We were called in to do an estate sale in the White Center area of Seattle. The client's wife passed away years ago and he recently passed away. The family wanted to get the home empty so they could put it on the market. We had worked together with the realtor on many projects in the past so when he said "Wait until you see this one" I was a bit nervous.
We start the walk-thru of the home and my first reaction is "This isn't so bad. It looks like someone was an antique collector." My realtor friend looked at me as said "You haven't seen the basement."
The door to the basement had a lock. It was set up so that the "Man of the House" was the only one who could access the space. As we walked downstairs my mouth dropped. The client was a "Third Reich collector." Okay, I know I am using a lot of quotes but it is really justified. There were multiple rooms that were PACKED with objects like flags, uniforms, insignia, and propaganda that bear Nazi symbols such as the swastika, or represent Nazi ideology. There was even a room that was dedicated to Adolph Hitler. In the past, in many homes, we have found WW2 "Spoils of War." These are items that soldiers brought home to remind them of the time they spent in Europe during the war. This was much different.
We spent time sorting thru items that were historical in nature and other items that were hate related and handled them accordingly. It was mind blowing the amount of time and effort this person put into "collecting" these items. He created a stage where he could reinact speeches that were made by Adolph Hitler. I can only assume he would dress up in one of the uniforms he collected while giving those speeches.
Here is the interesting twist. We spent time talking to the family; they lived in another state. They would tell us what a kind and wonderful man their Grandfather was and how they were devestated by his passing. "All of the neighbors loved hime" and "He was very active in the church." Obviousley, they had never spent time in the basement of the home.
It was hard to reconcile the description the family provided of their Grandfather with the items we uncovered in the basement. Room after room of items that were filled with hate. This was beyond a collector for educational purposes.
We made the decision not to share with the family our findings. What would that achieve?
Discretion is a part of our business. It is easier at times... Often, you have to set aside your personal beliefs while working with clients.
This was a really difficult project for the CT crew. We were rewarded knowing that many of these items of hate were nolonger going to exist in the world.
Downsizing is a complex process filled with unique challenges and surprises. These unusual experiences remind us that each client's journey is unique, and that the process often leads to unexpected discoveries, reconnections, unexpected moments. As we continue to help clients downsize, we look forward to the many more stories that await us, each adding a new chapter to the fascinating adventure of simplifying one’s life.
If you have a downsizing story to share or need assistance with your own journey, feel free to reach out to us. We’d love to hear from you and help make your downsizing experience as smooth and memorable as possible.