Convincing parent to part with stuff

[Anonymous]

How do you convince a parent moving out of a house they’ve been in for 30+ years that they need to get rid of stuff and it does not have value (and no, I do not want it). Everything is a fight (“but that old 2000s cellphone is an antique now!” “This old electric typewriter is worth something.”). No, no there is no value (no one is going to buy this junk!)

How do I convince my parent that all of this belongs in the back of a 1800-Junk truck?

[Anonymous]

Move the parent into the new space. They will soon realize that it all doesn’t fit. Then, sell or donate.

[Anonymous]

Suggest that you want it and need it so they give it to you. Fill your car and then dump it in the trash at home.

[Anonymous]

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1241019.page

Start with reading this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Suggest that you want it and need it so they give it to you. Fill your car and then dump it in the trash at home.

Or better yet, you know someone (they would never meet) that would want it. Then the parent won't be coming to your house looking for it.

[Anonymous]

All of the above, OP, all of the above. BTDT. Hugs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How do you convince a parent moving out of a house they’ve been in for 30+ years that they need to get rid of stuff and it does not have value (and no, I do not want it). Everything is a fight (“but that old 2000s cellphone is an antique now!” “This old electric typewriter is worth something.”). No, no there is no value (no one is going to buy this junk!)

How do I convince my parent that all of this belongs in the back of a 1800-Junk truck?

I say I have a friend on her first apartment and she needs the stuff. Then I throw it out.

They want it to go to use, and I want it gone. A white lie lets everyone get what they want.

[Anonymous]

Hire one of those downsizing companies that specialize in this. They will come out and be incredibly empathetic while sorting through the stuff and “finding good homes” for it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How do you convince a parent moving out of a house they’ve been in for 30+ years that they need to get rid of stuff and it does not have value (and no, I do not want it). Everything is a fight (“but that old 2000s cellphone is an antique now!” “This old electric typewriter is worth something.”). No, no there is no value (no one is going to buy this junk!)

How do I convince my parent that all of this belongs in the back of a 1800-Junk truck?

IME it’s just too exhausting to argue about it. When I moved my mother, I just packed all the stuff into big plastic totes. They are stacked up in the new place in a walk in closet and some other spots. It’s ridiculous but I just decided I will just sort once after she’s gone.

[Anonymous]

Don't know. Have been telling my parents (now just mom left) to be reasonable and get rid of stuff (or at least not buy more). To no avail. The weird thing is that they don't even use the stuff (and my mom had a stint of buying used to "save the planet"). I just hope our generation will put an end to this. My mom didn't want to give to me or anyone else either, because "she might need it in a few years".

[Anonymous]

consider an experienced estate sale company. you might be shocked and the value they can bring in. if the parent is willing to sell for value, these places will actually get something.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hire one of those downsizing companies that specialize in this. They will come out and be incredibly empathetic while sorting through the stuff and “finding good homes” for it.

This. If she can afford it, do this. There are a lot of crazy antics I had with elderly parents where I should have removed myself and let a paid and trained stranger deal with it. It takes away your resentment and they behave more and are too embarrassed to show their loony side to strangers. When i hired out more, my resentment decreased. I had far more patience and kindness to offer and my sense of humor returned.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:consider an experienced estate sale company. you might be shocked and the value they can bring in. if the parent is willing to sell for value, these places will actually get something.

Usually people are shocked at how little everything is worth. The elder thinks they have tons of treasures and they don't.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't know. Have been telling my parents (now just mom left) to be reasonable and get rid of stuff (or at least not buy more). To no avail. The weird thing is that they don't even use the stuff (and my mom had a stint of buying used to "save the planet"). I just hope our generation will put an end to this. My mom didn't want to give to me or anyone else either, because "she might need it in a few years".

Your generation will have less paper. But, oh, the digital clutter you will have!

[Anonymous]

Are they moving on their time and their dime? Let them do what they want. If the new place is a lot smaller, well, they’re adults they’ll figure it out.