Keep the Memories, Not the Stuff

by Jeannine Bryant

“The brutal reality is that people die, and their stuff must go somewhere.” So begins this book’s honest, direct yet caring approach to our loved one’s stuff and the memories attached to it. We will all lose loved ones throughout our lives and dealing with the possessions they leave behind is no easy task. If you have trouble letting go of keepsake items that are attached to memories, this book will help you gain a new perspective on life, love, memories, and how none of it is tied to STUFF. Reading this book can help you properly keep and treasure the best stuff, while letting go of the rest and finally help you move onto the next stage of your life. In this book, author Jeannine Bryant shares thoughtful insights into the grieving process, our attachment to stuff, and the process of letting go. She also gives hands-on tips and practical advice for letting go without the guilt and leads readers through an important discussion on what it really means to leave behind a legacy for your loved ones ( It has absolutely nothing to do with your stuff). If you have ever faced emptying out a loved one’s home after their death or struggled with your attachment to keepsake items, this book is for you.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction

93 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 4, 2021

Reviews

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This issue of keeping too much runs in my family and it honestly makes me angry because it has affected life. I wish my own parents would read this.

I too tend to have a hard time letting go of "stuff" and this book was a good reflection on what to keep and why.

[Katy Cellucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently started working in the Senior Move Managerial space and found Jeannine to be a valuable resource. This book gives more approaches to sorting and making decisions regarding a loved one's things, but all of her advice is sound and practical for anyone helping an older adult downsize or sort through their things. I love the line, "If it's not a 'HECK YES' then it's a 'NO'". (61). I also like the idea of setting time limits to sort - 30, 60 or 90 minutes. I will use that with clients, so we all know we have a starting and stopping point and time for a break:).

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

#18: READY TO RIGHTSIZE AND KEEP THE MEMORIES NOT THE STUFF: These are 2 books by the same author...short and to the point so I will put them together. Very enlightening. I am a self-proclaimed organized hoarder who has acquired things not only from my parents, but my grandparents and great-aunts----and was so sure that our kids would need and want these items....LOL! You know how it is....when you have the room, you keep the item. Time to get busy as there's more coming, and the points made here are very helpful. I do have to admit that with having "moved" a few items---I definitely felt better, and with more things coming home---I am definitely feeling stressed.......I know that we will be moving and downsizing our lives within the next 5 years ( I think) and I highly recommend these reads! One was KU and one was Am....PS The combination of pages in these books would be 109 :) :)

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome book full of wisdom

I enjoyed the book all the way through but really the last chapter to me was the very best. It really got me thinking about what I want my legacy to be for my children who are actually adults now. I have been a minimalist for more than 10 years so they will not be inheriting many “things “but I love the idea that they will have lots of memories of experiences with me.

[Stephanie Whitson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Helpful

In a conversational style, the author offers insights into the emotions of decluttering and managing an elders’ estate. Extremely helpful tips on how to proceed with personal possessions and what a lasting legacy is all about. I am acting on her advice and know my children will be grateful.

[Wendy Passer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for an emotionally charged topic!

If you're trying to decide what to keep or give away from a recent loved one's passing, this book is for you! It can also help you emotionally prepare for the legacy you want to leave.

[Heather Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Downsizing my family's homes has been a 12 year struggle. I like to read books like this to keep giving me permission and strength that it is ok to get rid of things that aren't serving me.

[Judi Losh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical easy read! Definitely affirmed my approach to clearing out my parents house…… right down to the use of the word STUFF!!!!!

[Rita Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for me

I have a lot of collections and family memorabilia and I needed this book to help me get rid of it and keep the precious memories