Advice for boomers desperate to unload family heirlooms
By Richard EisenbergMoney & Work EditorFebruary 9, 2017
After my father died at 94 in September, leaving my sister and me to empty his one-bedroom, independent living New Jersey apartment, we learned the hard truth that others in their 50s and 60s need to know: Nobody wants the prized possessions of your parents — not even you or your kids.
Admittedly, that’s an exaggeration. But it’s not far off, due to changing tastes and homes. I’ll explain why, and what you can do as a result, shortly.
The Stuff of Nightmares
So please forgive the morbidity, but if you’re lucky enough to still have one or more parents or stepparents alive, it would be wise to start figuring out what you’ll do with their furniture, china, crystal, flatware, jewelry, artwork and tchotchkes when the mournful time comes. (I wish I had. My sister and I, forced to act quickly to avoid owing an extra months’ rent on dad’s apartment, hired a hauler to cart away nearly everything we didn’t want or wouldn’t be donating, some of which he said he’d give to charity.)
Many boomers and Gen X’ers charged with disposing the family heirlooms, it seems, are unprepared for the reality and unwilling to face it.
James we all want that knome who is cigar surfing on your el Cubano Stoggie in your head shot..raffles anyone..?.?
Travelocity can’t get it back…its in RIDGEWOOD under house arrest at James place .
This is a painful but important subject. I am struggling with it now.
Me too what a pain in the ass. some people just don’t want to throw anything, it’s all shit and get the old-timers think it’s worth something
There’s nothing to be said for family history and sentiment? Everybody always has to start over?
So true….
No one wants your parents stuff? I don’t even want my own stuff! Clearing it out is almost impossible. I’m just going to put a codicil in my will to hire a dumpster!