Young people don't want their parents' stuff

[crazycatlady]

79. I will admit I wouldn't want a plate or cup

Stuff to me is a utility. It is meant to serve a purpose. If it doesn't serve said purpose, it is considered a knick-knack (I packed up 15 large rubbermaid totes of them cleaning out my grandparents' house and it made me never want to buy another). My mom has several teapots on display. To me, if the teapot isn't used for tea, then it is a knick-knack. AS a child, my mother would constantly throw out stuff that meant something to me so I've long stopped having an emotional relationship with things (I had to fight to save my favorite childhood stuffed animal).

My grandmother and great grandmother's knitting collection (it was mingled) is in use. I haven't used all the yarn but I use the respective sized needles as a project I make requires them. I don't feel bad for using up skeins of yarn because they were used for their intended purpose.

The stuff as a utility rule I have applies to both stuff I buy and inherit. For gifts, I prefer experiences or consumables (I'm a coffee addict so a bag of beans is a perfect gift for me). Even when I buy stuff, I have to use it at least as many times as what I paid for it to be worth it (ie I have to wear a $10 shirt 10 times).

I think others in my generation (and myself) don't mind taking a few things here and there that can be used. But taking a formal china and crystal set when you don't entertain, or furniture that you don't have the space for is when it becomes a burden.