Making Space for Your Future: 10 Tips To Managing Childhood Mementos
It’s been decades since you’ve grown out of those baby clothes, and your medals from the first sports game you won have gone rusty. Yet, it’s hard to let go. If you’re facing issues letting go of childhood mementos, fret not. An online community reveals ten strategies to help you preserve memories and storage space.
1. Digitizing Photos
Many users suggest getting your old photos scanned or digitized. “Check if any other relatives want the hard copies, and if not, throw away anything you don’t want to frame,” writes one commenter. Another member recommends downloading Timehop. You’ll be reminded of the pictures once a year, “which wouldn’t happen if they’re sitting in a box or your picture gallery.”
2. Scrapbook
As a user puts it, “I know there’s a lot, but once they’re gone, they’re gone. Things you may not want now will be exactly what you crave when you’re older.”
If digitizing isn’t your thing, you can take pictures of all the items and make a scrapbook. Alternatively, you can also get a photo book printed. That way, you still have a way of remembering while consuming a fraction of space.
3. A Cleaning Party
One brilliant commenter unravels the plan for a “cleaning party” that’ll help you avoid becoming a hoarder.” What you think is useless might just be “the thing” your friend is looking for. Invite some friends over so they can scavenge stuff as desired. Now’s the time for them to shine.
As the member narrates, “I know some people who’d love to get a baking mixer, old Pyrex, even a nice set of measuring spoons. The history/vintage fan might like some of the clothes, souvenirs, etc. The friend with kids might want the random toys you don’t want.”
4. Making History
Imagine cleaning up and making history at the same time. One member suggests donating any local memorabilia, such as T-shirts from a youth league or ephemera (flyers, brochures, etc.) to the local historical society. That way, your legacy will live on without cluttering your space.
5. Unusable Items
When a commenter sold their mother’s home, they had to sift through heaps of items. They consulted their siblings, and after confirming that no one wanted any of the items, they threw away things that were “ratty and worn out” or anything they couldn’t see themselves “putting on display.”
6. Quick Cash
You can always donate items that have no takers. However, one experienced commenter suggests visiting consignment stores like Plato’s Closet, Kid-to-Kid, Half Price Books, Style Encore, and Play It Again Sports before you donate. “You never know how you can make a buck.”
7. Handwritten Items
Many members recommend keeping handwritten cards and letters. You should have the originals as well as digital copies since they can be helpful later. One user saved anything with their parents’ handwriting on it, even if it’s not significant. You never know when something turns up.
8. An Artsy Endeavor
Saving space doesn’t always require you to throw things out. A creative suggestion from a commenter gives an incredible solution. “Some items, if they are flat enough (baby clothes, travel souvenirs), can get turned into wall art (like framed shadowboxing),” they say. That way, the item isn’t sitting around causing clutter or taking up storage space.
9. The Bin Rule
It’s helpful to set a cap on how much you can keep. Many people reserve a plastic bin for storing items while getting rid of the rest. “Figure out how much room you have to keep MAX. Get plastic boxes,” writes one. “And if your bin gets too big as you sort your stuff, you can ask, ‘What do you think? Keep or toss?’ A second opinion is always helpful.”
Another person shares, “Both my parents have passed. I allowed myself one large plastic bin of sentimental stuff, including my baby blanket, a few select childhood art projects that make me smile, old journals, etc.”
10. The Marie Kondo Method
Talking about decluttering and not mentioning the Marie Kondo method will be a sin. In addition to asking yourself if an item sparks joy, a user also considers, “Does it spark happy memories?” As another person mentions, “Only keep what is really meaningful to you, and it’s okay if you narrow it down by culling things out in multiple stages.”
Source: Reddit.
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