Keep the Memories

You can honor the memories, but let go of the physical things.

Focus on memory, not stuff.

Take photos and make an album or poster or just place them in a box to look through at a later date.  Jot down a note to help with the memory. 

There is a saying - "If everything is special, then nothing is special".

A few questions to consider as you are decluttering:

• Who are you keeping the items for...You or Your Child?  If it is for your child, then when they get old enough, let them decide.  

• Do you have the space to store them?

• How much space are you willing to use for these items in this season of life?

• What else can you use the space for?

• Can items be repurposed into a practical or useful item?  example - taking a bunch of t-shirts and making a blanket

• If I have more children, can I easily replace or borrow the item?

Here are a few tips to get you started: 

• trash or donate - depending on the condition of the clothes or toys

• pick a box, shelf, drawer, etc. and use that to determine the limit that you are willing to store - you may choose to have a memory box for each child

• oversized items take up too much space - if it is memorable - take a photo and write a note

• get rid of duplicate items - make a choice - keep one of many

• pass along heirloom pieces, if you no longer want them

Take your time.  It took many years to collect it all.