We all collect things as we go through life and it’s fun to look back through them every so often. It’s also important to condense what we have saved. My suggestion would be to edit what you have saved, each time you look through it.
Go through pictures now and decide what to do with them. Especially if they are loose in a box or on your computer. It’s so much easier to deal with a photo album or book than it is to deal with loose photos. Others will want to know: Who is this person, where are they, when is this, and why should someone keep it?
If you have important stories or pictures then put them on FamilySearch.com or Ancestry.com. Especially anything you have from previous generations. Then the Information will be safe and searchable after that person dies.
If you have a large item, upload a picture and write the story of who it belonged to and why is important. Keep the written description with the item, so that anyone can know why that bench is important to the family.
Quote from a client: “It’s easier to go through your stuff with your spouse and enjoy the memories together than to go through your spouse’s stuff after [they’re] gone. Purely from the emotional aspect, it’s easier to look back when your spouse is with you, then when [they are] gone. And, it will be half as much work for two people then it will be for one.”
If you have too much stuff your family members won’t know what’s important or will get too overwhelmed to care. In this day and age, you need to understand that your kids don’t want or have room for, most of what you have.
What to do now:
So you have to ask yourself: Am I saving this for me or someone else? If it’s someone else, then give it to them now or indicate that in some way in your important papers. If you want your things to “go to a good home,” then start finding that home now.
During trauma or when someone is in mourning is the worst time to make these decisions. Doing this now will be an amazing gift to those you leave behind.
Check out this wonderful book from the library: “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning” by Margareta Magnusson. She does a great job of walking you through the process.
If you want one-on-one help organizing a space, call me at 208.736.3306 for a free consultation. I’d love to help you on your organizational journey. Virtual options are also available.