TIPS

Recent years have brought amazing creative tools for digitally storing memorabilia. You often create something that is more exciting and useful than keeping the original, physical items. For example, Artkive is a fabulous way to save and organize the art and schoolwork your children produced. You can choose the do-it-yourself option. First, organize the work in any manner you choose. Then, you can … [Read more...]

Letting go can be emotional, so allow yourself a chance to say goodbye and thanks for the memories. Remember, you are keeping the memory and the story, just not the physical piece. If any of the released items might have value to others, offer them up, but set a quick release date. Move the items from your location right away. If someone needs time to think if they want an item, they can do that … [Read more...]

Discard anything that can be remembered just as easily through a quality photo. This includes cards, invitations, announcements, programs, ticket stubs, letters, and report cards. Another trick to save space, is to photograph bulky, or oversized items. Items you kept for your adult kids, or other family members, can be given to the person who loves them best. Inherited items, kept out of guilt, … [Read more...]

Now it's time to dig in. Keep in mind that our goal is to determine the single best representation of each special event. Every piece should be considered individually. Touch it and ask yourself, what is the story behind this item? Remember space is precious! Choose things that bring you joy to touch and hold to fully appreciate them. Pick those items most loved by your children as they grew up. … [Read more...]

Before you start selecting your “keepers”, determine how much space you will allow for storing your collection. Sentimental memorabilia are easy to accumulate. It is also absolutely the hardest to let go of once it has taken root in your home. Therefore, it is helpful to limit yourself to a manageable amount. Think of a size that your kids and grand-kids will likely have time and energy to enjoy. … [Read more...]

Organizing and pruning your memorabilia will be a memory-flooding process; so, prepare for a potentially emotional experience. You will be overcome by a flood of different feelings, and that is okay. It is part of the process. So, set aside a time when you will not be distracted or feel pressured. Start by gathering all your collected and inherited memorabilia into one place. During this step, you … [Read more...]