The Family Heirlooms That Our Kids Don’t Want

Time and again our clients sadly tell us that their children don’t want or need any of their parent’s and ancestral belongings. After getting over the shock and shedding a few tears, it might be reassuring to just look at the data surrounding the next generation. According to the experts, those who are buying now – i.e. our children, brown furniture is out. Fewer new homes are being built with separate dining rooms (meaning no to sideboards and heavy china cabinets). Indeed, a clean, fresh look is what most of our children want.  

Also, take into consideration that we are living longer than our ancestors. By the time we are ready to give away our treasures, most children already have established homes and incomes so they can buy what they want and need.

The facts are that trends change. Circumstances change. What was desirable to us, our parents and grandparents is generally out of vogue today.

What to do with treasures no longer wanted by your children? Auction or consignment are options. Donations are gladly accepted by many organizations. Sometimes though, some treasures are doomed for the trash pile. Our experience is that most people will underestimate the number of belongings they have AND overestimate the value of what they own. What they paid for something years ago is no indication of its value today. Bottom line- the value of our stuff is what the market says it is.

Perhaps what happened to Robbie Shore of the WSJ might happen to you,

“…one day a young girl visiting her grandparents comes upon the music box. She picks it up and turns the key that starts the music playing. “Grandma,” she says, “what’s this? Can I have it?” “It’s yours,” I say, my heart skipping a beat. “It always has been. You had only to ask.”

That we should be so lucky.

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Appeared in the April 12, 2021, print edition as ‘The Family Heirlooms That Our Children Don’t Want.’