New survey finds nearly half of people would rather inherit nothing than deal with a loved one’s belongings

VANCOUVER, BC , Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ —

BACKGROUND:
The next big inheritance story isn’t about money: it’s about the things we leave behind. For millions of families, losing a parent or grandparent also means inheriting a lifetime of possessions and the difficult decisions that come with them. Sorting through photo albums, handwritten letters, furniture, holiday decorations, and a basement full of boxes can become an overwhelming part of the grieving process.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/1-800-got-junk/9411851-en-great-junk-transfer-emotional-toll-of-inheriting-possessions

This growing phenomenon is known as the “Great Junk Transfer” and new research reveals its hidden emotional toll. This summer, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? commissioned research administered online by Talker Research, surveying 2,200 adults across the United States, Canada, and Australia. The findings reveal that inheriting a loved one’s belongings is often as emotionally complicated as it is physically overwhelming.

Findings include:

• Nearly half (48%) said they would rather inherit nothing at all than deal with a loved one’s belongings.
• 60% feel guilty or obligated to keep family items they don’t actually want.
• 54% said sorting through a relative’s belongings made the grieving process more difficult.
• One in four families (26%) never discuss inheritance plans before a loved one passes away.
• About half (49%) said sentimental value is the primary reason they hold on to inherited possessions.
• When asked how many items people would prefer to inherit, the most common answer was just 1-5 items.

In this segment, Brian Scudamore, Founder and CEO of 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, discusses why families need to start talking openly about what will happen to their belongings after they’re gone. He also shares insights from the new survey, explains the emotional burden families face during the “Great Junk Transfer,” and offers simple steps people can take now to make the process easier later.

For more information, please visit: greatjunktransfer.com

MORE ABOUT BRIAN SCUDAMORE:
Serial entrepreneur, Dragons’ Den investor, and author Brian Scudamore has always taken the road less travelled. At just 19 years old, he pioneered the industry of professional junk removal with 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, turning a chore people avoid into an exceptional customer service experience. Brian’s accolades include Fortune Small Business’ Best Bosses Award, the International Franchise Association’s Entrepreneur of the Year, and the Globe & Mail’s Top 40 under 40. His umbrella company, O2E Brands, also holds the distinction of being the only Canadian company listed in Newsweek’s “Global Most Loved Workplaces”. Find Brian’s books, WTF?! (Willing to Fail): How Failure Can Be Your Key to Success, and BYOB: Build Your Own Business, Be Your Own Boss at BrianScudamore.com.

Produced for: 1-800-GOT-JUNK?

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/1-800-got-junk—the-great-junk-transfer-the-hidden-emotional-toll-of-inheriting-a-lifetime-of-memories-302872643.html

SOURCE 1-800-GOT-JUNK?