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Curating the Ultimate Upcycled Man Cave

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Curating the Ultimate Upcycled Man Cave

June is Men’s Health month, and what better way to keep your sanity than enjoying your Man Cave?

One of the most popular places men create is the man cave. A man cave can be an office, a den, a garage or any other space from a stylish basement bar or lounge to a gamer's paradise. According to thenest.com, "the average cost of a man cave is somewhere in the $5,000 to $10,000 range." Research has shown there may be a scientific link to mental well-being and allowing yourself to enjoy a designated space. A recent study shows, “space is very important for regulating emotions," says Sam Gosling, a psychology professor and author. The study also shows space as a powerful mechanism for evoking our emotions and positively impacting emotional well-being. “It’s incredibly important to be in one’s own space and resonate with who one is," Gosling says.

Explore a few ways below to complete your man cave with pre-owned collectibles, gadgets and gear.


Cars

What garage themed man cave is complete without a car? Whether you’re in the market for a fixer-upper project or collecting classic cars, there are tons of great finds available on online auctions.

Tools

Great tools are a necessity in or out of a man cave. For a tool shed or tool themed garage they are especially important and the backbone of creating that space. Tools can certainly become expensive so here are a few things to look for at estate sales and online auctions to save your budget.

  • Hand Tools - Pay attention to the way the tools look. In a recent dealnews.com article, Contributing Writer Sean Flynn suggests “If it looks good, it probably is good… Check the tool's working surfaces: Surfaces that are supposed to be smooth should actually be smooth, and parts that are supposed to move should do so freely, evenly, and precisely. If it feels wrong, it probably is wrong.”
  • Power Tools - It’s best to verify that the power tools are in good working order before making the purchase at an estate sale or online auction. Look out for signs of wear and tear on cords and plugs.
  • Steel Hand Tools - Look for big brands known for their utility when shopping for pre-owned hand tools. Larger brands often have long-lasting or lifetime warranties that can be transferred to new owners.
  • Outdoor Power Equipment - Items like snow blowers, mowers, etc. are best found like new. Research the features of the equipment you want to purchase and test it or verify those features are still fully functioning.

Televisions

If you are looking to purchase a pre-owned TV, look for items that are open box yet still relatively new. Whenever possible, check to be sure every part of the television is in great working condition or still has time left on the warranty.

Furniture

When purchasing used furniture for your man cave look for items free of water damage, bug infestation, pet stains, odors, or damage. Consider seeking out furniture made of metal, leather or solid wood and remember to go for comfort or an attainable project starter.

Sports Memorabilia and Equipment

For the ultimate sports fan, a sports-themed man cave can really come to life with the right memorabilia and equipment. Online Auctions are great places to find pieces that capture your favorite sports moments and can work well for decorating the man cave.

Decluttering Before You Overhaul Your Space

If you’ve noticed your space doesn’t provide the peace or serenity it used to, it may be time to declutter your man cave. Recent research shows that clutter can affect your brain’s ability to concentrate and process information as well as have a strong effect on mood and self-esteem. Decluttering can help restore how your space is enjoyed — be it cave, bar, media room, pool hall, garage, woodshop, etc. Here’s a few tips to get you started:

  1. Get rid of broken appliances.
    Today.com writes, “Find an appliance recycling center at earth911.com or if that doesn’t exist in your area, contact your local trash service to see how to schedule a pickup for big appliances.”
  2. Remove or repurpose old sports equipment.
    Sports equipment can be repurposed to create framed art fitting for your space or upcycled as a sentimental gift.
  3. Upcycle or discard broken and unused tools.
    See if friends could use your unused tools. If you have 4 screwdriver sets, surely a friend could appreciate one of them.
  4. Discard or upcycle abandoned projects.
    Not in love with the rustic wood coffee table you were creating? Consider using parts or pieces of the project in a new project or finding a friend or loved one who could use a portion of it.
  5. Remove or recycle outdated electronics.
    Nostalgia can only go so far. If you are overrun with technology that precedes this decade consider discarding, recycling, or upcycling a few items. Before you do that, a few of those items may be estate sale or online auction worthy and in some cases worth thousands. See a list of surprisingly valuable 80s items here.
  6. Upcycle, recycle or discard excess supplies.
    Be sure excess project supplies find a new home or purpose with someone you know or as a donation.

Sources
https://www.dealnews.com/features/Everything-You-Need-to-Know-About-Buying-Secondhand-Tools/2150465.html
https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/tools/how-to/a19152/how-to-buy-used-tools-without-getting-ripped-off/
https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/must-have-items-every-man-should-own/
https://budgeting.thenest.com/make-man-cave-cheaply-25940.html
https://bebrainfit.com/declutter-stress-health/#what-clutter-does-to-your-brain
https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/10542925/list/why-men-really-do-need-a-cave
https://theguycornernyc.com/2017/06/23/5-clever-decluttering-hacks-for-your-garage/
https://www.today.com/home/tips-declutter-organize-your-garage-t105027
http://proartlogic.com/2016/05/26/garage-room-conversions-3-ways-to-declutter-a-man-cave-area/

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