I asked the following question today on social media:
“How many people have a box or boxes of china that they inherited when a relative died but feel too guilty about getting rid of it? or have no idea where to get rid of it? I just talked to a woman that has 3 boxes of china plus lots of other stuff from dead mom, dead grandma, dead mother-in-law, dead aunt. At end of the conversation, she said maybe she will have to wait until the people who would get mad at her for getting rid of the china die first, then get rid of it. I said how will they know — will they go down in your basement looking for it? She lives in a tiny home with her husband and two boys and would rather free up space for something they are using. TIME TO STOP THE INSANITY!? Who else out there is holding on to dead people’s stuff and does not really have the room for it? “
These are some of the answers I got:
Sort of me, I did get rid of five 18 gallon totes of it but am still left with one tote that I need to part with.
Ironic this is being asked now lol! I just had dinner with my mom who promptly pointed out TWO different sets of my grandmother’s china in the cabinet, then proceeded to point out her set. She said she loves them and that when she passes she wants me to have them. I told her thanks but no, they aren’t practical for me and would collect dust in a cabinet where I could store things I use more often. While one set is really pretty and I like it, I just can’t keep dishes that I can’t put in the dishwasher (sorry being honest here lol). She got offended and said they were very expensive and wants me to have them. I told her that she should give them to someone else that I don’t want them. She said she was going to give them all to my sister-in-law since I’m ungrateful ; go ahead Ma, give them to her.
Just gave my great-great-aunt’s China to another family member. Neither of my children want it and I have no place to display it. It did not bring me joy and no one could enjoy it while it was packed away in boxes in my basement.
Guilty Guilty Guilty and it’s not even valuable just seems surgically attached and inoperable.
Oh geez, this happens to me and it’s frustrating! I’ll get things from other people that give me their “special” stuff because they don’t want it but don’t want to just toss it so now I have stuff I don’t want. My aunt gave my girls one of her old baby dolls, a bit ridiculous because it’s an antique and they would totally ruin it. My mom has been helping by sending it back, lol. I DONT WANT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF CARING FOR THEIR STUFF!!! Totally stresses me out. I love antiques, but I can’t keep them in my house, they need to be loved by someone else.
You all have inspired me to open up the two bins of two sets of china and use them. It has been a long time since I have hosted a family affair and set a table with either set, but I think I should just use it for a small dessert or tea or even just dinner with my own family.
Such interesting answers!
So, I pose the question to my reader: Do you have a box of china in your basement you are not using? Why are you hanging on to it? I would love to hear!