowly in, and hold it...then slowly out.
Sometimes you have to cut your losses. You'll learn to live with the realities of the ebb and flow of stuff.
Bill
So I walked around and took a good look at the things that I have floating around the yard. I have a couple more loads to go to scrap for sure. I still have too much stuff, but I can't let go of my dreams completely. At least going into this winter there will be some relief, last winter I was scrambling after the snow had started falling. I am uploading pictures now and I will post some later tonight.
Some of the stuff that I had saved for years that I think it is time to let go:
Bent tower sections:
Boat with bad transom:
Old lockers and a beat to **** cabinet:
More shelving that I can't use because of the odd configuration:
Skeleton of a canopy from years ago:
Miscellaneous stuff:
Bent tower sections:
Boat with bad transom:
Old lockers and a beat to **** cabinet:
More shelving that I can't use because of the odd configuration:
Skeleton of a canopy from years ago:
Miscellaneous stuff:
bczygan
Well-known member
I agree with everything you showed in the photos.
If you were really short on storage space (Which you aren't anymore), you could set those lockers back to back, in a row, on some treated skids. Then cover the top with a temporary roof or a tarp, and use them for temporary outside storage.
I don't want to give you any ideas...
Bill
If you were really short on storage space (Which you aren't anymore), you could set those lockers back to back, in a row, on some treated skids. Then cover the top with a temporary roof or a tarp, and use them for temporary outside storage.
I don't want to give you any ideas...
Bill
I highly doubt anyone here is going to be sorry you are scrapping this stuff. Honestly, pictures of your endless piles of rusting **** is why my property has been cleaned up.
It's amazing how people who say stuff has value when it's on your property will not put it on their property even if offered at scrap pricing.
At that point, you know the true value of it.
It's amazing how people who say stuff has value when it's on your property will not put it on their property even if offered at scrap pricing.
At that point, you know the true value of it.
rmalkow2
Well-known member
I've been following the progress and say good job with this clean up you are doing. You are making the right decisions to get rid of stuff that is rusting and will not be used. Just remember the ones you scrap are not the only ones on earth. If a rusty cabinet or shelving kit gets scrapped today and you need one in the future chances are you can still find something in better condition. But saving it all around the property for "someday" never seems to pay off. Believe me I have been there as well. We can't save it all.
When all the scrap is gone, mow the weeds to clean up the property, use some of that scrap money to buy some beer and kick back to admire the job you've done and the "good" stuff you still have and can properly use/preserve.
Keep up the good progress!!
When all the scrap is gone, mow the weeds to clean up the property, use some of that scrap money to buy some beer and kick back to admire the job you've done and the "good" stuff you still have and can properly use/preserve.
Keep up the good progress!!
I just got back from picking up a parts car. "Dad" never got rid of anything in 50 years on the farm and hit every auction for 60 miles and hauled his "finds" home.
For two years since he died, they have been selling and scrapping. They told me that 6 of those full sized scrap semis have been there so far, and 20-30 cars and trucks sold off.
Sure it's a tidy amount of money, but he could have earned 6 % on that money in the bank.
So, 80% of what he brought home never was used for anything, it took years to clean up and they still have 200 tires to pay disposal on.
That's the reality I faced this summer and now you are (hopefully) too. That's what I really think, so now it's tuff love time. You really are going to feel better with that stuff gone and hundreds of dollars in your pocket.
For two years since he died, they have been selling and scrapping. They told me that 6 of those full sized scrap semis have been there so far, and 20-30 cars and trucks sold off.
Sure it's a tidy amount of money, but he could have earned 6 % on that money in the bank.
So, 80% of what he brought home never was used for anything, it took years to clean up and they still have 200 tires to pay disposal on.
That's the reality I faced this summer and now you are (hopefully) too. That's what I really think, so now it's tuff love time. You really are going to feel better with that stuff gone and hundreds of dollars in your pocket.
I dumped a load first thing this morning, then we brought two trucks just before they closed. I still have a truck and a half, maybe more. Of course scrap prices have tanked, so I lost about 30% from what last week was paying. Regardless, $500 helps out substantially. I was in such a rush because they closed at noon that I forgot to take pictures of the loads. I will post some more pictures over the next couple days, it will show the progress. If tomorrow is as productive, I will be feeling really good.
Yesterday I got rid off almost all the lockers, there are only two left. I got rid of almost all the shelving, there are still some braces and a few shelves that were off to the side hiding. I have a small undecided pile of steel, I am really feeling like getting rid of most of it. Of course my buddy is not as helpful with that, he will say "you could use that for……." Then he says sorry and he knows that he is not helping the situation.
We setup a burn pile for this morning.
I moved all the fry oil out so I could empty the small containers into one of the large 330 gallon tanks.
I have decided to move a few things out of the shop, as well as a few things into the shop. The transition should gain floor space, not lose it.
