Every week, I get a phone call from someone convinced that a profitable estate sale will primarily feature furniture, along with a few treasured items like crystal, china dinnerware, and silverware.
When I receive these calls, I sigh inwardly, knowing I’ll have to gently explain why yesteryear’s treasures have become today’s boat anchors. It’s never easy to tell someone who has spent their life working hard and investing in what was highly valued at the time that those items no longer hold the same worth.
But why is this the case? Why don’t younger generations value the “heirlooms” families want to pass down?
There are several reasons for this shift in taste and value, with some of the most common being:
1. Style Over Quality
Fashion Drives Consumption: Since the 1950s, talented marketers have taught people to associate status with owning the “newest, best, and most expensive” items. However, fashion trends change roughly every decade. As a result, today’s buyers are conditioned to desire what’s trendy and modern, not what was considered valuable in the past. This “out with the old, in with the new” mindset keeps our fashion-driven economy alive.
2. Influence of Television and Media
Interior design shows on popular networks encourage viewers to follow current styles, often highlighting specific themes or trends. Retail stores then stock items featured on these shows, reinforcing the belief that what’s on TV is always the most desirable.
3. Changing Priorities: Technology Over Tradition
Younger generations often view their homes as extensions of their personal style and social status. For many, that means investing in technology rather than dinnerware or traditional furniture.
4. Financial Pressures and Delayed Independence
- Many young adults stay longer in their parents' homes due to the rising cost of living.
- Housing costs eat up a larger percentage of income, and smaller living spaces mean less room for oversized or outdated furniture.
- Why invest in furniture when you’re living in a fully furnished home?
5. Emphasis on Visible Style
The details that make furniture high-quality—such as dovetail joints, solid wood construction, and high-grade upholstery—are often hidden. Younger buyers are drawn to what’s visible and stylish, not what’s underneath.
6. Affordable and Convenient Alternatives
Flat-pack furniture stores make trendy, functional pieces readily available at low prices. These items are easy to transport, set up, and replace—perfect for first-time homeowners or renters.
Smaller Living Spaces
In the past, young adults and newlyweds were key buyers of used furniture. However, homes have shrunk since the early 2000s, as sustainability and affordability have become priorities. Builders are focusing more on multi-family dwellings, which are typically smaller than the spacious single-family homes of the 1960s to 2000s.
Smaller homes mean less room for items like grandfather clocks, china hutches, or full-sized sofas. Open-concept layouts further reduce demand for dining tables and other traditional pieces.
The Silver Tsunami
As Baby Boomers enter their senior years, their estates are being cleared, flooding the market with used goods. The Baby Boom generation (1946–1964) experienced unprecedented economic growth and consumerism, resulting in an abundance of items now entering the secondhand market.
However, not everyone buys used goods. Those who do often face their own financial and spatial limitations, contributing to a surplus that drives down prices. It’s not uncommon to see china hutches listed for free on social media.
What Does Sell Well?
At our online auctions through CTBids, certain items consistently attract buyers:
- Retro Collectibles and Jewelry: Popular among young adults looking for unique or nostalgic pieces.
- Toys and Music Albums: Baby Boomers often seek items that remind them of their childhood and teen years.
- Art: Both wall art and sculptures are in demand.
- Well-Made Furniture: Mid-Century Modern styles, in particular, remain highly desirable.
Items that evoke nostalgia or align with current trends tend to sell best.
How to Buy or Sell Estate Items
Interested in finding out what’s selling in your area? Contact your local Caring Transitions office. They can put your items on auction through CTBids.
Of course, you can browse and bid on auctions on CTBids anytime. Check out the new CTBids app at Good Play and Apple Store.