Keeping the Keepsakes.
October 3, 2007
Everyone collects some memorabilia. Old letters, journals, postcards, play bills, maps and travel brochures can accumulate pretty fast. Many people save these physical items to serve as reminders or reinforce memories of special times.
My mom was a saver and I learned at her feet. I started out saving every card I ever received plus unusual collectibles like matchbooks and napkins. It got a little crazy. So if you have a problem with this, take heart. I was once in the clutter trenches myself.
Since then I’ve learned three things that have kept my memorabilia under control:
1) Limit the keepsakes to one Memory Box or drawer. That’s it. Once it’s full, purge before adding more.
2) Taking pictures of the items preserves the memory without the bulk.
3) Careful editing is imperative. Keeping everything diminishes the value of the truly special items. I wrap bundles of letters in raffia or ribbon and keep treasures in a specially decorated box inside the drawer. That helps me to be more selective and to treat the items like the treasures they are.
I just moved to a smaller place after 23 years at my previous address and I was guilty of the “saving sickness”! Now, I am trying to let go, and it’s hard!
I have given away so many things, but it seems like the stuff left is multiplying! I just have to get tough and keep giving away and/or tossing!
I think the trick is that it’s a constant process. We’re always acquiring, so we need to always be purging.
~Eva
My husband and kids are savers. I’m guilty of just the opposite–I’m a thrower. I have learned to be very careful in the purging process not to throw something I will later regret.