I also have to get all the electric 3 phase chain hoists ready to bring to the auction tomorrow. I have decided to scrap a few more things, but those won't happen for a week or so, because I have a busy schedule next week.
We setup a burn pile for this morning.
I moved all the fry oil out so I could empty the small containers into one of the large 330 gallon tanks.
I have decided to move a few things out of the shop, as well as a few things into the shop. The transition should gain floor space, not lose it.
I also have to get all the electric 3 phase chain hoists ready to bring to the auction tomorrow. I have decided to scrap a few more things, but those won't happen for a week or so, because I have a busy schedule next week.
neuralsnafu
Well-known member
I've read every page to this point, and just wanted to say keep it up. Even a small amount of progress is good progress!
metalhead140
Well-known member
Been reading along here too. You're making great progress, and it's timely reading for me as I think I can tend towards the same behaviour, and it's good to look at as something to try to avoid. So thanks for sharing!
mdbeck1
Well-known member
The pictures that I've been seeing are showing progress.
...and I can only hope that you are feeling better about the organization of your place.
On a related note SWMBFAO (She Who Must Be Feared And Obeyed) put another "chick flick" in at about 7:00 PM. That's usually my cue to "disappear". So I went took some of my own advice to you and went into the garage and cleaned up some of the stuff I drug home from Dad's garage. I threw away about 5 xerox boxes of stuff (filled all the trash cans for Tuesday). Mainly I combined some boxes of electrical stuff and dumped a bunch of old computer stuff that I will never touch again. Most of that stuff has been sitting in boxes for a couple of years.
So you see.... you are having an impact on the lives of many people.
...and I can only hope that you are feeling better about the organization of your place.On a related note SWMBFAO (She Who Must Be Feared And Obeyed) put another "chick flick" in at about 7:00 PM. That's usually my cue to "disappear". So I went took some of my own advice to you and went into the garage and cleaned up some of the stuff I drug home from Dad's garage. I threw away about 5 xerox boxes of stuff (filled all the trash cans for Tuesday). Mainly I combined some boxes of electrical stuff and dumped a bunch of old computer stuff that I will never touch again. Most of that stuff has been sitting in boxes for a couple of years.
So you see.... you are having an impact on the lives of many people.
Mdbeck1, it does feel pretty good. I am mainly working on the outside but knowing that things will be cleaned up before the snow is awesome in itself. This thread has been a learning experience for me, I am learning things about myself that I never realized. Now i still find myself doing some old habits, but this thread has kept me in check. I am glad that the thread has helped, motivated, or scared others. I feel there are a lot of people that are keeping silent because they don't want to or maybe don't know how to deal with a similar situation. There is really only one way and that is head on.
I am standing behind you while I type this.
I am standing behind you while I type this.
Seagoon
Well-known member
Strouty,
When I saw your thread about "Stuff bankruptcy" I thought "Oh no! Another bunch of talking instead of doing!"
But I will freely admit I am wrong. I am really impressed with your progress. Although I am not as bad as you I do have the same tendencies so I recognize how difficult it must be to get rid of potentially useful stuff, but you are doing the right thing.
Keep up the good work.
Vaughan
When I saw your thread about "Stuff bankruptcy" I thought "Oh no! Another bunch of talking instead of doing!"
But I will freely admit I am wrong. I am really impressed with your progress. Although I am not as bad as you I do have the same tendencies so I recognize how difficult it must be to get rid of potentially useful stuff, but you are doing the right thing.
Keep up the good work.
Vaughan
egnorant
Well-known member
Many of us have the hoarder mindset. After 3 years of steady progress myself I can only point to one item I MIGHT have profited from if I had kept.
Your trailer load of shelves look just like the ones I threw out. Realized all they did was hold stuff that I should have gotten rid of immediately.
The hard part for me is looking at a project and realizing that I will never do that and that stuff must go. Then the relief sets in because you don't have that part hanging over your head any more!!
Bruce
Your trailer load of shelves look just like the ones I threw out. Realized all they did was hold stuff that I should have gotten rid of immediately.
The hard part for me is looking at a project and realizing that I will never do that and that stuff must go. Then the relief sets in because you don't have that part hanging over your head any more!!
Bruce
Nailed it! This is how most people live life. If the project is not there, they never have to worry about it.
Yesterday was a long day of driving. I took the GF with me to drop off the auction items, then we did some shopping and had a late lunch.
Today I am hoping to haul a boat to the dump, then take a load of scrap as well. I have found more things that can go, but they need to be prepared so for right now they will wait.
I am standing behind you while I type this.
Today I am hoping to haul a boat to the dump, then take a load of scrap as well. I have found more things that can go, but they need to be prepared so for right now they will wait.
I am standing behind you while I type this.
I loaded up the vehicle parts, since they can go to a closer yard. When I get back, I am taking the boat, then the trailer is going to my Dad's shop since he decided he wanted it. When I get back, I should be able to load the truck one more time, then I hope to take another trailer home with me so I can drop it off first thing in the morning.
