What to Do with Personalized Memorabilia?
While on a Zoom call recently, I was looking at my background. My office is lined with bookshelves holding a variety of pictures, books, and decorative items. Could I simplify?
One item stood out: the framed wedding invitation we received on our first anniversary, almost 40 years ago. Was it time to let go?
The piece is a reminder of our wedding, a very happy memory. It was a gift from my mother and a symbol of her love. But I don’t need this item to remind me of any of that. It won’t have meaning for anyone else, it’s not my style (which makes me wonder why I’ve kept it this long), and my husband’s middle name is misspelled! (That’s another story…)
Clients often ask what to do with personalized memorabilia, such as old trophies, plaques, and certificates. These items may be rich in sentimental value, but they can easily become clutter when they’re no longer displayed or appreciated.
If you're struggling to decide what to do with these keepsakes, you're not alone. Here are practical suggestions to help you honor your past achievements without overwhelming your present space.
1. Curate, Don’t Collect
Start by reviewing what you've saved. Ask yourself:
Does this item still bring me joy or pride?
Is it meaningful enough to keep, or am I holding onto it out of guilt (or maybe just because I forgot I had it)?
Would a photo or digital version be enough to preserve the memory?
Create a “keep” pile for the most significant pieces and be honest about what you can let go.
2. Create a Display
Instead of hiding everything in a box or overwhelming your shelves, choose a few favorite items to display. You might even rotate items seasonally or annually to keep the space feeling fresh.
3. Digitize Your Memories
Take photos or scans of your certificates, plaques, and trophies. Create a digital album or memory slideshow. This is a great way to preserve the emotional value without the physical bulk. If the engraving is meaningful, zoom in for a close-up shot.
4. Frame and Group Certificates
Instead of keeping each certificate in a separate frame (which quickly eats up wall space), consider grouping them in a collage frame or creating a professional-looking certificate wall with matching frames and consistent spacing. This approach creates visual cohesion and celebrates your achievements without overwhelming the decor.
6. Make a Memory Box (with Limits)
Designate a box for memorabilia you can't part with but don't need to display. Limit yourself to one box per person or per decade to keep things manageable. Label the box clearly and revisit it every few years—you might find it easier to pare down over time.
7. Honor with a Legacy Project
For items with deep personal or family significance, consider incorporating them into a legacy project. You might create a scrapbook or “career timeline” that tells the story behind each item, or record a short video explaining the significance of the most important pieces for future generations.
8. Donate, Recycle, or Trash
Just because something has a name on it doesn’t mean it can’t be donated or recycled. There are companies out there that refurbish trophies, people who repurpose memorabilia in creative ways…and frames can be donated. And it is also perfectly fine (IMHO) to put your personalized mementos in the trash. Give thanks for what the item stands for, raise it in gratitude, and let it go.
Memorabilia serves as a beautiful reminder of past experiences, but it shouldn't weigh down your space—or your mind. By curating thoughtfully, displaying selectively, and preserving memories in creative ways, you can strike a balance between honoring the past and embracing a clutter-free present.
That wedding invitation? It went in the trash. To me, it wasn’t worth the time or effort to try to get the paper out and donate the small frame. I made a choice that was right for me, just as I guide clients to choices that are right for them.
Is there a piece of personalized memorabilia cluttering your space? Is it time to let go?