Baby boomers are downsizing, but millennial kids don’t want family heirlooms

Whether we’ve become empty nests or are following the latest trend of ordering, many of us baby boomers are downsizing.

That means less room for all those sentimental family heirlooms passed down from generation to generation and things we’ve carefully collected throughout our lives. We can assume that our children will be delighted when we give them our most precious possessions.

Think again. Turns out, Millennials aren’t quite as cool with family heirlooms. Perhaps this is what they mean by generation gap these days.

Do our kids want all those photo albums that we cautiously create over the years? Anyway, our kids don’t know half the people in them. You will likely receive a request to scan important photos and email them. And who uses more photo albums? Our adult children are busy capturing their own life moments digitally through Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

That beautiful formal dining room set and the porcelain passed down through the generations? Where would our children put it? Furthermore, Millennials entertain much less formally than they did in their day. They prefer a more minimalist lifestyle to the sleek, bulky, formal furniture we grew up with. It is very possible that you will receive a polite no thank you.

How about all those old report cards, trophies, and artwork that you carefully saved for your kids? All those sweet homemade cards they made for you with love? They will surely want their own sentimental treasures. Not so much. It seems that millennials are not as nostalgic as us boomers.

Most likely, our adult children are following the current trend of minimally living themselves and not owning a home with an attic or basement to store things. They can travel or move a lot.

Lately, several articles have been written about this phenomenon and the consequent clash between generations.

Should this cause hurt feelings on our part? Should we try to put a little blame to make our children see reason? “This means a lot to me.” “I paid a lot of money for this.” “This is part of our family history.”

Hell no! There is a fine line between bestow and carry. I say that we must listen to and respect the wishes of our children. Also, we should be proud of them.

Our adult children refuse to be defined by their possessions. Isn’t that a good thing? Didn’t we snub our noses during the 60s at people for being too attached to material possessions? Our children have become independent adults now, making their own decisions and creating their own lifestyle, not copying ours. Isn’t that what we raised them for?

So what should baby boomers do with all of our heirlooms and possessions?

Put away the items you can’t bear to lose. Use your china every day instead of storing it. But don’t stick with items year after year because you can’t be bothered to tidy up your belongings.

Remember, all those relics and possessions served their practical purpose. He used and enjoyed them through the years. If you think these things are still useful, sell them or donate them to someone who really loves and appreciates them.

With love in their hearts, your children made homemade gifts and cards for you. He enjoyed them through the years and the gifts brought him joy. Gift cycles are now complete. Save a few items and let the rest go.

Whatever you do, don’t force your kids to deal with all the mess after you pass away. Do your kids a favor and have an honest conversation. Let your kids pick up items that they really like and that work for their lifestyle.

Then go through the sorting process now while you’re still healthy. And cheer up. Your kids don’t need that huge old-fashioned wardrobe to fondly remember you and keep you in their hearts.