How Do I Downsize My Collectibles Before a Move?

Moving is a good time to take a hard look at your collectibles. Collections can take up a surprising amount of space, especially if you’ve been adding to them for years. Before you pack everything into boxes, decide which pieces you really want to bring to your new home and which ones you’re ready to let go. 

You don’t have to get rid of your entire collection. Instead, focus on keeping the items that have the most meaning to you, fit your new space, or are worth the effort and expense of moving. 

Key takeaways 

• Measure the space in your new home before deciding how much of your collection to keep.  
• Sort your collectibles into four groups: Keep, sell, donate, and store.  
• Research recent sales before getting rid of collectibles that may have value.  
• Keep the pieces that have the most sentimental value or that you genuinely enjoy.  
• Consider selling duplicates, damaged items, or pieces you no longer enjoy.  
• Photograph favorite collectibles before selling or donating them so you can keep the memories.  
• Pack collectibles carefully to protect them during the move.  
• Use a storage unit for pieces you want to keep but don’t have room to display in your new home.  
• Make an inventory of stored collectibles so you can find what you need later.  
• Consider climate-controlled storage for collectibles that may be sensitive to temperature or humidity changes. 

How do I determine if my collectibles are worth holding on to? 

If you’re worried that you may part with items that may be worth a lot of money, keep in mind that collectibles don’t always increase in value. Remember Beanie Babies? People thought that if they held onto their collection and kept it in mint condition, it would make them a fortune down the line. Instead, many collectors ended up with collections worth far less than they expected. 

To ease your mind, research what similar items are selling for today. Don’t rely solely on the original purchase price or what someone is asking for an item online. Look for completed sales on auction sites and other marketplaces to get a better idea of what buyers are actually paying. 

You may also want to consider the condition, rarity, age, and demand for each item before deciding whether it’s worth keeping. 

How do I figure out how much space I’ll need for my collection in my new home? 

Start by measuring the space you actually have available. Don’t estimate based on how much room your collection takes up in your current home because your new house or apartment may have a very different layout. 

Measure shelves, cabinets, display cases, and other areas where you plan to keep your collection. Then measure larger collectibles that won’t fit on shelves. 

As you go through your collection, make three piles: 

• Display: Items you want to show off in your new home 
• Store: Items you want to keep but don’t need to display 
• Let go: Items you no longer want 

If your “display” pile already fills the space you’ve set aside, take another look at what you’re keeping. You may find that some pieces can go into storage rather than taking up valuable living space. 

How do I decide which collectibles to keep? 

Start with the items you would be most upset to lose. Sentimental value can be just as important as monetary value when you’re deciding what deserves a place in your new home. 

For each item, ask yourself: 

• Do I still enjoy having it? 
• Does it have sentimental value? 
• Is it part of a collection I want to continue? 
• Do I have room to display or store it? 
• Is it difficult or expensive to replace? 
• Is it worth the cost of moving and storing? 
• Would I miss it if I no longer had it? 

If you hesitate over an item, put it in a separate pile and come back to it after you’ve made the easier decisions. 

Should I keep a complete collection or sell individual pieces? 

You don’t necessarily have to keep an entire collection together. If some pieces are more valuable or meaningful than others, consider keeping your favorites and selling the rest. 

On the other hand, breaking up a collection could affect its value if buyers are looking for a complete set. Research your particular type of collectible before separating pieces. 

This can also be a good opportunity to identify duplicates. If you have several versions of the same item, you may be able to sell or give away the extras without giving up the pieces you like most. 

What do I do with the collectibles I need to get rid of? 

When you’re ready to let go of your collection, there are many ways to give the items a good home. You can: 

• Gift excess items to friends or family who enjoy collecting 
• Sell them on online auction sites such as eBay 
• Find local consignment shops that can sell the items for you 
• Sell them through local online groups or Facebook Marketplace 
• Donate items to organizations that accept them 
• Give toys to children’s charities or organizations that can use them 

Before donating or selling anything potentially valuable, research it first. You don’t want to discover later that you gave away something that could have brought in a decent amount of money. 

Tip: Before you say your final goodbye, photograph your favorite items so you’ll always have the memory, even if you no longer have the physical item. 

What should I do with collectibles that won’t fit in my new home? 

You don’t have to choose between getting rid of a collection and filling your new home with boxes. If you want to keep collectibles that don’t fit in your new space, consider putting them in a storage unit. 

Storage can give you a place for pieces you want to keep but don’t need to display every day. You can also use storage while you decide what to do with a collection rather than making a rushed decision during your move. 

For collectibles that may be sensitive to temperature or humidity changes, consider a climate-controlled unit. Pack everything carefully and check the storage facility’s rules before moving your collection into storage. 

Should I insure collectibles in storage? 

If your collection is valuable, check your existing homeowners or renters insurance policy to see whether it covers collectibles in storage. Some policies may have limits or exclusions for certain types of valuable items. 

You may also want to ask the storage facility about its insurance requirements and available coverage. Keep receipts, appraisals, photographs, and other records that document what you own. 

What should I do with collectibles I can’t decide about? 

If you’re struggling to part with something, put it aside rather than making a decision you may regret. Create a temporary “maybe” box and set it aside while you finish the rest of your collection. Once you’ve made progress, revisit those items with fresh eyes. 

You can also ask yourself whether you want to pay to move and store the item. If you’re not willing to spend the money or space to keep it, that may tell you something about how much you really want it. 

Collectibles downsizing checklist 

Before moving, use this checklist to work through your collection: 

• Set aside enough time to sort your collection
• Measure the space available in your new home
• Separate collectibles into keep, sell, donate, and store piles
• Look for duplicates and damaged items
• Research the value of potentially valuable pieces
• Photograph sentimental or valuable collectibles
• Sell items you no longer want before moving
• Donate or gift items that aren’t worth selling
• Pack fragile collectibles individually
• Label every box
• Create an inventory of stored collectibles
• Consider climate-controlled storage for temperature- or humidity-sensitive items
• Review insurance coverage for valuable collections

FAQs about downsizing collectibles 

How do I know if a collectible is rare? 

Look for information about its age, production numbers, manufacturer, edition, condition, and whether it was part of a limited release. Search for the exact item and compare recent sales to similar pieces. 

Should I keep the original packaging for collectibles? 

If you think you may sell the item later, keeping the original packaging can be helpful. Packaging may also protect collectibles from dust, scratches, and other damage while they’re stored. Keeping the item in its original packaging can also make it more valuable down the line when it comes to items like figurines. 

How should I keep track of my collectibles? 

Create a simple inventory that lists each item, its condition, purchase date if known, estimated value, and where it’s stored. Take photos of valuable pieces and update your records when you sell, donate, or move something. 

Should I get my collectibles appraised before moving? 

An appraisal may be worthwhile for rare, valuable, or inherited collectibles. It can give you a better idea of an item’s value and provide documentation for insurance or a potential sale. 

How do I pack small collectibles for storage? 

Wrap individual pieces in protective material and place them in sturdy boxes with padding between items. Label each box clearly and avoid packing heavy objects on top of fragile collectibles. 

Can collectibles lose value while in storage? 

Yes. Poor storage conditions can damage certain collectibles, which may reduce their value. Keep items clean and dry, protect them from physical damage, and follow any storage recommendations for the materials involved. 

What collectibles should I never throw away? 

There’s no universal list of collectibles you should never discard. Before getting rid of something that seems rare, old, or unusual, research it first. A quick search can help you determine whether it has potential value. Also, instead of throwing it away, donating or gifting it may be a better option.