I have to admit that I too feel a sense of outrage when I hear of people selling things that have been handed down on the basis that
The kids aren't interested
I wasn't interested in my grandma's old things when I was younger much to my regret
They may not want it now but in years to come they too may regret their lack of interest in family treasures just like I did.
When my Mil was diagnosed with a terminal illness, despite being asked by family not to part with anything without first asking if they would want it, she systematically got rid of things to the charity shop by the bag load. When we cleared out the house after she passed away there wasn't any BMD certificates except her own, no personal documents and most of the old photos had also been disposed of. My husband was most upset that a monogrammed decorative police truncheon that had been promised to him, dated 1869 that belonged to his Great Grandfather wasn't found.
I have offered both my children things that belonged their Great Grandparents and they have put them away for safe keeping.
I too believe that clearing out the possessions of deceased parents can be very cathartic....my Sister and I both laughed and cried when we did it together in stages as and when we felt ready. I wouldn't have had it any other way. We jointly made the decision to keep what we wanted and to send what we didn't to the charity shop.
Carol