No more stuff!! Small living space!! Help!!

CrayCrayWedCorp

I will begin by saying that what I'm about to describe is a lovely problem to have.  Should we be so lucky in life if this is our "biggest" problem.

That being said, we live in a small studio apartment with not much room or need for stuff. Our mothers' requested that we register for stuff so that their respective friends and family would be able to buy us stuff.  We did so several months ago, (upgraded kitchenware, appliances, new dishes, silverware, towels, etc), and most of the items have been purchased.   We added some more stuff, and one of the mothers bought a large chunk of it-- very generous, but very stressful, because now, we have to add... more stuff... that we don't need.  As it is, the items we've received are stacked in the precious little space we have in our apartment.  

We don't want to do a honeymoon registry-- not because we have any feelings one way or another, but because other people do, and we don't wish to offend anyone.  But the simple truth is, we are two people in a studio with a small (expensive!) storage space that doesn't have much more room, and we are still like, 50 "gifts" short for people to buy us.  (Again, not OUR wish or desire or expectation, but let's face it, everyone else's...especially with this particular group of people.)    

Someday, we will have a larger apartment, and will likely need some more stuff.  (Like, a new couch, dining room table, bed, etc.)  But we don't have the need or room for it now.. and how much kitchenware can two people who rarely cook, have??   Frankly, it's just so freaking stressful.  

We've registered for several "experience" gifts, like dance lessons and cooking classes.  And also added charity registry.  But that category of creative gifts is pretty exhausted now...

Is there a graceful way to say, thank you for the thought, it's really very generous.  But we simply don't have the space or need for any more things right now.  We would be very grateful if you wanted to help us with a gift card to Bed Bath and Beyond, or Bloomingdales, so we can fill out our home when we have more space ... Or is that 100% tacky??! 

Avion22

I don't think you need to do anything else registry-wise.  You've registered for things you can use (and from the sounds of it, some things you maybe don't need), some experiences, etc, to give your guests some options.

At this point, don't register for anything else, or any other experience gifts.  Guests will know that cash is an appropriate gift, or perhaps give you a gift card to one of the stores on your regsitry in case there is anything else you realize you need later.    

Some guests may buy you a gift based on what they know about you and your interests -- and if this is "stuff", then you have the option to keep it, store it, sell, it, or return it.  Personally, if someone puts a lot of thought into something for me, I feel somewhat obligated to hang onto it, at least for a little while.  But once  you receive a gift, it technically  belongs to you, and you can decide what to do with it.    

DiLynn83

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_registering-gifts_stuff?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:34Discussion:16f2551d-4fb7-4ed6-9d53-3502b816f2b7Post:9fa62a55-2815-4b73-b5e9-d45bb6c48115">Re: No more stuff!! Small living space!! Help!!</a>:
[QUOTE]I don't think you need to do anything else registry-wise.  You've registered for things you can use (and from the sounds of it, some things you maybe don't need), some experiences, etc, to give your guests some options. At this point, don't register for anything else, or any other experience gifts.  Guests will know that cash is an appropriate gift, or perhaps give you a gift card to one of the stores on your regsitry in case there is anything else you realize you need later.     Some guests may buy you a gift based on what they know about you and your interests -- and if this is "stuff", then you have the option to keep it, store it, sell, it, or return it.  Personally, if someone puts a lot of thought into something for me, I feel somewhat obligated to hang onto it, at least for a little while.  But once  you receive a gift, it technically  belongs to you, and you can decide what to do with it.    
Posted by Avion22[/QUOTE]

This.  And also, just be honest with people if they bring up the lack of available registry items - that you're flattered by peoples' generosity but your studio apartment simply doesn't have the room for a lot of "stuff" so you didn't create a large registry.  That's not gift-grabby or a plea for cash, it's the truth.

AdeleDazeem

We made a 20 item registry for this very reason.  Our apartment is already over crowded. 

Just don't register for more stuff and let people get the hint that both of you aren't looking for more boxed items.  In these situations, most guests will bring cash.

Blueyed228

Are you planning on a larger apartment or buying a house soon?  If so could you store things somewhere?

I would remove the charity registry.

CrayCrayWedCorp

Thank you so much for the support, ladies!!  It's all very vindicating.   As for the storage space-- we have very little room left in the one we have, and upgrading to a larger one would cost upwards of an extra $70 a month.  (!!  NYC living, y'all). 

The charity option I added on Registry 360... Just a link to Oxfam.  I've had mixed reviews on whether we should keep it there.    

DiLynn83-- you said it very eloquently, and if you don't mind, I may use your words.    Beautifully and succinctly put.  

Thank you all!! 

LuckyGirl1713

People will look at your registry and assume that everything is already bought and give you cash or maybe a gift card. 

Tandra&Devin

I honestly don't see the problem with a charity registry.  As long as I were asked only to donate to a charity in lieu of a gift, I wouldn't mind one bit.