It’s hard to know what the proper etiquette is when it comes to accepting an inheritance. Presumably when a loved one passes away they have thought long and hard about the people they love and planned to give certain items to the people in his or her family. But what happens when you end up with something you never wanted or liked to begin with?
Well, the easy answer is that it’s okay to let it go if you don’t want it. Of course that might be easier said than done. But here are some pointers of how to honor the memory of your loved one, but not have to be saddled with all of their stuff.
* Just keep some of it. If you received a large collection of items, hang onto the items that have the most meaning to you and your loved one. Then donate the rest of the items that don’t have any sentimental value or family history attached to them.
* Repurpose items. If you receive furniture that is in disrepair or that doesn’t go with your décor, then why not consider restoring it or figuring out a new way to use it.
* Donate it. If you truly cannot use an item, then consider donating it to someone who can use it. This can be a great way to honor your loved one. If the item is just going to sit in storage and not be used, then passing it on to someone who can use it will be in the great giving spirit and you won’t feel any resentment.
* Sell it. Yes, you can even sell an item you won’t use. Then you can take the money you got from the item and give it to your deceased family member’s favorite charity. This way your family member is giving to their favorite cause one last time.
* Speak with your family and friends. The other loved ones in your deceased family member’s life might be interested in an item that you are not interested in. There’s a possibility you could make a trade. Or if there’s nothing you want or they want to give up, you could just let them have the item.
There’s no sense in causing a rift in the family over an inheritance. If it’s not something you’re going to use or love, then you might as well give it to someone who will – even better if it’s someone who also loved the person who gave it to you.
* From a legal standpoint you can always disclaim the property that you inherited. This is the legal way of saying thanks, but no thanks. The problem with doing this is it then goes to your next of kin (i.e. your spouse or child). So it might not work out the way you had hoped it would. You don’t get to choose who gets the item, so if you would rather someone else have something, then you’re just going to have to hand it over yourself.
Death is always a difficult time for families. Part of the difficulties is what to do with the “stuff”. Since no one takes their belongings with them when they die, you may end up with way more than you need. But it’s okay; you do have options. If it’s truly something you do not want, then you can give it up. It might cause problems within the family, though, if you’re not open and honest with them about what you’re doing.
