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This thread makes me very glad that my in-laws sold 95% of their stuff and lived in their RV before retiring to a basement apartment halfway across the country. We did take some of their stuff, but only what we really would use - some garage storage organizers and a power washer and a few tools.
My mother-in-law passed away last year and my father-in-law insisted that I take her sewing machine and the crochet project she was working on. But I use the sewing machine, so it isn't just sitting around for sentimental reasons.
We didn't realize they had given some of their "stuff" to friends to keep for them, until just before Christmas last year. One friend proudly showed up at our door with two HUGE plastic tubs full of decorative nutcrackers. You know, the ones that look like Christmas soldiers or whatever. I didn't have the heart to tell the friend, or my husband, that I despise those things! Some people have an irrational fear of clowns... I have in irrational fear of nutcrackers. I can't explain it, but they completely creep me out. And these are not nice items that would have a resale value - they are from Wal-Mart and Hobby Lobby, etc. One of the little bastards is almost three feet tall!!! Horrifying!! And my husband doesn't have the heart to get rid of them yet because his Dad might want them back...... aarrrrgggghhhh!
This thread makes me very glad that my in-laws sold 95% of their stuff and lived in their RV before retiring to a basement apartment halfway across the country. We did take some of their stuff, but only what we really would use - some garage storage organizers and a power washer and a few tools.
My mother-in-law passed away last year and my father-in-law insisted that I take her sewing machine and the crochet project she was working on. But I use the sewing machine, so it isn't just sitting around for sentimental reasons.
We didn't realize they had given some of their "stuff" to friends to keep for them, until just before Christmas last year. One friend proudly showed up at our door with two HUGE plastic tubs full of decorative nutcrackers. You know, the ones that look like Christmas soldiers or whatever. I didn't have the heart to tell the friend, or my husband, that I despise those things! Some people have an irrational fear of clowns... I have in irrational fear of nutcrackers. I can't explain it, but they completely creep me out. And these are not nice items that would have a resale value - they are from Wal-Mart and Hobby Lobby, etc. One of the little bastards is almost three feet tall!!! Horrifying!! And my husband doesn't have the heart to get rid of them yet because his Dad might want them back...... aarrrrgggghhhh!
when i see older friends add to the collections of gee gaws, all i think about is what is going to happen when they die
Their kids don't want that stuff
Red cardinals and nativity scene sets. Yes all made in China
LynnBBQ, you made me laugh out loud with your comments about a 3ft nutcracker. We live in a community that has a very active weekly consignment auction house. Every week a number of older folks have cleaned out their houses and sale their stuff. We see collection after collection come through that sells for very little or nothing; like salt & pepper shakers, beanie babies, figurines, records, etc. Last week they couldn't give away a 3ft nutcracker!!! They had to "put it aside" for the dumpster. Nutcrackers are creepier than clowns.....maybe its just because I'm a guy. LOL
I already know I'm going to have to put my foot down about not taking anything. I've told my mom several times that I'm not interested in having photo albums, but she keeps making one for each of us kids. I'll just throw them in the garbage or see if a niece wants one. The only thing I do want is her cookbook. All the furniture, etc. can go to someone else.
It's going to be a mess to clean out their apartment. I'm going to recommend we hire an estate auctioneer and just dump it all.
I don't know why my parents didn't put their foot down and say "no" to all this stuff.
They're from a different era, back when throwing things away was a last resort. Many people back in the 60s and 70s felt very strongly about that; we were into recycling before recycling was a thing. If someone gave you something that might be useful, you either started using it yourself or at the very least you stored it in the hopes that you could give it to someone else who might want it someday.
People wonder sometimes how my generation was able to save for retirement. A lot of it had to do with a lifetime of being frugal. Storing things that someone might need in the future was one of those habits. The problem comes when you don't also embrace the other half of that habit, making sure those things are actually given to people who will use them.
I love nutcrackers, I have a 2ft nutcracker myself.
Looks like you live in California... sigh... I live just outside of St Louis MO. If you lived within 100 miles of me, I would gladly drive the nutcrackers out to you. But they would have to ride in the trunk on the way out there!
I worked at a homeless shelter for a while and was appalled at some of the 'donations', especially clothing. People thought anything was okay, regardless of stains, tears, etc. Our goal was to help people improve their lives, and I felt this was disrespectful. If you wouldn't wear it due to the looks, don't assume someone else will.
But, there are things a shelter can use: decent furniture for example. If/when I downsize further those are things I plan to ask if they can use.
When my mom passed, we went through her things and anything given to her as gifts was optioned to the gift giver first before being donated. Since we were all at retirement age, we already had what was needed and much was donated.
My one sister knew a group of people who lived in a Reservation and she took a lot of kitchenware to them. They really appreciated that. There were also numerous warm coats, sweat outfits, etc. given to her throughout the years. Those were also appreciated. Anything warm and useable in Minnesota was appreciated.
What no one wanted and wasn't deemed suitable to give away was tossed.
Yes I received more items but then reversed everything and started giving away more items. Unless they have significant meaning for you...let them go...
Many people replace their furniture several times during their lives. Even decent looking furniture gets replaced because it appears dated and does not fit with modern furnishings. No one seems to want old furniture and the majority is hauled off to the dump.
There are a few exceptions. Used furniture seems to be recycled in Portland, Oregon. In other parts of the country a few rich people might buy old, distressed furniture. It seems to be reverse snobbery but the furniture has to be just so. Most of us on this forum, with the notable exception of the OP, are retired or at least looking to retire. Most of us have downsized at least once and are not taking furniture and "stuff" from dead or dying relatives.
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