Decluttering Your Home? These Are the Items Your Kids and Grandkids Actually Want Right Now

If you’re in the process of decluttering your home or plan to do so soon, it’s a good idea to understand what types of items younger people gravitate toward these days.

Turns out, millennials in particular are losing trust in digital platforms and are turning back to analog media and experiences they enjoyed in their youth. In fact, "analog lifestyle" has become one of the biggest trends on social media (ironically), as younger generations look for ways to fulfill a desire for greater authenticity and connection.

Given that, understanding the sentimental connection the younger generation has to certain items could help those leaving an inheritance, so to speak, make informed decisions about what to keep, sell, or donate.

Household items younger generations value 

Millennials tend to prefer items that are functional, tangible, and have some history attached to them. They also appreciate quality, particularly when it comes to items that financially would be out of reach or considered a luxury buy.

According to Marisol Rivera, cleaning expert and professional organizer at Sparkly Maid Austin in Austin, TX, cookware is in high demand, with cast iron skillets at the top of the list. 

“These get better with age, combine sustainability with functionality, and are something that will get used every day,” explains Rivera. 

Other items that Rivera finds popular among the younger generations include vintage Pyrex, ball mason jars from the 1890s to 1930s, and French copper cookware—all examples of functional, not just decorative tools.

Vinyl records are also a big hit. This is no surprise as young people love the ability to touch and see their music in a more tangible way, hence why so many artists recently have started producing vinyl as well. But with music streaming platform prices also on the rise, CDs and cassettes may even be desirable to the right youngster.

In addition, Rivera has noticed an increased desire for vintage items from the '90s and luxury designer bags that either hold up in value or go up.

What they couldn't care less about

In contrast, younger generations show virtually no interest in items that are specifically designed for formal entertaining. 

“China cabinets, dinner settings, and special serving dishes represent the old ways of doing things. Hence the reason millennials aren’t into them,” says Rivera. 

Younger individuals also reject storage and organizational furniture that were made for obsolete technology—think file cabinets, magazine racks, newspaper stands, and telephone tables. These were created for problems that no longer exist.

Similarly, artificial flowers, doilies, feather dusters, and decorative textiles have absolutely no allure to younger folk.

How to decide what to keep, sell, or donate

When downsizing, Olivia Parks, owner and lead organizer at Nola Organizers in New Orleans, recommends a simple approach as there’s no reason to overcomplicate things.

“Keep what you love and want for yourself, gift sentimental items to family and friends, sell what's actually worth selling and has a strong resale value or high demand, and donate the rest,” says Parks.

If you come across any high-value items you no longer need and hope to sell, Rivera suggests you get them appraised by a professional so you can price them accordingly.

Remember that even though something is “vintage,” it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to sell it for a lot of dough. 

“An antique Griswold or Wagner cast iron skillet, for example, can sell for anywhere from $500 to $8,000, while a china cabinet filled with formal dinnerware may be lucky to fetch $50,” explains Rivera.

When selling any items, regardless of value, make sure you choose the proper sales platform. 

For example, vintage clothing on Depop or Vestiaire Collective, collectible kitchen items on eBay, and vinyl records on Discogs.

Finally, before you sell or donate anything, have an open conversation with your family. Find out which items hold emotional significance to your adult children.

“Many younger generations are interested in acquiring useful items versus the formal ones their parents thought they would want to inherit,” says Rivera.