The following is just observation and personal opinion.  

We have all heard the saying "you can't take it with you." So do we lead a simplest life with no treasures to call our own?

Or do we hold on to items that have been passed down from generation to generation, or how about start a massive collection!!

Either way, enjoy what you have now, if you are passionate about collecting, then collect!!  

With this being said, don't expect the next generation to appreciate and enjoy your items as you do.   The typical estate sale client, survived the depression, and they were taught to hold on to everything and never let go.  There has been a trend that we have noticed in the past years, and the generation that is having to liquidate their parents property due to death or downsizing into assisted living, are not interested in your China or Crystal or every magazine you have held onto for the past 60 years.  In some sense it has been sad to see that family histories, genealogy and heirlooms are not a desire to hold onto any more.   We have become a paper plate society. We like to throw things away (probably because our parents held on to everything). We don't lay out the fine silverware, the beautiful China with the folded napkins and place holders.  We don't treat guests like royalty and put on a big spread for them.  It has become about making the memories and being laid back.  Spending more time with family and friends and enjoying the moments.  

There is hope for our ancestors to live on.  The generation coming up looks to be changing the game.  We have the older millenniums that are in love with mid century modern / retro look, and the younger millenniums seem to want to hold on to things there parents didn't want to from previous generations.  The enthusiasm for history and the pride of holding onto something that your great great grandma used, is starting to glimmer in the eyes of our young ones.  Hopefully they don't swing it all the way back to the keep everything generation, but instead maybe provide a nice balance between maintaining our legacy and pass it on.