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Will you want your parents' stuff when they die?

404 replies

OneWorthyLemonCat · 26/02/2026 07:56

I'm a big declutterer, and now live pretty minimally. I have a one in, one out policy on new possessions, and try to only buy quality items that I really love.

I've just been thinking about my parents and in laws. They often make reference to DH and me and our siblings having their "stuff" when they die.

We'll barely wany any if it though.

Of my mums, I'd love her Ercol sideboard. Of my inlaws, we would love my MIL's collection of LeCreuset pans.

That's it. EVERYTHING else that they own will go to charity, or in a skip.

We don't share the same taste, and although DH and I have plenty of space, I know so many people have much smaller homes now. We also live differently to them - I would never use fine China, or serve cakes on a glass cake stand, or poach a whole salmon in a fish kettle, or serve drinks in crystal glasses, or use solid silver cutlery!

Which of your parents' possessions would you want? How do you think it will feel taking their worldly possessions to a charity shop? (I wonder if shops will be so inundated in 5-10 years that they stop taking donations anyway. I know many have stopped already). Does it make you live or think differently about your own approach to acquiring "stuff" through your lifetime?

DH and I dont have kids, and I'm very comfortable with the idea that our much loved possessions will have brought us happiness through our lives, but will end up at the rubbish tip when we're no longer here!

OP posts:
TheGoddessAthena · 26/02/2026 08:06

A few things. Mum has a very old chaise longue which is covered in the most disgusting 80s fabric which could be magnificent in the hands of a skilled upholsterer. There are a couple of vases which were my granny's which I would like. And a folder full of family history related documents which I'm definitely having. She is fairly minimalist and does not have huge amounts of stuff.

Inlaws on the other hand.... 3 bedroom house stuffed with tat. DH has already told them he wants none of it and all the crinoline ladies and wardrobes full of dated clothing will be in the hands of a house clearance place.

Octavia64 · 26/02/2026 08:06

None of it.

i have my own house with my own furniture decorated in a way i like.

she does a lot of crafting and there are instructions for that stuff (mostly a list of friends who might want it)

Aboutmeabouttime · 26/02/2026 08:06

There is not much of my parents stuff I would want - sentimental things like photos, my mum’s engagement ring but not a lot else… I too like a more minimalist home but my DH and kids are not quite so on board 🤣

GoldenCupsatHarvestTime · 26/02/2026 08:03

Things of my mums / in-laws I’ll keep: jewellery, furniture (I have all second hand / dark wood anyway), Kenwood mixer, shoes and bags (mum has some great ones).

My in laws already gave me all of their crystal and china wedding set. I’ll keep the quality Christmas decor too.

I buy a lot from the charity shops too because so much good serving ware goes there. Plenty of us <35 love quality vintage.

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