How do you tell in laws not to give you or your hubby their junk?

My hubby has a mild hoarding habit. He’s already got a basement full of useless shit. whenever someone (anyone) offers him more shit (dishes, clothing etc) he feels obligated to take it even if we don’t need it. My in laws are aware of this and continue to offer us and give us their shit - even me. And it’s nothing we absolutely need. Ever. It’s just “stuff” they don’t wanna do away with themselves. Old clothing, old binders, knick knacks.

They know I am a clutter manager around here. I politely decline and in a round about way remind them that I am working to manage possessions we already have (which again, they already know because they think hubby is “sick” based on his hoarding habits) I don’t wanna seem ungrateful but I don’t want your clutter!

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BalmyNites · F

I would tell them straight, upfront - thank you for the offer, but we are going for the minimalist lifestyle now & getting rid of stuff, hence we won’t be wanting to add to what we already have 😊

DoubleRings · 51-55, F

@BalmyNites thats basically what i say - 2 months later hubby brings home more shit from his mom. One time I made him go bring it back.

BalmyNites · F

@DoubleRings I’d make him take it straight back - it’s time the little boy grew up 😁

DoubleRings · 51-55, F

@BalmyNites Well Mom in law just offered me some knick knacks for the house we will be moving into (brand new house) I told her NO. It was nothing that we need and nothing i even liked. I told her we are already managing our current possessions. Ive told her this before tho. She doesn’t get it.

BalmyNites · F

@DoubleRings She ain’t hearing you sister - tell her STRAIGHT 😉😘

DoubleRings · 51-55, F

@BalmyNites I’m trying not to be rude … lol to me, if my hubby was an alcoholic it would make sense not to offer him a drink…. they themselves beleive he has a hoarding problem. Why are they giving us more stuff???

BalmyNites · F

@DoubleRings You don’t have to be rude, there’s a difference between assertive & aggressive 😊 Just politely & consistently refuse each time something gets offered