What to Do with a Garage Full of Hard Drives: Seeking Guidance

If you’ve ever found yourself in a situation where you’re left to manage a collection of tech equipment, you can likely relate to my current dilemma. Years ago, my father-in-law came across an impressive inventory of refurbished SCSI hard drives. Unfortunately, he passed away before he could sell them, and now, I’m tasked with figuring out their fate.

At present, I have over 500 hard drives stored away in my garage. They are all factory refurbished, sealed, and neatly packaged, ready for shipping. Initially intended for resale, these drives now pose a challenge. After conducting some research based on their model numbers, I’ve discovered that their market value varies significantly, ranging from $10 to $120 each. However, many of them are somewhat outdated, leaving me uncertain about finding potential buyers.

Part of me is inclined to cut my losses—after all, they were technically my late father-in-law’s investments—but I would hate to discard these drives if there’s a chance they could benefit someone else.

Given the situation, I’m reaching out for suggestions on how to proceed. Should I consider listing them online, or would it be wiser to contact local businesses that might have a need for such equipment? I could also look into bulk sales or charitable donations.

Here are the specific model numbers I have:

• Seagate Barracuda ST15150N
• Seagate Barracuda ST118273LC
• Seagate Cheetah ST118202LC
• IBM DRHS IEC-950 ECE32148

I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights from individuals who have faced similar situations. What are your thoughts on the best way to handle this collection? Thank you in advance for your help!