[ChrisW]

So here's the dilemma: We are changing our theme next year, to a dungeon or crypt. I have props that don't fit in. The past 2 years has been a mad scientist theme, and I made a large control panel with lights, a bubbling device and a bed-sized stand our monster stood in front of. My first choice is reuse in another form, and I think I can use the stand again by turning it into a torture rack. Bbut the others are pretty big to keep around....and I have a hard time getting rid of them!
So...what do you do?

 

[spookineer]

Almost everything can be recycled all or in part, or you can advertise them in the for sale thread. Or, if you belong to a haunters group, host a Prop Swap.

 

[MsMeeple]

You could send them to Scotland or Canada

 

[Jackielantern]

Being the practical accounting type person that I am (hangs head with some shame lol) I keep all the props general. No specific themes here. I know, how boring is that??

 

[The Joker]

Hey Jackie... not all us accounting/finance types are boring. I've yet to build a prop that I haven't reused, but if for some reason I chose to change themes in one of my rooms for my party, I'd probably list it here in the appropriate forum for sale or trade.

 

[Growler]

I actually thought of donating mine to a local haunt or putting it on craigslist. I tend to be a pack rat though and know I can always use them sometime in the future.

 

[jdubbya]

If you even think you might go back to the mad scientist theme some year, then simply keep anything you don't use for later. For the past several years we have done a traditional haunted castle theme and hence have most of our props revolve around this idea. We are considering a major shift next year to a pirate display (always been one I've wanted to do) and much of our stuff won't really fit in but I'll keep all of this stuff figuring I'll go back to thee traditional theme at some point. Storage for us is a major concern at this point and the idea of building a large pirate ship is causing some anxiety, not to mention the other props we'd have to come up with to achieve the detail we want. If, on the other hand, you think you'll be changing themes every so often and not reverting back to the mad scientist, then sell or swap your stuff if possible. I know I personally have become pretty attached to many of my props and would have a hard time selling them off.

 

[Diabolik]

I try to do my display as 2 parts. The front yard I always do as a Graveyard, and then I do my "theme" in the garage. LAst year I added a lot of graveyard stuff, and didn't do anything in the garage. This year was all about the garage and I did a lot less outside. I have plans for 3 or 4 graveyard projects already this year. I hold onto some of my larger props such as my hangman, barrel popper, and spider rig. I just sold a tombstone leaper this year. All of the big heavy wood stuff like my mine trusses, I will likely get rid of. I am only keeping the garage facade figuring I can adapt that to fit another haunt theme.

 

[Clad In Shadows]

I usually take the props apart and reuse some of the parts.
I mostly keep mechanical/electrical/pneumatic stuff , along with 2x4's and such.
The rest goes in the trash.
My wife wants to keep everything but we can't store it all.
I also give away props to some of our best friends or we sell whatever cost us too much to build and throw away.

The stuff we keep is displayed throughout our house all year long.

 

[jdubbya]

I try to do my display as 2 parts. The front yard I always do as a Graveyard, and then I do my "theme" in the garage. LAst year I added a lot of graveyard stuff, and didn't do anything in the garage. This year was all about the garage and I did a lot less outside. I have plans for 3 or 4 graveyard projects already this year. I hold onto some of my larger props such as my hangman, barrel popper, and spider rig. I just sold a tombstone leaper this year. All of the big heavy wood stuff like my mine trusses, I will likely get rid of. I am only keeping the garage facade figuring I can adapt that to fit another haunt theme.

This is very similar to what we do. Our front yard is a traditional cemetery, and our back patio and garage are themed displays, usually somehow related to the haunted castle theme. I like the graveyard and have tweaked it over the years to get it pretty nice so would hate to "not" do it. We just figured a change would be fun and keep things fresh for a couple of years, and then possibly go back to what we have now. I like the idea of doing multiple themes/scenes but for continuity's sake we've just kept most of our props related to the same theme.

 

[DeadTed]

Though I'd much rather sell my stuff to help, in whatever minuscule way, off-set new prop costs, I will end up (like this month) giving away most of the stuff I don't use to others.

First stop will be the Florida Haunters, then I'll just plop it on Free-Cycle... no point on it sitting in the attic next Halloween.

 

[Terra]

Here's a thought. Give them to your neighbors so they can get into the spirit with you next year. I think I'm going to do this for my street this year. That way, it will be a haunted street.

Sweeeeet!

 

[Diabolik]

Here's a thought. Give them to your neighbors so they can get into the spirit with you next year. I think I'm going to do this for my street this year. That way, it will be a haunted street.

Sweeeeet!

I've actually started two coworkers on their way the past 2 years giving them assorted items from my stock. I also helped a neighbor 2 doors up put together a set of fogging cauldrons this year for their porch.

 

[ChrisW]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. Storage is my biggest concern. My wife recommended building another shed but I don't want to just keep hoarding and hoarding. I'm thinking of some people that might appreciate (and use) the items. And as some folks said, there's always the possibility of revisiting the theme later...

 

[Jackielantern]

Hey Jackie... not all us accounting/finance types are boring. I've yet to build a prop that I haven't reused, but if for some reason I chose to change themes in one of my rooms for my party, I'd probably list it here in the appropriate forum for sale or trade.

lol Note I put practical in front of accounting Joker. Maybe I'm just cheap?? Naw, not really.

I don't know that I'M boring, but my props might be.

 

[partsman]

The stuff we keep is displayed throughout our house all year long.

Must be interesting visiting your house on Easter or Christmas

 

[HauntedPumpkin]

I like Terra's idea. I told my neighbor across the street that I will be expanding onto their yard soon. Since we are both on corners what an entrance to the street that would be! I said it in jest but their reaction was actually very positive!. I think something is rubbing off on them since they've always decorated their door and front window but this year they got dressed up to answer the door.