I think I've reached 'peak vacuum'...

Ever since my most recent 'vacquisition' binge over the past few weeks, including acquiring a Eureka 1279-D Power Team, an Electrolux LX, Metropolitan rebuild, completing a Eureka 1746-A Power Team, and the return of a prodigal Electrolux Discovery Plus earlier this week. I've had a curious sense of satiation. When I look the machines that are in the house and those stored in the barn, I realize that I'm happy with what I have and I do not hunger for anything further; in fact, I find myself thinking about thinning the herd by actively considering which machines I could part with, and asking myself what would be a reasonable number of vacuums to have. I have come to accept that 40 is quite an excessive number. For the past eight years, I've been saddled with the majority of my late father's toy collection (Lionel and American Flyer electric trains, scale model cars, etc.), most of which is stored in a rented storage unit, costing me more than $200 a month. As I've been trying to figure out how to sell them (I really want to have a big auction, if I can find a company willing to conduct it for a cut of the proceeds), I'm also coming to accept the fact that I'm contributing to the problem of being out of storage space. by my own hoarding of vacuums. I've got to get this under control.

I remember reaching that point a few years ago and sold some off. It was probably for the best (didn't have enough room in the house/money was nice) but I regret selling a few. I had a few Eurekas and a Montgomery Ward that I haven't seen on eBay since I sold them there years ago. Maybe I have a hoarder mentality, just make sure you reallyyyyyy want them gone before you sell!

That's why I've been letting this be a mental exercise for now. So far, I think I've identified about four or five machines I could easily part with and have no regrets. One issue I have is that any machine that I've put any appreciable amount of work into feels like I've also put a measure of myself into, which makes it harder to let go.

It's a cycle! Collections grow and wane. Sometimes I just feel almost overwhelmed by the amount of stuff and other times it's like oooh I wouldn't mind of those models. As mentioned above do make sure you're really ready to part with them otherwise you'll end up seeking out another one....that's happened more than I care to admit.

I can relate to what you all said here! I have also reached a point of satiation with my collection and have also pared it down a few times over the years. With the arrival today of an Electro-Hygiene model 501 hand vac, my collection now totals 122--but if I hadn't sold or given any away it would be 154! And 122 is actually more than I want, so I'll soon be looking into which ones need to go next. And yes, it's best to make sure you are really ready to part with the ones you rehome. I don't think I've ever regretted letting go of the ones I have given away or sold, especially considering that some were duplicates and some were machines that I "just didn't feel the love for" anyway.