What to Do With All That Stuff When the Kids Don’t Want It

Smart, simple ways to sell, donate and let go - without the drama.

Let’s talk about the elephant in the storage unit: all the stuff. The antique settee, the silver-plated tea service, the once coveted stamp collection. If you’re downsizing, you’re probably wondering what to do with the treasures that have made your house a home (and maybe filled a few closets, attics and garages along the way).

If the kids and grandkids don’t want your fine china, don’t take it personally. You’re not alone. It’s a common reality for many boomers today, especially those making the shift from large, memory packed homes to more manageable digs. So what do you do with the things no one else wants? Let’s break it down.

Step One: Inventory with Intention

Before the whirlwind of packing tape and donation bins begins, walk through your home with fresh eyes. Take note of what you actually use, what still brings you joy and what you're only keeping out of guilt, habit or nostalgia.

Ask yourself:

●      Would I buy this again?

●      Do I use it?

●      Does it still fit my style or my new space?

Spoiler alert: not everything has to make the cut. And that’s OK.

Step Two: Have "The Talk" with Family

Here’s where it gets real: reach out to your adult kids and grandkids. Ask what, if anything, they’d like to keep. Don’t be surprised if they politely decline the mahogany dining table or 50 piece crystal collection. Their homes are often smaller, their styles more minimalist and their storage non-existent.

Still, it’s worth asking. Sometimes a photo album, handmade quilt or quirky lamp holds more value to them than a formal piece of furniture ever could.

Step Three: What to Sell, What to Donate, and What to Let Go

Let’s start with the good stuff: the items that might actually bring in a few bucks. Here are some categories that still attract buyers:

●      Original artwork and high-quality prints

●      Antique or vintage furniture (especially mid-century modern)

●      Oriental rugs, sterling silver, fine jewelry

●      Guitars and musical instruments

●      Vintage electronics and toys (hello record players and old LEGO sets!)

If you have high end collections or valuable artwork, it’s wise to seek out an expert appraiser. Auction houses and specialty dealers can help ensure your items reach the right market and bring in the price they deserve. Document provenance when possible and get updated valuations, especially if it’s been years since your last appraisal.

Platforms like Chairish, AptDeco and local antique dealers are great starting points. Just manage expectations: the $3,000 buffet you bought in 1985 might only fetch $300 now. Tastes change. Markets shift.

On the flip side, some items just don’t sell well:

●      Mass-produced collectibles (sorry, Hummels)

●      China sets and silver-plated serveware

●      Stamp collections (unless you’ve got something rare like an Inverted Jenny)

●      Upright pianos (unless it’s a pristine Steinway)

If you can’t sell it, consider donation. Churches, refugee centers and disaster relief groups often welcome furniture, linens and kitchen items. Just be sure to get a receipt if you’re hoping for a tax deduction.

And be careful where you list items. Online marketplaces can expose you to scams, always vet buyers, avoid sharing personal details and never accept overpayment or wire transfers from strangers.

Step Four: Call in the Pros

If the idea of managing this process solo feels overwhelming, you don’t have to go it alone. Downsizing specialists, estate sale professionals and appraisers can help with everything from organizing and pricing to hauling and selling.

Estate sales are now for everyone, not just the ultra-wealthy. If you have a houseful of decent items, a reputable company will manage the sale, clean up after and take a commission from the proceeds.

For truly valuable items (think fine art, rare books or serious antiques), auction houses may be the better route. They offer transparency, competitive pricing, and national reach.

Reputable Places to Sell in Canada

●      I have not used all of these companies personally but they are on my radar as reputable.

●      If you have personal experience with companies you have used and would recommend, send their contact details and I will add them to the list!

Top Auction Houses:

●      Miller & Miller Auctions (ON): High-value collectibles, live and online sales.

●      Waddington’s (Toronto): Fine art, jewelry and decorative arts.

●      Cowley Abbott (Toronto): Canadian art specialists with national recognition.

●      Heffel Fine Art (Nationwide): Canada’s top fine art auctioneer with multi-city reach.

●      Plato Auctions (Oakville): Great for antiques and estate collections.

 Consignment Stores:

●      Around The Block (Toronto): Curated, upscale furniture and art resale.

●      Of Things Past (Toronto): Luxury home goods, silver and decor.

●      ReDECOR (London): Traditional and modern furniture consignment.

●      Zoey’s (Burlington): Boutique-style, concierge service.

●      Good Things Consignment (Ottawa): Vintage, decor and books with a community vibe.

Top Places to Donate in Canada

When your treasures don’t find a buyer, donation is a wonderful second act:

1. Habitat for Humanity ReStores (Nationwide): Accept furniture, building materials, appliances and home decor. This is my FAVOURITE place to donate. If you have a lot of "stuff" and they have approved it, they will send a truck to pick it up.

2. Furniture Bank (Toronto & GTA): Helps furnish homes for families transitioning out of homelessness.

3. Diabetes Canada (Nationwide): Offers pickup for clothing and small household items.

4. Salvation Army Thrift Stores: Accepts a wide range of items and supports community programs.

5. Value Village / Savers: Popular for clothing, accessories, and home goods.

6. Matthew House (Ottawa & Windsor): Welcomes gently used furniture for refugee and newcomer families.

7. Women’s Shelters (local chapters): In need of clothing, bedding, kitchenware and toiletries.

8. Cerebral Palsy Foundation: Offers home pick-up services for clothing and some household items.

9. Churches and Faith-Based Centers: Many accept decor and serveware for special events or community programs.

10. Animal Shelters: Often welcome old towels, blankets and cleaning supplies.

11. Chuck-it:  Junk removal, moving + Demolition. If you are in the GTA and Durham region, this company is great. I have used them and highly recommend their services.

At the end of the day, downsizing is about more than square footage. It’s about curating a space that supports the life you want now. That might mean letting go of things that were once meaningful but no longer serve your lifestyle.

Let go of guilt. You don’t owe your stuff anything. Let go of pressure. Your worth isn’t measured by how many heirlooms your kids keep. Let go with gratitude. Those pieces served their purpose and now they get to move on.

Final Thoughts

One real life downsizing story involved a family sorting through decades of antique furniture, collectibles and art spread across a large home and multiple storage units. With help from professionals, they sold what they could, donated thoughtfully, and kept just what mattered most. It was emotional, yes - but also freeing.

Downsizing doesn’t mean giving up what matters. It means creating space - literally and emotionally - for the next chapter. So take a deep breath, roll up your sleeves and start editing. Because your best home isn’t the biggest one. It’s the one that fits your life now.