The Brian Lehrer Show De-Cluttering Legacies
Nov 21, 2025
Emily Stewart, a senior correspondent at Business Insider, dives into the intricacies of decluttering inherited possessions. She explores why baby boomers have accumulated so much 'stuff' and the emotional baggage that comes with it, including guilt and attachment. Stewart emphasizes the pitfalls of relying on storage units and offers practical advice on downsizing, suggesting starting early and being ready to donate or sell belongings. She also discusses the complexities of managing inherited art and the benefits of finding new homes for unused items.
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Why Boomers Have So Much Stuff
- Baby boomers accumulated more because of economic boom and a culture that prized having more stuff.
- This created a multi-decade buildup of items like china, silver, and knickknacks that burdens heirs.
Emotional Mismatch Over Heirlooms
- Parents often hold items that aren't their children's memories or priorities, creating emotional friction.
- Guilt and mismatched attachments make passing on possessions fraught for families.
Don't Kick The Can With Storage Units
- Avoid relying on long-term storage as a solution; it often just defers the problem and costs money.
- Decide now whether furniture or items will realistically be wanted years later before paying for storage.