Time for a confession.

In my zeal, I actually got rid of memorabilia I regret discarding. In my plan to tame the amount of kid clutter in my home, I took photos of my kids with all their oversized art projects. The pile included a paper mache pizza, bonsai tree, Michael Jackson statue, elbow-macaroni picture frame, pretty scarecrow lady, yarn bunny picture.

Really, when I think about it, I do not want all those crazy crafts back; I just want more time back with the little girl who made all that hilarious stuff. Pictures just do not cut it when you want the real thing, those cute, little chubby hands to hold and cheeks to squeeze, and glitter trails all over your house from all their creations.

You see, I am getting ready for my daughter’s graduation, and I did not save enough of all that precious gaudy artwork. I am so sad that I cannot hold onto every last scrap. But the reality is that we cannot keep it all. I admit, I really want to. However, when I was looking through all of the stuff that I did save, I wondered, why? It’s all precious because she is so important to me. But again I am reminded that the stuff of life is not about the stuff. So I have resolved that this is just one more reminder to savor every day. Love the life you have, not mourning the past or fearing the future.

If I have learned anything about clearing clutter from all this, it is that you must get your family to buy in before you unclutter. Make decisions together about what to keep and what to get rid of. I am not saying it will take away that pang of regret over not being able to keep it all, but it will reduce hurt feelings.

Also, you will end up with a mutually agreed upon collection. And I must say, we still have quite the hilarious pile of memorabilia. She has so many 4-H and swim team ribbons that I am considering giving them away as party favors. Not really, so do not fear if you are coming to her party.

Seriously though, how does one decide how to sort sentimental clutter? It is difficult because it is not only tedious, but it is emotional. First, make sure you set aside enough time. Perhaps break the project into daily chunks of time, so you do not wear yourself out and give up. I recommend dealing with children’s memorabilia by creating a drawer for each member of the family in a location close to your entrance, so items can be safely deposited until decision-making time comes. You can find oversized, plastic storage drawers at any discount store.

It is a good idea to sort through the memorabilia collection box at the end of each school year. Give yourself the summer break as your deadline to get it done. At that time, you can choose to display their crafts, place them in an oversized scrapbook, or take photos of the larger items. You can save the favorites and create another box for the attic next to their baby items.

I am not insisting that you throw any of it away if you have room to store it. I really do wish I had kept more. But let the reality of your own space be your parameters for what you can reasonably save. And when you do have to discard, remember you are not throwing out your child or all the wonderful memories, you are simply making room for more.