Paralyzed mid-purge by that adorable and oh-so-tiny sleeper? Here’s 10 ways I try to preserve childhood memories without getting overwhelmed with emotional clutter:

1. Scan your favorite clothing items so you’ll have a digital copy and can donate the originals.

I love this idea from author and illustrator Sujean Rim! I struggle to let go of everyday clothing the kids wore that, in my mind, defined a stage in their life; a onesie with a boat pattern that Eli wore when he first started laughing out loud or a dress that Ada begged to wear daily. Rim suggests scanning your favorite pieces so you preserve them without doing damage to the clothing and can donate the items.

2. Turn trash into treasures.

My mom often says that the moments she misses most are the everyday, seemingly inconsequential stuff; the smell of Coppertone on a sun-kissed face, spaghetti night or bath-time giggles. I’ve never been big on scrapbooking but I do love how this wall art takes that idea and puts it on display. Items like these art supplies might get thrown into a box or even trashed but displayed this way, it becomes a sweet anchor that keeps you “in the moment.”

3. Skip the souvenir shops while on vacation.

Instead of loading up on t-shirts, knick-knacks or toys that will lose their magic before you unpack your bags, make something truly meaningful to commemorate your travels. This footprint sand art is stunning!

4. Get creative with photo books.

Sure, photo books are great for collecting and displaying your favorite shots but you can also use them to archive other meaningful-yet-accumulating items like art or letters.

5. If you want them to keep it forever, buy things they can use forever.

I often wonder what our kids will do when I give them a cardboard box full of relics from their childhood. I know I sometimes feel guilty for not feeling as sentimental about items our parents adore and pass down (which is why I’m a nearly 30-year-old woman hiding a Puffalump in my closet) so I try to be thoughtful about saving things my kids won’t have that damned-if-you-keep, damned-if-you-donate feeling about. I bought these vintage ladies to organize Ada’s hair bows, jewelry and other small items but they are classic enough that she might want to use them as planters or make-up brush holders (momma tears) later.

6. Repurpose the items they outgrow.

If you’re having a hard time letting go of a particular item, say a crib, you could always repurpose it and turn it into something more useful like a bench.

7. Give the gift of experiences.

We’ve really made an effort to focus less on buying presents and giving presence. This makes for less clutter, sure, but the real pay-off is that we’re making quality memories with our kids.

8. Tell their story.

Watching my mom mourn her mother, I’m more passionate than ever about the importance of telling your story in your own words so future generations have it at their fingertips. I’m absolutely in love with Chelsea Ward’s custom illustrated, heirloom-quality children’s books, which she sells on Etsy. This is worth every penny.

9. Avoid the temptation of buying cheap toys.

You know I’m a girl who loves a bargain but when it comes to toys, I tend to believe that quality toys are a wise investment. This occurred to me as I was watching the kids play in the tub with my favorite childhood mermaid doll, which my grandma “foolishly” spent way too much money on one Christmas. That doll still gets loved on more than twenty years later and the joy I feel watching my children play with something I adored as a kid is like getting that gift all over again. I’ve tried to be better about buying less and buying quality. It may cost more, but a quality toy may be enjoyed for years to come.

10. Engage your senses in memory keeping.

I’m a very fragrance-oriented person so particular scents work like time machines for me, evoking all sorts of memories. Knowing this, I always keep a bottle of Philosophy’s Amazing Grace, which has a fresh and feminine fragrance that I can wear daily. When I put it on, it smells like snuggling my babies. How much space does a small bottle of perfume take up and how amazing is the memory it evokes?

How do you preserve your family’s memories?