Decluttering 55+ with Michelle Passoff

Michelle Passoff introduces Decluttering 55 Plus, a platform for baby boomers to navigate life changes through decluttering. She emphasizes that clutter isn't just physical but also a mental barrier to moving forward. In her discussion, she welcomes George Higby, a certified appraiser known for The Antique Nomad YouTube channel, to provide insights on identifying and selling valuable items.George explains the role of an appraiser, how value varies depending on the context (insurance, estate sales, etc.), and the importance of documentation for collectibles. He highlights that market trends fluctuate—what's valuable today may not be tomorrow. He advises selling high-demand items, like petroliana and art glass, while avoiding outdated categories. For downsizers, he recommends consulting an appraiser before discarding items.Key Takeaways:*Understanding Appraisals: Appraisers determine value based on context (insurance, estate sales, etc.).*Proper documentation is crucial for collectibles.*Market Trends Matter:-Value fluctuates—what’s hot today may not be tomorrow.-High-demand items: petroliana, art glass, and certain collectibles.-Low-demand items: outdated categories with oversupply.*Selling Smart:-Get an appraisal before discarding potentially valuable items.-Appraisal services typically cost ~$125 per hour.Follow George for more by visiting this link.Stay connected and inspired—follow me on social media!Website: https://decluttering55plus.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decluttering55plusInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/decluttering55plusLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/decluttering55plus\And also don’t forget to subscribe on my YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/@Decluttering55plusDiscover practical wisdom to simplify life—check out my book:Decluttering 55+: Wisdoms to Create a Legacy, Not a MessLink: https://www.amazon.com/Decluttering-55-Wisdoms-Michelle-Passoff/dp/B0DY88FQBS/

In this conversation, Michelle Passoff and Mike Judkins discuss estate sales and how they can help people prepare for a move or downsize. They explain what an estate sale is and how it works, including the role of estate sale companies. They also discuss estate sales.org, a website that allows estate liquidators to advertise their sales and provides a directory of estate sale companies. They talk about the criteria for selecting an estate sale company and the timeline for planning a sale. They also touch on the emotional aspect of letting go of belongings and the financial aspect of earning money from an estate sale.TakeawaysEstate sales are a way to sell the entire contents of a home, often used when downsizing or during major life events.Estate sales.org is a website that allows estate liquidators to advertise their sales and provides a directory of estate sale companies.When selecting an estate sale company, consider their experience, buyer base, and marketing strategies.Plan an estate sale, allowing at least a month for preparation.Letting go of belongings can be emotional, but it's important to detach and focus on the goal of clearing out the house.The financial outcome of an estate sale can vary, but it's worth it for the convenience and the opportunity to declutter.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview02:29 Understanding Estate Sales04:43 Exploring EstateSales.org07:33 Selecting an Estate Sale Company09:31 Planning an Estate Sale11:49 The Emotional Aspect of Estate Sales14:40 Earning Money from an Estate SaleConnect with Mike Judkins at https://estatesales.org/about.Stay connected and inspired—follow me on social media!Website: https://decluttering55plus.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decluttering55plusInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/decluttering55plusLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/decluttering55plus\And also don’t forget to subscribe on my YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/@Decluttering55plusDiscover practical wisdom to simplify life—check out my book:Decluttering 55+: Wisdoms to Create a Legacy, Not a MessLink: https://www.amazon.com/Decluttering-55-Wisdoms-Michelle-Passoff/dp/B0DY88FQBS/

Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Lele Beutel, a former financial planner who turned retirement into a global adventure. From trekking the world to building a Facebook community of 40,000 senior travelers, Lili shares how she found purpose and passion after leaving the 9-to-5. Get ready to be inspired to dust off your own bucket list!Follow LeLe for more by visiting this link.Stay connected and inspired—follow me on social media!Website: https://decluttering55plus.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decluttering55plusInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/decluttering55plusLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/decluttering55plus\And also don’t forget to subscribe on my YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/@Decluttering55plusDiscover practical wisdom to simplify life—check out my book:Decluttering 55+: Wisdoms to Create a Legacy, Not a MessLink: https://www.amazon.com/Decluttering-55-Wisdoms-Michelle-Passoff/dp/B0DY88FQBS/

Meet Anne Goldberg, a 72-year-old mom of two and grandma to three, who transitioned from a 23-year career as an executive recruiter to becoming a tech consultant for baby boomers. In this episode, Anne shares her expert advice on digital decluttering—specifically how to clean up and organize your phone for a clearer, more focused life. Join us as we explore how simplifying your digital space can lead to greater peace of mind and productivity.Follow Anne for more by visiting this link.Stay connected and inspired—follow me on social media!Website: https://decluttering55plus.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decluttering55plusInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/decluttering55plusLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/decluttering55plus\And also don’t forget to subscribe on my YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/@Decluttering55plusDiscover practical wisdom to simplify life—check out my book:Decluttering 55+: Wisdoms to Create a Legacy, Not a MessLink: https://www.amazon.com/Decluttering-55-Wisdoms-Michelle-Passoff/dp/B0DY88FQBS/

