What do we do with all this stuff?

Some thoughts: Quality time spent with grandchildren is a great way to introduce them to some of the finery in life, and to skills that might not generalize well from generation-to-generation. But times do change, and with time cultures morph, language changes, meaning changes, interests change, tastes change, pursuits change. And on it goes.

I have a modest, but nice, collection of optical equipment, cameras, and scale toy trains (HO). Over the past decade, I have taken pains to introduce the young uns about trains in general, how to play with them so that they last and provide pleasure for years, and I send them and their parents images that I have taken that are particularly poignant, beautiful, or merely interesting. I have taught astronomy and provided a scope at public viewing sessions so that the public can have the experience of seeing the moon up close, or the banding on Jupiter, or Saturn's rings, or the great globular cluster of stars in the constellation Hercules. Galaxie abound, as do star clouds, and stellar nurseries...if you know where to look. And that's why it is important to sew the seeds early.
When it comes time, my estate goes up to anyone who would like the items. Ideally, I'll start the process somewhat early, divesting myself of some of the more weighty componentry that I literally can't manage any more. For example, I recently acquired a 12" Dobsonian reflecting telescope. The optical tube is almost as big as a water heater. Only a slight exaggeration for those who have ever attempted to move one. I'm under no illusions. I might get a solid decade of use out of it, but when it becomes risky for me, or when I simply lose enough mojo over it, it's gone. Speak up anyone who wants it. Oh, and come and get it, please and thank-you.
The gist is that you try to be responsible, prescient to the extent you can, and to be kind. Life narrows a lot when one begins to deal heavily with mortality, especially when the ailments and physical aches begin to impose themselves too much. Hang one to all you can, because life is NOT meant to be easy...not a life worth living. (Nod to Socrates). But do responsible planning, and get some ducks in a row while you can. You'd be surprised at the younger generation and what they can do. They might even appreciate a gift of a toy train or six, or a fine telescope that they have seen you use, and been invited to look through at Grandpa's place. If you've sparked that initial interest, maybe they'll never be able to afford a nice refractor, but it they are given one..........

Good idea. We're going there tomorrow morning to see their rooms. Hopefully we're years away from that, but we want to know what's available and if we could tolerate the- well...

Isn’t it funny how we accumulate during the middle phase of our lives and then work to “unaccumulate” later in life? I am constantly taking bags of things we no longer use to our local Goodwill. It makes me feel good to know that someone else will be able to use what we no longer need. I keep a bag underway at all times and take it when it gets full.

After helping my mother and mother-in-law navigate this journey, I plan to start in a situation that has the most independence that I can handle with graduated steps toward assisted living. Some of the decisions also depend on the state of my finances at the time I need assistance.
We found that if you start out in a very nice facility, if/when your money runs out they will often let you stay there under Medicaid. Many facilities have at least a few Medicaid assigned beds/rooms because they get government funds. You can then stay in a great facility with little money. If you approach the nicer facility when you’re already on Medicaid they often will turn you down because they save their limited beds for current residents who may need them.

I’d start looking at independent living facilities - some of these are great, with add on services as needed. To me it’s the best of all worlds if I don’t need medical assist 24/7 and if I can afford it.
If I thought my money might run out, then I’d look for an IL that also has an AL. Some concept as above - find the better facility with the hope that they will keep me there, move me to AL and I’m at a nicer facility than if I picked a place that didn’t have graduated services.
The other thing I learned, is to get a mindset now that I may need to hire help at home so I can stay at home as long as possible. It’s expensive, but I think I’d run down my money for a few more years to stay at home. But I’d also look to move to a neighborhood like those built by Del Webb where there is a whole community of like residents - with easier access to everything. The Sun City by Del Webb residents in our area drive their golf carts to exercise, hobby groups, on-site restaurant, and stop-and-go store. There is a special path to take a golf cart to Walgreens and a medical clinic facility. With grocery home delivery and Amazon, they’re all set.

This is helpful. While we don't anticipate running out of funds, anything is possible. So this would be something to look for. Thank you.

@mitfit, i have been doing the same thing. I got rid of a lot of kitchen items when we had an unplanned kitchen renovation. I know i still have too much, but i am working on it. When I buy an article of clothing, i done one. I have also started donating books - popular fiction that i probably won’t reread or that i can get at the library.

It’s cleansing, isn’t it? I have always done the same thing on clothing — buy something new, donate something.

My folks had very nice stuff from many countries. We didn't want it.

Oh yeah. I'm 81 next week.

Our little town, 50,000, not that little, but we don't have a true auction house. Just a couple of shops with good reputations but basically they handle vehicles.

Got it. Thanks.