We live amongst constant messages trying to convince us that newer (and younger) is always better. While there are times this is true, for the most part the value of vintage items is drastically overlooked and underappreciated.
It’s impossible to turn on the TV, listen to the radio, or even scroll on social media without seeing advertisements for new cars. This has inevitably led to cars being one of the items Americans replace most, typically more frequently than necessary.
A recent study revealed that two-thirds of Americans own a car for only five years or less before trading it in for a new vehicle, but that on average, these drivers should be able to make their car last for at least fourteen years.
Our friends at Growing Bolder met a legendary car enthusiast whose lessons in frugality have gone viral, reaching more than 5 million people across social media in just a few days.
At 90, Rachel Veitch was proudly driving around in a 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente, with a sign in the window boasting that she had driven it more than 540,000 miles! Rachel eagerly explained how she purchased lifetime warranties on all her car parts when she bought the car, allowing her to keep the car running for centuries of miles for very little cost.
She replaced the shocks three times. The muffler five times. Her car battery? Sixteen times!
The world is captivated by Rachel’s story because she proves what all of us believe deep down: there is great value in vintage items. We shouldn’t be so quick to dispose of a car that we love. Instead, we should value the memories we make on cross-country road trips and take care of our car as it ages, just as we do our own bodies.
This philosophy is embraced by the team at Caring Transitions. Our senior relocation experts prioritize honoring your memories in a downsize or a move within Columbia, Clarksville, Glenwood, Glenelg, West Friendship, Sykesville, Laurel. We know that your items aren’t just “stuff.” They are treasured belongings that hold sentimental value and memories you enjoy.
It can be difficult to navigate a life transition alone, especially a downsize. While these vintage items have value, it also can be rewarding to declutter your life. Our team can create a strategic, individualized plan to help you decide what to keep and what items to get rid of.
Decluttering and downsizing don’t mean just throwing everything away. Just like Rachel’s 1964 Mercury, your items hold real monetary value. That’s why Caring Transitions created CTBids, an online auction platform that connects you to an entire world of online shoppers who are interested in your vintage items. Our team can also organize and manage a traditional moving estate sale in person, too. Not only will these options help offset the costs of a transition, but they also help ensure your old belongings go to someone who will value them and appreciate using them just as much as you did.
Just like the items you have held on to for years, remember that you yourself get better with time, too. We become more of who we are as we age. We are sculpted by a lifetime of experiences and are strengthened by the wisdom of our years. We might be “vintage” but we’re also valuable!