In this episode, Michelle Passoff sits down with Joshua Mesnik, a filmmaker, educator, and owner of WiseOn Tech, about how AI and everyday technology can make life easier and more creative for older adults. Josh explains what AI really is, how long we’ve been using it without realizing it, and simple ways baby boomers can start benefiting from tools like Google Gemini and ChatGPT. Together, they discuss staying curious, learning at your own pace, and using technology to reduce digital clutter and support a more organized, empowered life as we age.Follow Joshua for more by visiting: http://www.wiseontech.com/Stay connected and inspired—follow me on social media!Website: https://decluttering55plus.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decluttering55plusInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/decluttering55plusLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/decluttering55plus\And also don’t forget to subscribe on my YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/@Decluttering55plusDiscover practical wisdom to simplify life—check out my book:Decluttering 55+: Wisdoms to Create a Legacy, Not a MessLink: https://www.amazon.com/Decluttering-55-Wisdoms-Michelle-Passoff/dp/B0DY88FQBS/

Ann Cueva, owner of Custom Organizing Incorporated, discusses the importance of organizing vital information and documents in case of emergencies or death. She emphasizes the need to be prepared and responsible for one's life emergency. Ann's book, 'Grief Without Chaos: Organization for Emergencies and Death,' provides a workbook to help individuals organize all the necessary information and directions for their loved ones. The book includes documents such as wills, living trusts, DNRs, financial information, property details, passwords, and important contacts. Anne also offers support groups to motivate and assist individuals in filling out the book. Follow Ann Cueva for more by visiting https://timeisthekey.com/. Stay connected and inspired—follow me on social media!Website: https://decluttering55plus.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decluttering55plusInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/decluttering55plusLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/decluttering55plus\And also don’t forget to subscribe on my YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/@Decluttering55plus Discover practical wisdom to simplify life—check out my book:Decluttering 55+: Wisdoms to Create a Legacy, Not a MessLink: https://www.amazon.com/Decluttering-55-Wisdoms-Michelle-Passoff/dp/B0DY88FQBS/

In this conversation, Michelle Passoff discusses planning for retirement beyond just money with Jeff and Judy Snyder. They emphasize that retirement is about more than just financial planning and highlight the importance of addressing other aspects such as identity, health and wellness, and tax planning. They suggest that individuals should reinvent themselves by utilizing their skills and finding joy in new endeavors. They also discuss the shift from pensions to self-funded retirement plans and the need to consider tax implications in retirement planning. Find out about Homestretch Financial at https://www.linkedin.com/in/judijosephsnyder/. Stay connected and inspired—follow me on social media!Website: https://decluttering55plus.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decluttering55plusInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/decluttering55plusLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/decluttering55plus\And also don’t forget to subscribe on my YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/@Decluttering55plus Discover practical wisdom to simplify life—check out my book:Decluttering 55+: Wisdoms to Create a Legacy, Not a MessLink: https://www.amazon.com/Decluttering-55-Wisdoms-Michelle-Passoff/dp/B0DY88FQBS/

In this episode, we’re joined by Renee Fry, CEO and co-founder of Gentreo, an online estate planning platform designed to make planning for the future easier and more affordable. Renee shares how Gentreo helps users create wills, healthcare proxies, and other essential documents, all from the comfort of home. Our goal is to inspire you to take initiative—so you can leave a legacy, not a mess. Stay connected and inspired—follow me on social media!Website: https://decluttering55plus.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decluttering55plusInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/decluttering55plusLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/decluttering55plus\And also don’t forget to subscribe on my YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/@Decluttering55plus Discover practical wisdom to simplify life—check out my book:Decluttering 55+: Wisdoms to Create a Legacy, Not a MessLink: https://www.amazon.com/Decluttering-55-Wisdoms-Michelle-Passoff/dp/B0DY88FQBS/

In this episode of Decluttering 55+, Michelle Passoff and Ray Console discuss estate planning and the importance of having a team in place to take care of your affairs. They emphasize the need for a healthcare surrogate and a financial surrogate, who can make decisions regarding your medical needs and manage your financial affairs when you are unable to do so. They also mention the importance of having a will and other legal documents in place. It is recommended to review and update these documents periodically as life circumstances change. Reach out to Ray Console at https://www.cozen.com/people/bios/console-raymond. Stay connected and inspired—follow me on social media!Website: https://decluttering55plus.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decluttering55plusInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/decluttering55plusLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/decluttering55plus\And also don’t forget to subscribe on my YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/@Decluttering55plus Discover practical wisdom to simplify life—check out my book:Decluttering 55+: Wisdoms to Create a Legacy, Not a MessLink: https://www.amazon.com/Decluttering-55-Wisdoms-Michelle-Passoff/dp/B0DY88FQBS/