Downsizing? How to Get Your Family to Take Their Treasures Before You Move
My brother and sister-in-law are doing what many of us are attempting to do: edit what we have. Some of his treasures are large and eat up quite a bit of space. His sons-in-law and grandchildren want them, but not yet! They’re smart…they don’t want to have to deal with it!
One of my clients had a similar issue. She was ready to right-size to a more manageable home and lifestyle. Her furniture and the condition of the home weren’t the issue. Over the years, the Waterford, Baccarat, and Lalique collection she started when she married had grown. She had many other collectibles as well.
There was no doubt they would be distributed among her three children, however, none of them were ready for them in their own homes…yet.
Her Solution??
She placed everything on her dining room table and around the room, as well as in a few other areas of her home.
The children were invited over for dinner. My client had bubble wrap, tissues, tape, and boxes waiting for them. They were instructed to choose what they wanted with one caveat…they had to take it with them.
What they did not want would be given to her friends.
I reached out to her after her "dinner party," and she shared that nearly every piece had been taken by her children. They were thrilled to receive the family treasures, and because she had thoughtfully provided boxes, packing paper, and other supplies, taking them home was simple and stress-free.
Would you try this with your family??
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