Why is it so hard to part with something I haven't used in years?

[phantom]

I noticed today that thanks to the recent Pokemon resurgence the old Pokemon Edition GameBoy Color is selling for over $100 on Ebay right now. I have such a device that I haven't touched in over a decade. Selling it should be a no brainer. I don't use it. If I actually wanted to play the games I own for it, I have a GameBoy Advance (also untouched for years) that will play them. If I didn't already have one, I wouldn't pay $100 (or even $50) to get one. It's probably at the peak of its value right now, so I really should go home and list it tonight. I'm just not sure I can bring myself to do so.

[Singuy]

I noticed today that thanks to the recent Pokemon resurgence the old Pokemon Edition GameBoy Color is selling for over $100 on Ebay right now. I have such a device that I haven't touched in over a decade. Selling it should be a no brainer. I don't use it. If I actually wanted to play the games I own for it, I have a GameBoy Advance (also untouched for years) that will play them. If I didn't already have one, I wouldn't pay $100 (or even $50) to get one. It's probably at the peak of its value right now, so I really should go home and list it tonight. I'm just not sure I can bring myself to do so.

It's the thought of having something "valuable" and rare that is preventing you from selling it. It most likely has nothing to do with the actual game itself (you can play the game whenever on an emulator). You probably would of sold it for 5 dollars during the next garage sale if the game is a dime a dozen and is only worth 5 dollars.

I have many items in my house that's on the same principle because I do some collecting. I have a vintage graflex that's 80 years old converted into a Empire strikes back/Force Awaken Luke's lightsaber with a crystal chamber to display for my movie room. Cost me 850 dollars which was a pretty penny. After the lightsaber was shown in the force awaken trailer, it doubled in price. Now thanks to the movie's success, the last lightsaber in the same condition mine is in was auctioned off for 19k on ebay. Mine is probably worth 7-9k. Would I spend 9k on this thing? HELLLL NOOO. Am I selling mine? HELLLLLL NOOOO.

[phantom]

I have many items in my house that's on the same principle because I do some collecting. I have a vintage graflex that's 80 years old converted into a Empire strikes back/Force Awaken Luke's lightsaber with a crystal chamber to display for my movie room. Cost me 850 dollars which was a pretty penny. After the lightsaber was shown in the force awaken trailer, it doubled in price. Now thanks to the movie's success, the last lightsaber in the same condition mine is in was auctioned off for 19k on ebay. Mine is probably worth 7-9k. Would I spend 9k on this thing? HELLLL NOOO. Am I selling mine? HELLLLLL NOOOO.

That sounds really cool! At least you're "using" your collectable by having it on display. I went to a Star Wars convention once and came home with 2 limited edition action figures. I noticed they were selling on eBay for $75, so I sold one and kept one. The one I sold paid for my ticket, and the one I kept sat on display for years. No regrets there. But, a video game system sitting in a box? I think I'm going to have some regrets if I don't sell it, especially when what someone will pay for it drops back down to $5.

Edit: Thanks for including the picture. That is awesome!

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Singuy that is a cool collectable. I wouldn't buy it but if I had it, I think i'd keep and display it. Sort of like a piece of art. if i inherited a piece of art i loved from my parents even if it's valuable and I think it is, I'd keep it to enjoy it even if it were say $20k or even more.

[MakeAStash]

An item that evokes a memory or an emotion is difficult to part with. In many cases a photograph of the item can act as a substitute. Try snapping photos of a few items then sell the actual items and check back in a year. If the photo remains good enough for you, you can comfortably part with more items.

[97guns]

no one should have any attachement to any physical item, everything you own is money and you should take money off the table whenever possible

[DaveInPgh]

no one should have any attachement to any physical item, everything you own is money and you should take money off the table whenever possible

That is how I try to look at it. Not always successful, but it is rare I have any emotional attachment to an object.

[Fishindude77]

If I've not used it or needed it for the past 3-5 years and am getting tired of walking around it, it is time for that item to be disposed of, given away or sold.

My nephew is a pack rat. He drags home everything he thinks has any value and has an entire barn full of junk he will never use. Entertaining to watch, and I give him grief about it all of the time.

[DaveInPgh]

If I've not used it or needed it for the past 3-5 years and am getting tired of walking around it, it is time for that item to be disposed of, given away or sold.

My nephew is a pack rat. He drags home everything he thinks has any value and has an entire barn full of junk he will never use. Entertaining to watch, and I give him grief about it all of the time.

Not sure what kind of stuff he is hanging on to, but I don't see anything wrong with loading up a barn. It is cluttering up living space that drives me nuts. If the structure is detached, by all means load it up. My uncle has helped out several family members over the years on many occasions by having something in his shed that most would donate or toss. If it has anything to do with home improvements and I want it out of my house, that is where I take it. I have given him many things over the years that I probably would have kept had I had a barn or shed to put it in.