A Millennials Perspective on our "Stuff"

I read an article recently that talked about the differences between baby boomers and millennials on the topics of decluttering and accumulation of “stuff” in the home. The article stated that the millennial generation is more minimalistic than previous generations and don’t experience an attachment to the things they own. Baby boomers, on the other hand, have generations of family heirlooms, antiques, and often have an emotional attachment to their things.

I challenge this.

As an organizer, I work with people of all different ages, from teenagers to people in their 80s and 90s. And as a millennial in my 30s, I think it’s fair to say I have an opinion on what was shared because I experience it from two sides.

The intention here is to share the perspective of an expert in the field of “our stuff,” and what I experience myself, the people I work with, and the people that I’m closest to.

Anyone and everyone has some level of emotional attachment to the things they own. It’s a proven fact. Our things hold emotions, memories, reminders of things we have had or things that we never had, and things you can’t even imagine.

No matter who you are, how old you are, what your life experiences are - I truly believe that the stuff we own holds power.

It tells our story.

And it’s not valuable to anyone but us.

Because we received it, we bought it, we treasured it at some point in time.

A true difference between millennials and boomers when it comes to our “stuff” - is what we place value on.

But, isn’t this true of every generation in history?

And, every individual person?

I value books - they make my space feel complete and like home.

Someone else might value collectibles.

Another person might value experiences, so they keep less in their space.

What do you value?

I can’t decide what that is for you. Your generation doesn’t tell you what you value. Only you can do that.