How to persuade older DCs to part with childhood possessions?

[Lunaballoon]

18 year old DS has just started university. His room at home hasn't been decorated since he moved in there as a little boy so while he's away I'd like to give it a bit of a makeover. The only trouble is his cupboards and drawers are full of Lego and Warhammer and assorted toys which were much loved when he was younger but haven't been touched in years. He could probably raise money selling some of it on eBay, but all the bits need sorting and putting back in their original boxes, which he can't be bothered to do! If anyone's faced a similar situation, how did you deal with it?

'Next time your home could you spend some time sorting this stuff out to sell, maybe sorting it all this time and selling it all next time (I wouldn't mind helping by being in if people want to collect etc) or I take it all down to the charity shop? You can obviously keep the money if you sell it..' Job done! Fair chance to sort it, understanding that he won't want to spend his entire visit home sorting and selling, and helping by being around if needed, or a practical and easy suggestion from you!!

If they're in the drawers I would still decorate but leave his stuff there. I think it may be a bit "too quick" to be pushing this especially as he's only just gone off to university. Maybe he is dragging his feet because the thought of doing it is a reminder that he has grown up - maybe they are his "security blanket" IYKWIM?

I guess we should do it a little at a time though to be honest I don't think he'd even notice if I sent half of it to the charity shop!

My stuff is still in the loft at my parents house. I'm 37 Dad has made noises this year about it... Too soon, OP!

Aww too soon op. Although I'd feel the same as you. Have you seen toy story 3?

Two thoughts; firstly, he might well take it amiss if he thinks that you are using his starting at university as a reason to throw out all his childhood toys. I know you wouldn't be doing that, but starting at university is quite an emotional rollercoaster for a lot of students, and it's helpful for everything at home to be boringly just the same as always.

Secondly, by the end of term, the likelihood is that he will be completely skint and might well be willing to spend some time sorting stuff out for eBay over the Christmas hols.

Very true windowtree! I'm conscious of the fact that he's going through a period of big change so I don't want to make it worse by taking away some of that security. At the same time I don't want to end up like DMIL who still has DH's and his sisters old toys stored in the loft!

Oh God, I hadn't thought of Toy Story 3! Am blubbing now!

My mum has all my old toys in the loft and has been moaning about it for years. I have insisted that she keep them so her DGC can play with them. I am 34 and just produced the first girl so am quite smug with my mum that it was worth keeping them all. I used to love playing with my parents' old toys at grandparents' houses! I also reckon that sulvanian families house will brush up as new and save someone a pretty penny one Christmas or birthday . And now to dig out toy story 3.....

If it is still his bedroom then it's up to him what is in there. What have you agreed with him? Is it still his room or are you using it for something else?

It's definitely still his room for as long as he wants it Blot, but it needs decorating (he can choose colours/style etc) and it would be useful as a spare room when he's not here.

My 41 year old DH still has his lego and war hammer from childhood - it's worth a fortune now! Our DS now plays with the lego and DH still plays warhammer, I wouldn't get rid of it if I were you. Just get him to box it and stick it in the loft for a while.

Hmm, tricky, can you put the Lego in the loft for now then?

He has only been gone a few days!! If you really can't wait then box up his precious stuff and pop it in the garage or loft.

I appreciate you want a spare room but you really risk making your son feel that your home is no longer his home and unless that is the case lighten up for a few months.

I agree now it's too soon . I seem to have gone into some kind of reverse nesting phase! I'll broach the subject when he next comes home.

My mum still has my Lego from when I was a child. I'm 51. DCs all played with it when they visited and now it's all packed up for the next generation.

Put it in a box and stick it in the attic. When he's home over Xmas bring one box down and ask him to sort it.
He prob doesn't care about the toys it's easier to leave them than sort them.