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Generation after generation is adding to our lives of "stuff" as a relative dies and leaves behind a household of collections and stuff that needs to be dealt with.
As we keep "old" things, it feels wrong to let them go as they have been in the family for so long. Yet, no one in the next generation is interested in saving them as they mean nothing personally to them. What about great-grandma's fine china (that has to be handwashed)? Or grandma's beautiful glassware that takes up an entire shelf in your cupboard but is never used? What about collections that take up huge amounts of space but mean nothing to the next generation? Or, personally, my top I got when I was one, the dog I slept with, or my Tammy doll? (Yes, I still have them!)
At a family reunion this summer I was talking with my 47-year old nephew who is already stressing about his parent's full house of stuff. His mom is very sentimental and has collected beautiful "stuff" from relatives on both sides of the family when loved ones died. I immediately thought of "stuff" I am going to unload so my children don't have to. I've asked all of my extended family if they want certain things from our past and no one wants any of it.
Are you enjoying your accumulated collection or just stashing it? Maybe it is time to offer it to relatives and friends, sell it, or donate it so others can enjoy it. How about sharing it with relatives at a family reunion?
My brother asked what happened to my grandma's striped glasses we drank root beer floats from. I immediately packed them for our family reunion. After seeing them, I thought he'd want them. Instead, he said he just wondered who had them. They are the only thing I have of hers, so I will save them as they remind me of the special grandma she was.
Sometimes I find myself thinking, "If we had to move, this would go." But as long as there is shelf space, it is easy to hold on to things.
What are you doing with your stuff? Even young parents whose kids have outgrown their toys and clothes, are you saving or getting unused things out of your house? This same nephew, whose daughters are 11 and 13, said his house is full. I reminded him he is still in the buying stage of his life accumulating what his family will still need as they get older, to which he rolled his eyes but understood.
We accumulate, but then we need to let go of what we feel comfortable passing on to others.
Doris Puls is the owner of D & O Declutter and Organize LLC in Alpena. She welcomes your questions and comments at OrganizeAlpena@gmail.com.