My parents kept a lot of items “for later use” in our house. That “you never know when you might need this” practice took up valuable space in that cramped apartment. When it came time to clean up the place after they had both passed, the past unearthed itself: elementary school report cards, childhood toys, jars full of nuts/bolts/screws/washers, a stereo receiver that stopped working decades ago, a cassette deck in similar condition, and so on. I never needed to present my 3rd-grade report card at any college application or job interview, but it’s nice to know the option was always available.
As a professional photographer, I have been keeping many negatives in a dry archive, even though most were never needed again after a project was completed. I have done that in case someone may need another print. Digital technology made archiving the originals easier, but introduced a new question: Should I scan some or all of those negatives for easier, safer storage?
These two examples illustrate a common conflict many of us experience when we are challenged to downsize our physical assets. These physical mementos have become more than our natural environment and are now part of our emotional landscape. Discarding these items poses a dilemma, as our emotional attachment to them masks the value we would otherwise place on them. The two values – practical and emotional – conflict, resulting in delayed decisions, inaction, and personal stress. Seeking advice from others may only exacerbate the problem, as these advisors may only appreciate the financial or practical value of the items while dismissing their emotional value, which is the overwhelming one for the owner.
One way to resolve this conflict is for the owner to evaluate the value of these items using measures other than nostalgia, tradition, and romance. Questions such as “Would I buy this now if I saw it somewhere?” or “What would I get for it if I sold it?” could help in comprehending the actual value of these artifacts. Another way to obtain value for them is to think about what your heirs would see in these items when they come to clean after you; would they value them as you do? If you decide to seek support from others, look for someone who is sufficiently removed from this emotional circle to offer impartial advice.
Our history is made up of many small details, but the bigger picture tells our story. When you look at yours, focus on the big picture rather than on small details. We live in a materialistic society; our self-worth and social status depend a lot on factors such as where we live, what house we own, what car we drive, where our children and we go or have gone to school, and so on. Material effects form our identity, and the idea of shedding them can easily threaten our self-worth, leading to the conflicts described above. In our lifelong quest to reach those heights and to form a legacy, we may lose sight of the forest for the trees we plant. Be a good ranger and keep it neat.