Years ago, I received a call from a client who specialized in home clean-outs. He had just met with a family member of a man who had recently passed away in the Lake City area. The home was packed and clearly a hoarder situation. As the family member loaded a truck with what they considered “junk” to take to the dump, my client noticed something extraordinary. Among the items deemed “old photos and crap that no one would want” was a collection of original Edward Curtis photographs.
These were historical treasures. Many of the photos were loose prints, some framed, and others tucked away in portfolios. Recognizing their value, my client rescued these items from being discarded along with other so-called “junk.”
Realizing the significance of what they had found, my client convinced the family member to slow down and allow a professional to thoroughly evaluate the contents of the home. What they discovered was nothing short of remarkable. The house turned out to be a treasure trove, filled with antiques, rare books, prints, coins, and more. In this rare case, the value of the home’s contents far exceeded the value of the property itself, which was ultimately a tear-down. The historical significance of the items inside was simply invaluable.
This story serves as an important reminder: always consult a professional before purging a home. Families, often with the best intentions, may feel an urgent need to declutter and “get rid of the junk.” However, what they see as junk could turn out to be highly valuable or historically significant.
Take a moment to get a second opinion before tossing anything out. It costs nothing to have an expert evaluate the contents of your family home, and it could mean saving a rare or priceless item from ending up in a landfill. Remember, one person’s trash could truly be another’s treasure—or a piece of history worth preserving.