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After lunch, my roll started to crawl. I got the truck loaded for another trip in the morning. I also had to reason with myself about a few things, decide to keep three items that I had slated for scrap. If I do not use them in the next two weeks they are going to the scrap yard. For posterity and accountability I will take pictures of them tomorrow, then I can report back on them later when I either use them or scrap them.
I saved this monstrosity because I want to make some sort of a tool tree on wheels, I may start a thread just to get input and ideas.
These are some straight parts of the old bent tower I got rid of, they are going to act as saw horses for my bridge crane parts. I am moving them from the front yard to the side yard this weekend.
This is a very heavy duty electrical cabinet, I want to use it for a wall cabinet to store???? I was thinking pullers and maybe custom tools?
I saved this monstrosity because I want to make some sort of a tool tree on wheels, I may start a thread just to get input and ideas.
These are some straight parts of the old bent tower I got rid of, they are going to act as saw horses for my bridge crane parts. I am moving them from the front yard to the side yard this weekend.
This is a very heavy duty electrical cabinet, I want to use it for a wall cabinet to store???? I was thinking pullers and maybe custom tools?
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So I got rid of the big boat and trailer yesterday, my neighbor is taking the smaller boat and trailer, so they are still visible, but on his property. At least they are no longer my problem. I took a bunch of parts off the larger reel trailer and brought it to the scrap yard. Then tonight my Dad took a bunch of stuff from inside the shop, then we talked about what he wanted from around the yard. Basically, he will be taking another truck load of stuff as well. I should have most of that gone this weekend. Tomorrow I may try and burn up the rest of the old wood, it is supposed to rain, so it will be a perfect day for it. Here are some updated pictures for all to see.
metalhead140
Well-known member
Huge improvement! Keep at it.
rmalkow2
Well-known member
Wow, really great progress. The grounds look much improved. Take stock in your improvement to the shop and outside area. It's definitely not a loss but rather a good improvement. Keep the momentum.
Now that's what I've been preaching about. Ya done good.
My next step was to bring all the stuff hiding in the weeds out and get it under cover or onto the graveled area. Then I could take stock of all that stuff too. That's when the "spare" rear differentials got drained and tossed, along with a bunch of other rusty junk.
Then, like you just did, I got the vehicles in a row along with the trailers, like that blue one in front. Move it to the back on gravel, your neighbors will thank you.
My next step was to bring all the stuff hiding in the weeds out and get it under cover or onto the graveled area. Then I could take stock of all that stuff too. That's when the "spare" rear differentials got drained and tossed, along with a bunch of other rusty junk.
Then, like you just did, I got the vehicles in a row along with the trailers, like that blue one in front. Move it to the back on gravel, your neighbors will thank you.
That trailer is going to be loaded with surplus stuff. All the knaack boxes and some other things. Right now everything has to be moved multiple times. I am trying to get all the big storage containers moved way out back. I have to clear some trees and level the area up.
I am standing behind you while I type this.
I am standing behind you while I type this.
dlcwent
Member Emeritus
Looks like you're heading in the right direction. Keep up the momentum.
And you don't have to post it but I ask myself where in the hell in Portland are you. I've been there many times and never see that part of the city. Looks more like the outskirts of Saco.
And you don't have to post it but I ask myself where in the hell in Portland are you. I've been there many times and never see that part of the city. Looks more like the outskirts of Saco.
bczygan
Well-known member
So nice!
I won't kid you. I wondered about the boat trailer. I would have kept it.
And I coveted your shelving and cabinets.
But I would have had to put it all in the yard, just like you.
Your yard is looking so much better.
I won't kid you. I wondered about the boat trailer. I would have kept it.
And I coveted your shelving and cabinets.
But I would have had to put it all in the yard, just like you.
Your yard is looking so much better.
Garage Junky
Well-known member
Excellent progress. Don't stop now - you'll be so relieved once you're organized.
I got rid of about 350 pounds of aluminum this morning, I actually took it home in the car, then dropped it off on my way in to the shop.
I did not get anything done outside, but I did make headway in the stockroom. I am excited to get started and have a couple of drawers actually labeled.
I did not get anything done outside, but I did make headway in the stockroom. I am excited to get started and have a couple of drawers actually labeled.
dlcwent
Member Emeritus
You know how much time that's going to save you next time you need one of those things. You going to walk over and get it.
Now the next big thing to do (which I have a problem with) is after you take something out of it's container, is if you don't use it, put it back. I'm forever getting bolts out my bolt bin and then throwing the ones I don't use in a cup on the bench. Then spending hours sorting and putting them back where they belong.
Now the next big thing to do (which I have a problem with) is after you take something out of it's container, is if you don't use it, put it back. I'm forever getting bolts out my bolt bin and then throwing the ones I don't use in a cup on the bench. Then spending hours sorting and putting them back where they belong.