Are you a Millennial or Gen X living in Broome County, NY facing the challenge of dealing with the belongings of Baby Boomers as they downsize, move into retirement homes, or pass away. This process is often filled with mixed emotions and practical challenges. Here are some key points around this phenomenon:

1. Emotional Ties to Belongings

Baby Boomers tend to have a lot of sentimental attachment to objects, often due to their long-lasting ownership or connection to family history. Millennials and Gen X, who may not have the same emotional connection to the items, face the task of navigating this while also honoring the family legacy. The process can sometimes feel overwhelming because it’s not just about cleaning out a house, but dealing with years of memories.

2. The Overabundance of Stuff

Boomers have accumulated a lot of things over decades, including furniture, vintage items, collectibles, books, and even family heirlooms. However, many Millennials and Gen Xers live in smaller spaces, where they may not have room for these things. The sheer volume of items can make it difficult to know what to keep, donate, sell, or throw away.

3. Financial Considerations

Some Baby Boomers have items that could have value, like collectibles (e.g., stamps, rare coins, vintage furniture) or family heirlooms. Millennials and Gen Xers might feel the pressure to sell valuable things, but they might lack the knowledge of how to evaluate or market them, especially if they aren’t interested in the items themselves.

4. Sustainability and Minimalism Trends

Many Millennials and Gen X are more inclined to adopt minimalist or sustainable lifestyles. They may be reluctant to hold onto items they don’t find meaningful or useful. This has led to an increase in second-hand markets, where Boomers’ items are being resold or donated. Platforms like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace have become popular ways for this generation to recycle or repurpose belongings, rather than throw them away.

5. The Digital Transition

Another challenge is handling digital belongings—photos, documents, or records that are stored online or in various formats. Boomers may have physical photos or CDs, while Millennials and Gen X are more accustomed to digital formats. Digitizing old records, photos, and videos can be an emotionally charged task, but also a necessary one to preserve family history for future generations.

6. Reluctance to Let Go

While Millennials and Gen X may find it easier to part with objects, there’s often a sense of obligation to preserve family history. This is compounded by guilt or a desire to honor their parents by keeping items. For some, it can feel like they are erasing part of their legacy.

7. Collaborative Efforts

In some families, Millennials and Gen Xers may engage in joint efforts to sort through the belongings, working with siblings or relatives. This can lead to debates about what to keep or sell, and sometimes even generational clashes over the value of items, especially as younger generations may not share the same attachments.

8. Auction Houses and Estate Sales

When it’s clear that a lot of the items have significant value, some people choose to hire professionals, like auction houses or estate sale organizers, to help manage the sale of the goods. This helps relieve the burden of pricing and marketing while ensuring that valuable items don’t go to waste.

9. The Digital Divide

Boomers may have a much stronger attachment to physical objects, while Millennials and Gen X have more digital-first lifestyles. The question of what to do with the vast number of physical media (like records, VHS tapes, or even old books) often leads to decisions like donating, reselling, or even repurposing these items in new ways, often as art or DIY projects.

10. Storing in Self Storage until you decide!

Millennials and Gen Xers approach self-storage in different ways, influenced by their unique life stages, economic circumstances, and personal preferences.

• Cost-Consciousness: Both generations tend to seek affordable storage options. Millennials are often working within tight budgets, while Gen Xers may be looking to optimize storage solutions for families and homes.
• Flexibility: Both generations value flexible storage terms (monthly rental options), with Millennials likely to prioritize short-term use, while Gen X might appreciate longer-term arrangements.
• Security: Both generations appreciate security features such as gated access, video surveillance, and climate-controlled units, particularly if they are storing valuable or sensitive items.