The Sandwich Generation Dilemma:
"What Do You Do With All the Stuff?"
Recently, there's been a flood of articles highlighting a dilemma many Americans currently find themselves in ...
What do they do with their stuff if they downsize? For members of the "Sandwich Generation", this problem is magnified, as many are decluttering their parents' homes as they're also looking to downsize and declutter their own.
The number of those that will face this dilemma is increasing rapidly. A 2016 Population Reference Bureau report indicates that 98 million Americans will be of Sandwich Generation age by the year 2060.
I've seen this dilemma up close, as I've watched my wife and her siblings struggling with this issue. Family history is important to them all, as they have wonderful memories of their father regaling them with stories about family members and events during evening meals and holidays.
Their mother suffered the loss of both parents within months of one another when she was only 9 years old. Family ... family gatherings ... family memorabilia and heirlooms were sacred to her and she passed this belief on to each of her children.
When their mother passed, my wife and each of her siblings received cherished family belongings. And each of them is now wrestling with these questions ...
- What do you do with family heirlooms when you want to downsize?
- What do you do with your own cherished collected items?
- Who wants or will take them?
- If no one in the family wants them, then what?
Many representing the "Sandwich Generation" are experiencing similar situations. And the flood of recent articles reveal the harsh truth .... younger generations do not want the antiques, the memorabilia, the "stuff".
Most of the articles I've read have approached this issue with an eye for downsizing needs only. They've offered recommendations about which items to keep ... tips on how to clean out a home. They've provided daily organization advice. Decluttering calendars and checklists to follow.
But helpful concrete recommendations and links for where to give away, sell, donate, or rid yourself of items (both un-needed and cherished) were missing.
WHERE can all the stuff go??
I went digging. Below you'll find what I found during my search ...
There are ideas and actions to consider should you find yourself facing any of these momentous decisions. While businesses and organizations on my list can be found in the Chicagoland area, a great many of them are also nationwide.
I'm sure that individuals and outlets for places of worship, charities, libraries, organizations, etc. ... and the needs they address ... also exist in your local area. I highly recommend that you assist locally where and when you can.
Please Note: Not all organizations and charities accept all items, so make sure to visit websites/contact these outlets directly should you have questions and in order to donate properly.
Consider:
Amvets
Donation TownGoodwill Industries
Morning Star Mission Treasure Chest
Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago
Habitat for Humanity
Salvation Army
Open Books
Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago
Habitat for Humanity
Salvation Army
Open Books
Zealous Good
Together We Cope/Nu2U Resale (Chicago Southland)
FISH (Lincoln-Way Area Communities)
St. Vincent DePaul
Together We Cope/Nu2U Resale (Chicago Southland)
FISH (Lincoln-Way Area Communities)
St. Vincent DePaul
Other Options:
Professional Organizers - Chicago (Other Areas Available)
The emotions (let alone physical challenges) associated with the disposal of family possessions and treasures can prove challenging. Hopefully, the info provided here helps you face, tackle, and successfully accomplish the tasks at hand.
Best of luck to you. Please reach out to me if I can be of assistance in any way ...
* Hoping to Buy or Refinance a home in the Chicagoland area? Contact Me! I'll put my 40 years of Mortgage experience and expertise hard to work on your behalf.
I'm easily found at:
Gene Mundt
Mortgage Originator - NMLS #216987 - IL Lic. #031.0006220 - WI License 216987
American Portfolio Mortgage Corp.
NMLS #175656
Direct: 815.524.2280
Cell or Text: 708.921.6331
eFax: 815.524.2281
Gene Mundt, Mortgage Originator, an Originator with 40 years of mortgage experience, will offer you exemplary mortgage service and advice when seeking: Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo, USDA, and Portfolio Loans in Chicago and the greater Chicagoland region, including: The Lincoln-Way Area, Will County, (New Lenox, Frankfort, Mokena, Manhattan, Joliet, Shorewood, Crest Hill, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Naperville, etc.), DuPage County, the City of Chicago, Cook County, and elsewhere within IL & WI.
Referrals are Greatly Appreciated & Welcomed!
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