What will we keep?

photo by adrienneserra

“I want a change, and a radical change. I want a change from an acquisitive society to a functional society, from a society of go-getters to a society of go-givers.” — Peter Maurin

As a mom with young children, I often wonder which of our family belongings will make the long haul. What items will my children hold dear? What will get tossed along the journey?

I declutter twice a year and purge what I consider junk. I try my best to bring items into our home that serve a purpose or that I absolutely love, and I keep only items of “value” — but I have to admit to my fair share of purchases such as toys, games, books and software. I can’t help but wonder what will become of these items. Perhaps they’ll be gifted, sold, donated or simply thrown away. My contemplation is like the question, if there were a fire, what would you take with you? It’s the realization that I have enough.

My family lives simply. There’s not a lot of clutter. I run my household on the bare minimum to get the job done with a few extras, so our home doesn’t look too stark. I consider myself a minimalist, but there are a few things to maintain, clean, move around, store and discard. I still want a home that feels warm and comfortable, and holds loving family memories. When I’m an old woman, will my truly important belongings fill an entire house? A room? A closet? A table? Where will a lifetime of belongings end up?

I ask myself: Why do I have this item? Does it serve a purpose? When is the last time I used it? Does it bring me joy? Does it hold sentimental value? Does it have a place, or is it taking up needed space? Does it fit? Do I need to clean it or maintain it? Is it too good to use? Is it broken? Is this item taking up time that could be best used elsewhere?

I realize that organization and what should be kept is vastly different for everyone. I can’t for the life of me toss out some of my children’s artwork, my scrapbook of love letters from my husband or any photographs. I have heirlooms such as jewelry, a quilt and antiques, too.

I’ve been to many sales and witnessed estates being priced and sold. The fine china, linens, crystal, antiques and collectibles are often sold for loose change. I can almost feel the memories as I touch them. It’s profound how much we accumulate in a lifetime and what makes that final cut.

We can’t take it with us, yet how often do we cram our lives full of stuff? This is why I tend to spend money and time on shared family experiences rather than material items. With the holidays approaching, it’s my wish that, whatever your financial situation, you’ll consider what you give and what we actually keep.

Posted by Sara Noel on December 21 2007. Filed under Frugal & simple living, Home & family.
Sara Noel owns Frugal Village, LLC and is a nationally syndicated columnist with Universal Uclick. Bio, Follow me on Twitter, Join us on Facebook