Comments on: Simplifying Your Memorabilia

By: migratingoose

migratingoose — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 19:11:58 +0000

I’m finding it worthwhile to ask is this a useful story telling heritage item? It is nice to bring out a plate that belonged to a great great grandmother or even to just me and discus who that person was, how they are related and tell a story about them.

Or to ask is this a useful character telling story item?

If not I am finding all I am doing is over the years going through the items repeatedly to eliminate them.

By: Kate

Kate — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:44:38 +0000

Great idea, thanks!

By: Betsi

Betsi — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 22:08:27 +0000

If you have time to go through things (that is, if you are not in a rush), allow yourself to go through the collection several times, with at least a few weeks between each perusal. Each time, only get rid of the things that you feel are expendable. Every time you go through it, you will realize that fewer things seem as essential to keep.

A way to help me do this is to separate items into “yes,” “no,” and “maybe” piles. Then split the maybes into yes or no. If you are wavering, don’t push it! Let those borderline maybes be yesses, at least for the time being.

Also, don’t wait too long between sifting episodes. The trick is to refamiliarize yourself with the contents so that the novelty wears off a little. Instead of, “Oh! I remember this little thing!” you start to think, “Well, that was nice once upon a time, but I don’t really need to keep looking at it.” By reevaluating every so often, you begin to realize which items really pull at your heartstrings.

The whole process is a great time to spark memories and stories, so share them with kids, spouses, or a digital voice recorder to keep for later – it takes up much less space!

By: Kate

Kate — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:16:38 +0000

Hmmm very interesting! I know I’m not one to hoard my children’s things. Which is a good thing! Even their stuffed animals… I’m finding that I’ll say to them, lets clean them up (washing them) and give them to the children at the hospital to make them feel better.

At church I’ve done a Noah’s Ark theme, and took in some animals to give away.

Amazing I can give my kid’s stuff away, or throw out, but it’s harder to let go of my stuff.

By: Kate

Kate — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:13:49 +0000

lol! That’s a good way of thinking of it.

By: Kate

Kate — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:11:01 +0000

Thanks, I’ll pick up the book! I know I’m intrigued when I see him on Oprah, but just never get to business after the show.

By: b.

b. — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:05:04 +0000

I’m working on my clutter/hoarding tendencies. I read a book called “It’s All Too Much” by Clean Sweep host Peter Walsh. He recommends many of the tips listed here (post and comments). He also suggests evaluating whether the item is currently used or given a place of honor. If something (say, a dish set) is not being used, is it displayed well? Or is it in a moldy box in the garage? If it’s the latter, either find a way to honor the memory by displaying it or get rid of it. His book is really helpful.

By: Natalie

Natalie — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 23:59:08 +0000

I love the site http://www.flylady.net. She gives great advice on letting go of clutter in order to bless the lives of others, as well as opening ourselves up to more. She has great recommendations, and if you are looking for ideas, check her out.

By: Ann

Ann — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 11:18:38 +0000

My mom use to tell me that her parents kept her instead of the baby book!

By: Kate

Kate — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 23:45:27 +0000

Actually, what I’ve done, is frame some of the children’s artwork. The children’s playroom will be next. They have so many toys!!! I have the children clean up their messes when they are done. the playroom has a french door on it, so company can easily see thru it on the way to powder room.