Nobody wants the family heirlooms: what to do when it happens to you.

When nobody wants the family heirlooms anymore, what can you do?

As more and more of the US population ages, downsizes, and passes away there is a tremendous amount of STUFF flooding the market. Younger generations are faced with inheriting a sizable amount of family heirlooms, but their homes are already full. It seems nobody wants the family heirlooms anymore.  So what can you do when it happens to you?  
 
In this article, we'll discuss some options for what to do with the family heirlooms when nobody wants them. As a bonus for readers, we are sharing this free printable Declutter + Downsize Family Heirlooms Game Plan.
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Click here to download the Declutter + Downsize Family Heirlooms Game Plan. 

Want to learn what to do when nobody wants the family heirlooms?  Keep Reading. 

#1 Manage Family Expectations
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Perhaps the toughest thing to deal with is managing expectations about family heirlooms. ​Items that have been in the family for decades are automatically passed down to the next generation...whether they like it or not. 

Obviously, there are many family heirlooms that are truly treasured and gratefully accepted.  However, there are also heirlooms that younger generations accept out of a sense of duty, guilt, or without even being asked if they want. 

Burden vs. Joy
If you're soon-to-be-inheriting, carefully consider what you honestly want to accept.  Accepting a family heirloom should be a joy, not a burden to carry. If you do not have the space for the item, respectfully decline to take it. If the item causes you emotional or financial distress, don't take it. Think of it this way: would your grandmother want you to have to pay for a storage unit so you can keep her dining room table? 

The Guilt
Often times, it is guilt that forces us to take things we really don't want. Human beings have the tendency to merge their emotions for a person into the THINGS that person owned.  But remember: it is just a THING, not a person.  Your love for your great aunt isn't lessened because you don't want her silver tea set.  You still love her...you just don't love tea sets. 

Things Nobody Ever Wants
There are things that get held onto and passed down that nobody ever wants.  Letters written in anger, racist antiques, and ashes of the deceased top the list. If an heirloom makes you feel sad, ashamed, or unjustly burdened, give yourself permission to get rid of it.  The things that live in your house should make you feel happy.

Tacky and outdated collections are another thing nobody ever wants.  Consider selling or donating items you know you will never even take out of the box. 

Related articles:
Help Organize Your Aging Parents (While They are Young + Healthy)
Mentally Prepare for Downsizing Your Home: 4 Tips to Control Your Emotions
Declutter, Donate, and Deduct

#2 Intentionally Use It One Last Time
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​If you have family heirlooms in your home, consider different options for using them.  For instance, if you inherited gold rimmed wine glasses, think about using them for your everyday glasses. Sure, the gold will wear off, but if nobody wants to take the glasses in the future, isn't it better to get some use out of them?

Another idea is to frame the heirloom and display it in your house.  Baptismal gowns, old letters and recipes, photographs, and military awards all lend themselves to display in shadowboxes. Have items professionally framed to preserve them. 

Perhaps one of the best ideas I've come across is giving the item a "Victory Lap". Let's say you've inherited the family wedding china...which has been packed away and sitting in your attic since you got it.  Using the Victory Lap concept, you would make an event out of using it one last time.

Unpack the china and set your table with it.  Invite as many family members as you can for dinner to use the china, even if it's just takeout pizza. During dinner, reminisce about the family member that owned the china and take lots of photographs. Offer each family member a place setting to take home. Pack up and donate the remaining pieces to charity.  Be sure to share the photos with your family. 

#3 Cut Down Collection Size
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​If you've inherited a large collection that you do not want or have the space for, think about cutting it down.  For instance, if you've come into a large collection of Depression glass, choose 1 or 2 meaningful pieces and sell or donate the rest. 

If it is a collection you'll never use or display, give yourself permission to let it go.  You may feel guilty for selling or donating am family heirloom collection that a grandparent spent years building, but remember: theses are just THINGS, not a person.   You still love your grandparent even if you donated their Depression glass collection.

Struggling? I can do it for you.

#4 Donate to a Worthy Cause
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​Consider the historical significance of family heirlooms or collections and donate items where they will be treasured.    For example, wartime memorabilia may be appreciated by the local VFW post.  Old sports trophies and yearbooks may be of interest to the local high school. Research local historical societies, museums, universities, and service organizations. Things that nobody in your family wants may be welcomed elsewhere. 

#5 Sell Valuables
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​When selling antiques and family heirlooms, it is important to do your research.  Sometimes a simple online search will give you a rough idea whether an items holds any financial value or not. 

The best advice is to consult with a reputable certified appraiser.  Having a professional appraiser look at your items is worth the reasonable fee they charge.  Professionals can keep you from throwing away things your thought were fakes (such as jewelry) and give you an idea of what an item may be worth. 

If selling items yourself, use extreme caution. Be sure to only accept cash from buyers, meet at a safe public location, and have another person with you.  You can never be too careful.  

​Related Articles:

• Mom, We Have to Talk: 5 Ways to Discuss Downsizing with your Aging Parents
• Assess the Mess: How to Plan out Downsizing a Home
• 4 Smart Ideas for Selling Your Stuff Offline...and 1 Really Dumb One
  
• ​​Sometimes You Can’t Do it on Your Own: When it’s Time to Throw in the Towel and Hire an Estate Clearing Professional to Help you Finish the Job.

Now you have a game plan

When nobody wants the family heirlooms, it can be difficult to figure out what to do.  You have several options, from saying "no" to taking the items to selling the items. Weigh your options carefully and make the decision that works best for you, your family, and your circumstance. 

Professional Disclaimer: The ideas, recommendations, and opinions on this website, blog, and made in person are for educational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered legal, financial, or medical advice. I am not an attorney, doctor, or licensed financial professional. Sage Organizing Co., LLC is not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act related to the content of this website, blog, or in-person discussions. If you need specific legal, financial, or medical advice, consult a professional in your area.

Grab a free game plan here!

Download our free declutter + downsize FAMILY HEIRLOOMS game plan here.