Making decisions about our "family history assets" can leave even the neatest of the neatnicks among us paralyzed with fear.
What do we do with the accumulation of photos, objects, and other memorabilia that have been handed down to us or that we have collected ourselves? Keep it and burden yet another generation with boxes of stuff? Toss it and face the possibility of losing something of true sentimental or monetary value?
Today I thought I'd share a link to an excellent article I found on the home design website Houzz. This article has some great suggestions on how to navigate the jungle of sentimental stuff that all of us seem to accumulate: what to keep, what to toss, and how to manage the rest of it.
“Remember, the fewer things you keep, the more special they will become to you — and to those you love. Begin to think of yourself as the editor of your life story. When someone peeks into your boxes of treasures, what story will the photos, papers and objects tell? It is up to you to define the arc of your life’s tale. To highlight the best times, the things that have been most meaningful to you, and to let the less important details fall out of focus.”
One thing the article mentions only briefly is something that we counsel our clients to do regularly: photograph items that are too large or too fragile to keep. (Even items that you want to keep - such as a special piece of heirloom furniture - can be photographed to go in your life story book.) Your child's cardboard replica of the pyramids or oversized science project can't be stored forever, but a picture of him grinning proudly as he holds it that will last forever (if backed up properly!) You can see some tips on photographing memorabilia here.
Edit Keepsakes With Confidence — What to Let Go and What to Keep
