I so identify with the quandary of letting go of the contents of my home. I have moved many times, and like other commentators below, to smaller and smaller spaces. Some things have been graciously received by friends, most by Goodwill. Before starting to pack up and saying good-bye to my stuff, I have taken pictures of the home I'm leaving. This might be silly, since I rarely go back to look at the images, but when I do, they make for good memories. The value is definitely "stories and connections".
Wow.... This article touches many, many people I bet. I've moved quite a number of times. I currently live with my partner of 12 years ... in a considerably small house. I've had to downsize numerous times. It's hard.
I like the idea below from Bluemoonistic of photographing things before we let go of them. Then we still have the photo reminder of the memories and connections.
Another small idea I've just had ....! Keep a journal about all these loved items, because even without photos you can read back over many wonderful memories.
Oh my does this one hit home! We recently moved across the country and had to make these same decisions. It was a journey through time. Being photographers we took photos of the items we wanted to remember but did not keep. We wrote down the memories for each pix. We had lots of laughs and a few tears telling these stories. I recommend this for items you cannot keep!
Thank you so much for both commenting and for understanding how hard this is! And, I appreciate your reminder about taking photos and jotting down the related memories. Thanks so much!
I so identify with the quandary of letting go of the contents of my home. I have moved many times, and like other commentators below, to smaller and smaller spaces. Some things have been graciously received by friends, most by Goodwill. Before starting to pack up and saying good-bye to my stuff, I have taken pictures of the home I'm leaving. This might be silly, since I rarely go back to look at the images, but when I do, they make for good memories. The value is definitely "stories and connections".
Wow.... This article touches many, many people I bet. I've moved quite a number of times. I currently live with my partner of 12 years ... in a considerably small house. I've had to downsize numerous times. It's hard.
I like the idea below from Bluemoonistic of photographing things before we let go of them. Then we still have the photo reminder of the memories and connections.
Another small idea I've just had ....! Keep a journal about all these loved items, because even without photos you can read back over many wonderful memories.
Thanks, Lisa! I appreciate your thoughts. And I like the idea of journaling. I’ll do it!
Oh my does this one hit home! We recently moved across the country and had to make these same decisions. It was a journey through time. Being photographers we took photos of the items we wanted to remember but did not keep. We wrote down the memories for each pix. We had lots of laughs and a few tears telling these stories. I recommend this for items you cannot keep!
Thank you so much for both commenting and for understanding how hard this is! And, I appreciate your reminder about taking photos and jotting down the related memories. Thanks so much!