Downsizing can be an emotional process, but putting a financial framework on it can make it less difficult and even result in pleasant surprises, according to John Bottero of Thomaston Place Auction Galleries.

Bottero, Vice President of Thomaston Place Auction Galleries, will speak at St. Andrews Village Wednesday, March 6 at 2 p.m. about downsizing, the process of reducing one’s belongings before moving into a smaller, more manageable space.

Finding new homes for objects that have been in the family for generations can be a difficult experience, but it can also be very freeing. Over years of helping families, Bottero has developed a simple system that starts with understanding both the financial and emotional value of items.

“If there are emotional ties to anything, the family is where it belongs. You can never replace sentiment with a dollar bill,” he said.

For those belongings that don’t fit under that category, Bottero suggests creating three categories based on their financial value: those items worth a $1,000 or more, those worth between $100 and $1,000 and those worth less than $100.

Simply understanding the value of an object can help a family decide where it should be placed next.

For example, he said, if no members of the family have the space to properly store a valuable possession, the most logical thing to do may be to sell it, rather than risk the damage that can result from improper storage.

Once valued, those items that have no special emotional value can be distributed or sold as makes the most sense. Bottero said he is a big fan of making sure that even items that have limited value make their way to places where they can be reused, such as the St. Andrews Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop.

In a few cases, however, the family may be pleasantly surprised by the value of items. During the presentation, Bottero will discuss in general terms how the market currently values different types of objects.

One painting that was sent to Thomaston Place for valuation in a simple box with no insurance was later sold for more than $600,000.

The painting had apparently been in the family for years and had been given to them as part of a barter transaction for services. The family had no idea of its true value.

In another case, a woman walked in with an old sampler that had been in the family for generations and was amazed to learn that it was worth many thousands of dollars.

Bottero said Thomaston Place is happy to help people put a value on items at no cost. A commission is only charged if the client chooses to sell an item through the gallery.

For more information or to RSVP, please call 207-633-0920.