Are you storing stuff for your adult children because they “may want it someday?” If so, my friend, Ingrid, would call you a “(Bleep) Keeper.” I “bleeped” because it’s a fresh word that’s not appropriate for this blog. But let’s just say it’s a word that starts with “C” and rhymes with trap. LOL. This term had me laughing hysterically the other day when Ingrid brought it up . It struck me funny because this term aptly describes a whole lot of us Mom’s and Dad’s who are hanging on to stuff in our basements and attics in the hopes that our kids will want it someday. So here’s my advice for all you Bleep Keepers out there…
Ask Yourself Why Am I Storing This Stuff For My Adult Kids When They Have Their Own Homes?
I confess, I’m a serious purger. Of course, owning a home consignment store does make this process pretty easy for me, but I was a purger before I opened the store. And I was raised by a serial purger. Thank you Ann! But I still fall into the trap of storing those someday things for my kids sometimes. I think a great place to start, if this sounds like you (and me), is to figure out the motivation for why you are storing this stuff in the first place.
First Ask Yourself:
- Does the item have sentimental value to me?
- Is the item useful? Everyone needs spatulas and frying pans, for example.
- Is the item is of great value? Harder to cast off the Mona Lisa, or an original copy of The Declaration of Independence, if you happen to own it.
Then Ask Yourself:
- Does the item have sentimental value to my kid? This is wholly different than how you feel about the item and an important distinction when deciding what to do with the stored item.
- Is the item useful and replaceable for under $50? If your child can replace the item inexpensively, is it really worth storing? Like the spatula example above.
- Is the value of the item beyond my child’s budget? Grandpa’s Maserati is probably a yes for saving. Grandpa’s paint-by-numbers of a Maserati, not so much.
- And the biggie: Has my child asked me to store this item? Do not assume (you know what happens when you do) that they want this thing you’re storing. ASK THEM!
And Now What?
Well, if you’ve honestly answered the questions it should become clear whether you continue storing this stuff for your adult children or if you’re going another way. If storage time is up, consider the following alternatives for your items.
Consign The Items and Turn Them Into Cash
Every day, and I am not exaggerating, every day, consignors bring things to Consignments Ltd. to sell that they have been storing for their kids. And they have them to sell because their child has finally told them, “Mom/Dad, I don’t want this thing you’ve been storing for me.” Consigning these items is a great alternative to being an unpaid CubeSmart for your kids. These idle items turn into cash for you and move on to someone who actually wants them.
Insider Tip: If you’re considering consigning items, each shop has their own procedures. Check my previous blog: How Consignment Works for a quick primer on this.
Use The Item Yourself
My father’s barrister bookcase is in my home office at the new house. I am “storing” it for my son Joe to have “someday.” But Joe lives in an apartment in London, so using it is presently a little tricky.
So here are the answers to my own questions:
The item does have sentimental value to BOTH of us. And Joe has asked me to store it. Yes, he could buy another for about $500, but it wouldn’t be “Papa Newport’s” barrister.
The Result:
So whilst I wait for Joe to pick up his treasure, I’m enjoying it and utilizing the storage it provides. Day lighting this bookcase makes me a lot happier than storing it ever has. You can take this same approach with your item(s). Nan’s china? Unbox it and use it on Sundays. Granddad’s pocket watch? Put it in a shadow box with a treasured photo of him. Think outside the storage box. It may just surprise you.
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