List Only

How do I tell my parents to stop giving me their junk?

Whenever my wife and I stop by my parent's house for a visit, they always send us off with arm loads of stuff. It would be alright if it was stuff we could use, but it isn't! It's always old clothes, worn-down appliances, etc. I keep telling them they should have a yard sale or donate it, but they always say they want us to get some use out of it. I think they just don't want to go through the hassle of getting rid of it themselves. I want to say something to them about it, but I don't want to sound ungrateful. My wife and I are apartment dwellers, and we have no room for all of this stuff! We just end up giving it to Goodwill or the Salvation Army. How do you think would be the most appropriate way to approach this subject with them?

Public Comments

1. I would just keep giving it to good will. That way you don't have to worry about hurting their feelings.
2. my mom does the same thing, and it is tough since you don't want to "hurt" their feelings so I would keep doing what you're doing by giving it away to someone who will use it.
3. My mom is the same way every time i walk in her house i come out with a bag full of stuff. you just have to be honest with your mom and tell her you do not have anymore space for anything else.