50 People Share The Coolest Inheritance They’ve Received (New Pics)

Sentimental values aside, some family heirlooms may make your home feel cluttered. Books collect dust, and furniture with no particular purpose only takes up space. 

When dealing with heirlooms, professional organizer Julia Williamson advises prioritizing making good use of them.

“If there are family letters or photos you love to look at, put them in an album or otherwise make them accessible — using archival materials to keep them safe,” Williamson wrote in an article for Business Insider. 

Old paintings and records can be framed and hung on a wall for room decor. As Williamson writes, “Revel in these inherited treasures.”

Some face the challenge of picking which items to toss out and which to keep. Instead of keeping everything and being a pack rat, Williamson recommends saving heirlooms that hold great personal importance, are useful, and have historical significance. 

If you’re still facing a dilemma, Williamson suggests setting aside boxes and revisiting them after a few months. 

“As time goes by, you will realize that the antique train that seemed so special has lost its magic, and it will be easier to let it go,” she wrote.

Many younger people today prefer not to inherit family heirlooms from their parents or grandparents. Since some antiques hold little to no value, they are often rejected or disposed of. 

In an interview with PBS, Former National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) president Susan Devaney explained that young couples would rather not have “the same things people used to have.”

Ultimately, heirlooms are tangible traditions passed down through generations. As Mumford Restoration notes, they bridge the present and the past. It’s all a matter of keeping those that matter the most. 

Now, we would like to hear from you. What was the best and most interesting heirloom you received? What is the story behind it? Share them in the comments.