A GON Reader Asks

Hi Maria,

We just moved and are still unpacking boxes. I came across two stuffed boxes of photo albums, that I have no space for. Also, we married late, so all these boxes are full of my childhood...youth, etc. My darling man isn't really interested in going down my memory lane with me and there's no family to share with.

I'm a bit sad about getting rid of them, but then why keep a bunch of albums, in boxes stuck up somewhere in the rafters?

I hate to contribute to the landfill or polluting the air by burning them.

So what do I do with these albums?

Your suggestions, and those of your readers, are greatly appreciated.

This Reader Question was submitted by:

--Deepa Maria Mazzi, Bliss Yogi


Maria Gracia responds...

First of all, congratulations on your new home! I'm sure things are busy settling into your new space. Dealing with photos is one of the harder items to go through...and may seem like clutter on the surface, especially when you're in the process of moving in to a new home.

However, I highly urge you to focus on other things that aren't so sentimental first in your unpacking. When things are more settled, then you can deal with your photos in the proper way for you.

I suggest not getting rid of all of them. There may be a time when you'll regret that you did, and at that point, there's no going back. Once they're gone, they're gone.

That being said, you may decide to schedule a date and time to sort through them and save those that are truly meaningful to you. Keep them in one or two albums or photo boxes, and tuck them away for when the sentimental mood strikes. Alternately, leave them in a nearby nightstand so you can look through them from time to time.

If you have a friend that has offered to help you in the moving process, this might be a great time to invite her to help you by going through these sets of pictures. Tell her about the memory. Doing so may help you determine those you wish to keep, and those you're willing to part with.

Don't forget too that if you really don't want your photos taking up physical space, you can always scan those you wish to retain...and keep the memories in digital form.

Older photos are likely not recyclable in most areas, due to the chemicals on the photo paper, so putting them in the trash might be the only option. This depends on the age of your photos. Check with your local sanitation company, giving them an approximate year of printing, and they'll be able to guide you.

Also, and this is probably not the case with the photos you have, but just in case: if any of your photos have any historical interest at all, see if your local historical society would like them.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not telling you not to get rid of all the photos or that doing so is a bad choice. In fact, that option may turn out to be a good option for you that you would be perfectly fine with. I'm just saying to consider what I've mentioned above first and give yourself just a little bit of time to decide, preferably after you're done unpacking and getting your other belongings in order.

--Maria
 

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