I worked with someone recently who is very sentimental. As we went through numerous stacks, files, and piles of papers, he really enjoyed the trip down memory lane...however:

He didn't realize he had all of it. And what he knew he had, he couldn't find. The memorabilia was clogging up areas of the house that were needed for more urgent and useful functions. It was not marked with any identifying information to make it meaningful to anyone else. He was not enjoying any of the memorabilia in his daily life. He wasn't sure how to discriminate which were keepers and which weren't.

Experiences and people make memories, and memories make us who we are. But we must realize that things are not memories--they only represent the memories. We simply can't keep it all!

Here are some options to help you let go:

• Replace it: Find an alternative way to preserve your memories that allows you to discard or donate the items and free some physical space. You can take a photo of yourself with the item and then give it away, or maybe you can scan items and keep them electronically.
  
  
• Send it to a better home: Give the item to another friend or family member (only if they really want it and have space!) so you can visit it occasionally and enjoy it.
  
  
• Limit it: Just like wine, memorabilia is best enjoyed within limits. Use our "limiting container" concept to force yourself to prioritize. Find a container that you feel is a reasonable size to contain your memorabilia, allowing adequate room to grow. When your chosen container is full, make a rule for yourself that you can no longer add to it without removing something else first. You'll be surprised at how some things diminish in importance over time.

If you must keep it, honor it and enjoy it.  Don't just stash it away. Find a way to display it and make it a part of your life. Here are some ideas:

• Paper memorabilia such as drawings, photos, documents: Begin with creating a system to organize it as it comes in so that you can do other things with it when you're ready. File it and mark it with identifying information such as time and place.
  
  
• Home movies and slides: Older reels of film and slides can easily be transferred to more modern formats. Convert them before they deteriorate and family members forget the details they contain.
  
  
• Small token items and collections: Put items in a shadowbox or cabinet. Or showcase them on a shelf. Depending upon the type of collection, you may be able to use it to create artwork to display in your home. For example, if you collected shells on favorite beach vacations, use them in your home decor with candles. Or glue them on picture frames or make a collage.
  
  
• Clothing: Repurpose the fabric into stuffed animals, quilts, pillows, remade outfits, and blankets. T-shirt quilts can be made to preserve memories from sporting events and club activities.

We must realize that we diminish the importance of the truly special pieces if we try to keep everything that is simply ho-hum. Prioritize, treasure, and enjoy!

Certified Professional Organizer Lorie Marrero is the creator of ClutterDiet.com, an innovative program allowing anyone to get expert help at an affordable price. She is also the author of The Clutter Diet: The Skinny on Organizing Your Home and Taking Control of Your Life. Her organizing books and products are sold online and in stores nationwide. Lorie has been a spokesperson for Brother label makers and FedEx Office, and she is a sought-after expert for national media such as CNBC, Good Housekeeping, WGN News and Woman's Day.