At some point, many of us will face the bittersweet task of navigating our parents’ legacy. This involves sifting through their belongings, cherished objects, and treasured memorabilia to determine what to keep and what to let go. While it can be challenging to do, it’s about so much more than just sorting through “stuff”. When the time comes, you have the opportunity to transform this process into a beautiful and meaningful family moment, celebrating the memories and stories that have shaped your lives together.
As you embark on this heartfelt experience, here are 6 tips to make the process easier and more rewarding. As a bonus, we’ve also included some creative ideas of what to pull out to gift your children. Read on!
1. Embrace Your Pace
This doesn’t need to be a sprint! Breathe. It’s okay to take your time before you start, and to take breaks along the way. Set aside specific times to tackle the task and give yourself the space to reflect on the memories that arise.
2. Find Your Support Squad
It’s okay to lean on others during this time. Sharing feelings with friends and family can lighten the emotional load, and make the task feel far less overwhelming. Talking to someone who has gone through the process already will provide comfort and guidance.
3. Cherish the Treasures, Let Go of The Rest
You have to give yourself permission to let go. Know that you can’t keep everything. Watch for the gems that carry a story or spark a memory. These could be heirlooms, handwritten notes, photographs, or beloved books. As you go, think of specific family members that would appreciate these items (see below for our helpful tips on deciding what to give your kids!)
4. Think Outside the Box
There are so many creative ways to preserve a loved one’s legacy. Why not create a legacy playlist that captures all of their favorite music? Or you could plant a memory tree, or create a memory jar and fill it with notes from friends and family. These are all powerful ideas that don’t require you to take out an extra storage locker.
5. Rally the Family
Why not turn this into a family affair? Gather loved ones and share stories and memories while you sort. Create an enjoyable atmosphere with snacks and drinks. Put on that legacy playlist and get out the memory jar so that you can all jot things down and end the day with a collection of memories that will live on.
6. Things are Just Things
It’s important to remember that your parents’ life is not the sum of what they owned. Regardless of the items you keep, their legacy will live on in memories, in hearts, and in the impact that their life had on you, your family, and those in their community.
Trying to decide what would be most meaningful to pass on to your kids? Here are some creative ideas from the Movement Living community.
- Clothing. Did you know that #grandpacore is trending? Kidding aside, items that reflect their grandparents’ unique style or era offer a glimpse into the past, provide a fun form of self-expression, and honor their grandparents’ legacy. A high-quality wool sweater, dress pants, a favorite sports team hat, or even an undershirt can bring memories to life every time they are worn.
- Recipes. Whether it’s apple pie, roast chicken, or blueberry muffins, nothing quite compares to “how Grandma made it.” These core memories around food can be preserved for generations. A recipe book becomes especially meaningful when it includes handwritten notes, photographs, quotes, or memories written in the margins.
- Kitchen Items. Just as food is intertwined with memories, so are the vessels we use to eat and drink. A few glasses, a favorite bowl, or even utensils like a spatula or a vintage mixer can be wonderful gifts for your children. Vintage kitchen items connect them to the past and remind them of time spent in the heart of your family home. They’ll think of your parents every time they cook!
- Jewelry. A necklace or ring that your mother always wore will remind your daughter of both you and your mother. These items often become the most precious pieces in a collection. They are small, durable, and can be passed down to future generations.
- Arts and Crafts. Many of our parents were skilled seamstresses, painters, woodworkers, and musicians. Items that connect your children to these memories can be particularly meaningful. Consider gifting them creations from your parents or even the tools they used, such as a carving knife, sewing machine, or watercolor set.
- Legacy Box. Create custom boxes for each child, including a few pieces of jewelry, photos, letters, or other small items that hold special significance for them. Did your father play marbles with your daughter when she was young? Include a few marbles in her box, and allow yourself to donate the rest of the collection. Ensure the box is of good quality and easy to store, so it can be kept for generations to come.
As you reflect on the process of honoring your parents’ legacy, take time to consider the stories and memories tied to the items you choose to keep. Each piece represents a chapter of your family’s history. Allow yourself to feel a range of emotions―grief, nostalgia, joy, even relief. Embracing this experience allows you to preserve their memory and strengthen your own, and your children’s, connection to the past.
Share your experiences with our community. What treasures have you discovered while sorting through your family’s belongings? How have these items inspired you or connected you to your loved ones? By sharing your stories, you can inspire others who are navigating this heartfelt journey and create a supportive network where memories can flourish.
