I am often asked this question and since there isn’t one thing, I have a top ten list… The first 5 this week, the remainder next week.

1 – Books. O! so many books!  Will you ever read them again?  Do you really want to move them?  Where will they store in your new residence?  The library will gladly accept used books.  Pass them on to friends.  Use an E reader and collect no more.  The exception is a collection of collector’s books or signed books, of course, there is always an exception.

2 – Vinyl Records. Heavy.  Do you have a record player?  Does it work?  These are awkward to store and in Nevada, the garage is too hot.  They aren’t worth much if we take them to a record store, about .99 each is what you will fetch.

3 – Memorabilia. This one is tough.  It is all special, sentimental, cute, old, faded, unreadable, falling apart, but O! it means so much to us.  Your offspring will not want it nor will it mean anything to them.  Take a photo of the most beloved pieces and put together a digital album.

Allow yourself one or two archival boxes and store the most meaningful.  This takes time, thought and all your love.  Then part with the items not so special, guilt free!

4 – Family Photos. If they aren’t labeled and dated and you can’t identify the subjects, bye-bye.

If you can relate to an event, or family history send to a company, (many online), who will digitalize them for you.  Scanning them yourself is putzy and time-consuming but possible.  Your child’s school photos of which you have 25 of the same year?  Keep a 5×7 and ditch the rest, especially if your child is no longer a child.

5 – Linens.  I know ladies, your mom loved tablecloths, big heavy lace tablecloths.  But do you use them?  How often do you formally entertain?  How often do you change your bed linen? Every day?  Then keep 7 sets.  Once or twice a week?  Narrow it down to 3-4 sets and you are all set!