New Research Identifies "The Great Junk Transfer": 49% of Americans Would Rather Inherit Nothing Than Sort Through a Relative's Belongings
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VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Washingtoner -- Researchers at Talker Research have identified a behavioral shift they are calling The Great Junk Transfer — the phenomenon of an entire generation's belongings passing to heirs who, the data suggests, would rather receive less than more. A new 2026 study commissioned by 1-800-GOT-JUNK? finds that 49% of Americans would rather inherit nothing at all than have to deal with a relative's belongings.

The 2026 study of 1,200 US adults, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, finds that 51% of Americans would prefer to inherit a select few items from a loved one than everything they own. Only 20% would choose to inherit every belonging a relative has. Of the 58% of Americans who have cleared a relative's home, 56% say dealing with the volume of belongings made it harder to fully grieve.

The study was commissioned by 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, which has helped families clear homes for over 37 years. Separate proprietary market research commissioned by the company found that roughly 25% of North American junk removal bookings between 2021 and 2025 were associated with a loss, inheritance, or estate cleanout — a pattern consistent with The Great Junk Transfer already being underway. The accompanying consumer study was conducted independently by Talker Research on behalf of 1-800-GOT-JUNK?.

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The findings suggest families navigating The Great Junk Transfer benefit from earlier inheritance conversations and selective, meaning-led handovers, with professional estate-clearance services engaged when the volume of belongings exceeds family capacity.

"What I've learned from 37 years in the business is that the things people leave behind are never really just things — they're memory, identity, and sometimes, unfinished conversations," said Brian Scudamore, Founder and CEO of 1-800-GOT-JUNK?. "We're not just here to help with the physical side of clearing a home. We're here so families don't have to face that weight alone."

The wider global study surveyed 2,200 respondents across the United States (n=1,200), Canada (n=800, including at least 100 from Quebec), and Australia (n=200), conducted online by Talker Research between May 22 and May 27, 2026. Statistics in this release refer to the US sample unless otherwise noted. Full findings are available at https://www.1800gotjunk.com/us_en/research/the-great-junk-transfer-2026

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About Talker Research

Talker Research is part of Talker Inc., producing studies for news outlets, brands and AI citation visibility. Team members include members of ESOMAR (European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research) and MRS (Market Research Society). Talker Research is part of AAPOR's Transparency Initiative, which is designed to promote methodological disclosure.

About 1-800-GOT-JUNK?

1-800-GOT-JUNK? is a full-service junk removal company providing professional removal of household and commercial items across the United States, Canada, and Australia. The company has helped families clear homes following moves, downsizing, bereavement, and estate settlements for more than 37 years.