Around the home: What to do with your adult kid’s stuff

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeLifeHomes Around the home: What to do with your adult kid’s stuff ‘Parents shouldn't feel obligated to indefinitely store their adult children's belongings’ Author of the article: By Linda White  •  Special to Postmedia Network Published Sep 17, 2026 Last updated 1 day ago 3 minute read Join the conversation Many parents who’ve been storing their adult children’s belongings are ready to reclaim their home. PHOTO BY SORTED SPRUCE Article content Like many parents with adult children who’ve left home, you’ve amassed a collection of boxes containing stuff they’ve promised to one day pick up. Before you know it, the boxes have been collecting dust for years and you’re frustrated that your home is being used as their personal storage unit. Article content “In my work as a professional organizer, I’ve walked into many basements, garages and spare bedrooms where parents will point to an area and say, ‘That’s all my daughter’s stuff’ or ‘Those boxes belong to my son.’ Sometimes their children haven’t lived at home for years,” says Professional Organizers in Canada President Noreen Music. Article content Article content Article content There are various reasons why kids may store their belongings at their parents’ home. “Sometimes they’re moving into a smaller apartment or condo and simply don’t have the space,” Music says. “Other times, they’re moving temporarily for school, work or travel and aren’t ready to make permanent decisions about their belongings.” Article content Sentimental attachment can also play a role. “Childhood keepsakes, photographs, school memorabilia, sports equipment, books and other personal items carry memories so it’s much easier to say, ‘I’ll leave this at Mom and Dad’s for now’ than to decide what to do with it,” she says. Article content Decluttering is about being intentional about what earns a place in your space. PHOTO BY SORTED SPRUCE Article content Reclaim a space Article content Music has worked with countless parents who are ready to reclaim a basement, bedroom or garage but feel guilty about asking their adult children to deal with their belongings. “Meanwhile, they’re unable to use a significant part of their own home because they’re storing things for someone who no longer lives there.” Article content She encourages having a conversation rather than simply getting rid of someone’s belongings and…