How to Organise your Memories – Creating a Memory Box

We all lead busy lives, packing so much into them its sometimes difficult to catch your breath! But in the midst of all this busy-ness your life is literally passing you by.

Blink and you’ll miss it! I can’t believe my daughter, Jenna, has just turned 4 – doesn’t seem possible! Although I have been making the most of the time we spend together, I am very aware that some things will be forgotten as life takes over.

I want to remember what we did together when she was little, any funny things that happened, any developmental steps – and its the same for my life – Its so nice to be able to look back over what has happened over the past years and reminisce.

However – I forget things – very quickly! – we all do really. Its a case of whats happening in the here and now has to take priority in your mind and therefore all other bits that aren’t critical are lost – sometimes forever.

Think of your head as a filing cabinet where all your information is filed as you get it each day – pushing the previous information further and further back. Just as with a filing cabinet that isn’t organised well, whats the likelihood that you will be able to access all this information again? Pretty low.

Now, with important information you will be starting to get into the habit of keeping it in your Home File or Diary – for easy access when you need it, but with the other bits and pieces – memories, funny sayings, special moments etc… – that’s a whole other story.

So whats the answer? How can you make sure that key moments in your life are not forgotten, and the little things that mean so much are kept alive?

The answer is a memory box – and I am a HUGE advocate of them – having kept one since I was a teenager. I am quite a sentimentalist at heart you know!

A memory box is a place where specific, sentimental items can be put that you want to keep, but not display or have to hand daily.

Its something that you can take out every now and again to reminisce, and also something to pass on to family (great for children when they are leaving home – as its their life story so far!)

I advocate having a memory box for every member of your household – as then they have something special and unique to them.

The list really is endless – and can be very specific to you – but here are a few ideas to get you started:-

Cards from special occasion from specific important people in your lifeFirst tooth / First haircut lock of hairPhotographsCertificates and TrophiesDVDs of eventsSpecial clothes (I have my first ballet outfit! – so cute!)Toys that mean somethingLettersSchool reportsDiaries (these are great to look back over when you are older!)Photographs of larger items that you had to get rid of but wanted a memory of (wedding dress, your homes / cars etc…)

Setting a limit to the amount of “stuff” you keep is vital to making a memory box a worthwhile possession for you. If you end up with something that’s too big then you’ll never want to take it out and look at it – and it will become one of the clutter hot spots in your home – the LAST thing we want to achieve!

I advise getting a largeish box – whatever style you prefer (I actually use a plastic box with a lid as my memory box is kept in the garage so then everything is protected from water, damp, mice etc..!) and, as with everything else in your home – start a one in one out policy.

TIP – If you want a more stylish box – but still have the waterproofing of a plastic box – why not line with wallpaper inside – then you have a gorgeous and very personal box for everyone in your house!

Lets face it – as we go through life, some things from our past are going to become more important, and some will be less important. As we look back in our memory box, then we can naturally get rid of some items that were once really important, and make room for others. This method will ensure that your memory box always contains those things that really mean something to you, and also that tell your life story.

I like to gather memory items as I go, and just keep them in a drawer for now – quick and easy. Then once a year or maybe more, sort through them and decide what to keep and how you want to update your memory box.

This is also a great excuse to look through the box and share some memories!

It only takes about an hour to keep on top of it in this way – and means so much.

TIP – Write a note on the back of items so you know exactly when and what they relate to. It may be obvious now what something is – but do you think it will be in 10 years time!

(Also – I keep a photo album each year for any bits that we as a family want to keep – that way they are in date order as well – this is great for my daughters art, writing etc… and cards we have received)

A memory box can be a fantastic way of keeping your past with you – without becoming too overwhelming. It can give you a link to your memories, and ensure that things are not forgotten.

Keeping it safe and out of the way should ensure your precious items will stay safe – and give you access to your memories when you want them.

Its a relatively easy thing to start, and makes real sense to start when you have a child, as all their special things can be added so that one day you can go through the box together and reminisce.

I hope you have fun creating yours – let me know how it goes!

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