There is a fine line between collector and hoarder.

[AverageOldGuy]

16. We are "downsizing"

In our 80's, moving from a house we built 17 years ago on acreage in rural VA to a small city close to our children.

Downsizing has led to some frank and heated "discussions."

I have dumped just about all the crap I have collected over the years. Down to one small 1X1X1 foot box that's half-full of books. My closet is almost empty; ditto for the single chest where I store socks, underwear, etc.. Down to one small handheld radio from my 55 years as a ham radio operator. Ditched the big computer for a laptop. Down to one small toolbox of handtools plus a battery-powered drill in small tote bag.

Wife refuses to let go. She taught high school English for 38 years. Our garage is home to 16 cartons of books, lesson plans, and the like that have been sealed and stored in garages for 21 years, yet, she wants to move them with us. Ditto for dishes -- we have six different patterns, 12 place setting of each. I can't count the glassware. Don't get me started on clothes, shoes, magazines (stacks going back 10 years). We have 2 of most kitchen appliances, 3-4 of every size of saucepan, skillet, etc. She ahs three chests of drawers, each one bulging. Last week I counted 31 canvas tote bags, not one of which she is willing to part with.

Moving into small 2-BR apartment. She wants to rent storage space at $450 a month to store books, dishes, magazines -- just in case.

Neighbors are buying our house, close on April 1.

I am at the end of my rope. Do not know what to do with her junk.