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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Both parents and in laws are in the process of downsizing.  We are thrilled.  The flip side is both seem to have saved every piece of paper, toys, give away, broken furniture etc. from the last three decades.  And they want us to take it...  And won't take no (or donate/trash) for an answer.  They keep showing up with more and more crap.  We live in a small house and don't have room for it. We are overflowing as it is cause DH has a similar proclivity (why must one save 18 empty ice cream cartons? Why?!!!)

Advice without hurting feelings?  The obvious is to take and then dump, but if it enters our house DH feels obligated to keep it. Our house is full and I'm out of space to put things we actually use.

Ideas? [/quote]

They won't take no (or donate/trash) for an answer?
That actually means that you won't say no or donate/trash because you don't want any strife.

You have 2 options:
1. Take stuff you don't want 
2. Say no, donate or trash.

I think you are looking for ways to be kind but firm, you must know there aren't any other options?
I feel for you, I do, but there is simply no way to refuse piles of junk that people assume you are delighted to receive without some stress.

You just have to tell them kindly "I am so sorry, I know you want us to have your things and it must be so difficult to downsize, but you have to understand that we have limited space and want to keep our memories and children's things too, and there unfortunately is not an infinite amount of space."
That presents the problem
"I have found some groups that would love to have (toys, household objects, whatever) and I would be happy to help you get them there so you don't have to do anything more"
This presents a solution and no more work for them.
"I would love to make a photo diary for you of all these things before they go so you could still have something tangible to remember them"
The Hail Mary "I am a kind and loving person" statement to ensure they can't get mad at you (for too long anyways!)

I have also done the guilt thing (not proud but desperate)
"I guess I'll have to throw out some of my college things and the baby's crib now. I still have my diploma showing how I got my degree even with my kidney disease and of course, DC himself".
[/quote]

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