181: Heir It Out

Millennial Inheritance -- it's not the money, it's the stuff (Image from the Jerk)

A couple of years ago, I had the realization that when some peoples’ relatives die, they expect to get money. Me, I’ve never had that experience. Because in my family, when someone passes away, what we’re left with is plenty of paper — just not the kind that’s worth anything.

Ah, the Millennial Inheritance. Where it’s not the money, it’s the stuff.

And while Andrew may not be a Millennial, he has also been dealing the things left behind when someone leaves this life. Which also means he’s dealing with the very heavy fact that things only have meaning to people when, you know, they’re alive.

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We talked about a few things today, including:

  • @MadisonCleans on TikTok, which is my new favorite show.

  • Some NAMI resources for hoarding behavior because it is very much a mental health disorder.

  • Where to donate stuff. Listen, not everyone wants your parents’ old hoarder crap, ok? Be mindful about what you’re donating and where. Expired food? Sorry, babes, that’s landfill material. You may be able to donate some items for raw materials (like textile recyclers), so if you can, do the extra legwork. If not, NO ONE WILL BLAME YOU.

  • Oh, also, I mentioned my book. It’s here.

What kinds of things have you found while cleaning up after a loved one? Are you investing in some pre-death cleaning to save your kids’ the trouble or are you planning to take it with you? Let us know: 508-HOW-WASH.

Hanna Brooks Olsen