Antiques are slowly going away, forever.

I’m sure you know the key to finding great antiques is shopping at second-hand stores like Goodwill, the Salvation Army, and the ARC. You may also find antiques at auctions.
We all know Antiques can be priceless, a-dime-a-dozen, one-of-a-kind, or just worthless junk. So how do we know the difference and what to look for when walking through Goodwill, the ARC, or other second-hand stores? Well, if you care about antiques, then we’re off to a good start.

A lot of people get sad when thinking about antiques. It’s saddening that, over time, antiques will be almost impossible to find. But, on the other hand, antiques remind a lot of individuals about their childhood. It could be décor that their parents had in the house growing up, an old favorite toy, etc. Antiques make us feel nostalgic, and it’s nice to be reminded of our past in that way. They remember when a specific antique was a hot item, and it makes them sad when they realize that most people consider it junk now.

Some people look at antiques and believe they are just junk, sometimes even if their great grandmother once owned an object precisely like that one. But, as of right now, there will be no one collecting antiques in 2100 of things made after the 1980s.

Many things now are just made to fall apart to increase sales and profits. The more a well-loved toy breaks, the more people will want to replace it as soon as possible. The classic cars were made with steel, original ideas, and hearts. Most people wouldn’t be hunting down the antique fidget spinners from 2015 or the traditional 2015 Prius that can start without making a sound.

The same goes for restoring cars – it just won’t happen. No one will be looking for the classic Honda Civic with the rare one-horsepower (a mile to the gallon) cold air intake package, and the rare coffee can exhaust. I could be wrong, but I doubt it.
Antiques are going down in value. This is because antique collectors, such as our parents or grandparents, are passing on. The younger generation doesn’t seem to care so much for antiques. The kids or grandkids of those who have passed on don’t share the same love for antiques. So, when their loved ones pass away, they try to sell or donate them. They want it out of their hands as soon as possible. To a lot of the younger generation, antiques are seen as junk instead of anything valuable. Most millennials are spending their money on experiences instead of physical objects.

In addition, many people are purchasing homes such as the open concept home. An open concept home doesn’t require as much furniture, so there is no need for people to buy used furniture as much. As a result, antique furniture has decreased in value by 45% over the last fifteen years.

Antiques are also going down in value because of the baby boomers downsizing their houses. Many people realize that they shouldn’t be keeping what they never use. They see antiques and consider them useless. A lot of antiques are ending up at the dump because of this. If you are in a position where you want to get rid of antiques, donate them to second-hand stores before you throw them in the trash. Presenting the items can help other people find something they have been searching for forever, and it wasn’t just thrown in the dump to stay there forever. It’s good for the environment, and it helps people out.

However, there are a lot of individuals who go to thrift stores, auctions, and more just to buy and flip for a profit. They research what antiques would be most valuable to sell on websites such as eBay; they purchase the products, take them home and clean or make repairs to them, and sell them online. Depending on the item’s rarity, they will sell it for a much higher value. This is great for collectors because they can find whatever item they want online to add to their collection.

While this helps the antique industry, there are some downsides to that business. Buying and flipping for a profit can keep certain antiques from those who can’t afford the online value of the items. These are people who may have found a toy they wish they have never lost. Or maybe their grandmother, who has passed on, had it and brought them nostalgia. Unfortunately, thrift stores have turned into the opposite of what they were meant for: helping. The lower class buy things they can’t afford to purchase brand-new. With the buy and flip for a profit business rapidly growing, it’s forced thrift stores to raise their prices. Goodwill isn’t as affordable as it used to be.

Many antique furniture can be fixed and flipped to make something even better to add to your home. For example, old nightstands with chipped paint can be converted! Just sand it down and repaint it. The nightstand will be as good as new. Doing things like this keeps the items circulating, therefore helping the environment. Repurposing items is also another great idea. It also challenges creativity, which can be therapeutic for many individuals.

Now is a fantastic time to buy antiques. Prices are at an all-time low. However, they may increase over time. Trends are constantly changing. There is a big chance that antiques will be popular again. So hold onto your antiques; keep them and love them!

Keep looking for antiques and collecting and restoring them for future generations to see and enjoy. Buying antiques and flipping for profit helps keep them circulating, and that can go a long way.