Downsizing your home and possessions isn’t as simple as it
used to be. Past generations have been able to just hand down their furniture,
fine china, and other goods to their kids. That trend is changing. Why? New information
is showing that kids don’t want your stuff!
An article, published in Observer,
looks at WHY young people don’t want the burden of the older generation’s
belongings.
First, the furniture may be too big and bulky for the
smaller spaces of the younger generation. Thanks to the “anti-clutter”
movement, millennials are downsizing. There’s no room for big dining room sets,
bedroom suites, or rocking chairs. Sometime the sheer space of where they are
living can inhibit what they own. Millennials may rent, instead of own, or even
have a roommate.
Another reason this shift is occurring is the introduction
of the digital life. Millennials may be more concerned with experiences, and less with physical
things, because of their lives on social media. Their money may be spent paying
for vacations, not furniture and knick-knacks.
While some may keep certain items for nostalgia reason, it
seems the trend is shifting away from just acquiring all the old. Instead, the younger generation is choosing to get
new, trendy, pieces for their homes.
So if the possessions aren’t getting handed down from one
generation to another, what’s happening to them? Projecting trends will hopefully
help find groups that want to buy the things of yesterday, today.
No matter the decision of the family, it’s a sensitive
conversation to have with senior citizens. Emotional connection to their things
may make the decision of what to do with them harder. Caring Transitions of Northern Virginia can help
ease the stress of the decision making process.
Our certified and trained professionals can guide you through these life transitions.