The Stories We Leave Behind: A Legacy-Based Approach to Dealing with Stuff

by Laura H. Gilbert

The Stories We Leave Behind is a legacy-based approach to dealing with our stuff and preserving our stories. Rather than asking which items we can live without, The Stories We Leave Behind

1. How do I want to be remembered?
2. What stories tell that legacy?
3. What stuff highlights those stories?

In the process you’ll highlight items that tell a legacy story, identify valuable stuff that may be overlooked, minimize challenging decisions for loved ones, and reclaim space, time, and energy for you.

What stories will you leave behind?

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help

159 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 6, 2022

Reviews

[Lori Koppelman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a lot on this topic and this is aimed at the retired set. She really highlights the way different generations view stuff and encourages her audience to not take it personally when kids & grandkids don't want theirs.

I found several practical ideas for myself and especially loved this quote: Donating verses selling is like winning a contest where the prize is time.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

While in the vein of books on minimalism/decluttering it adds a nuance that the other books don't have. Once you've eliminated the excess, how do deal with the important "stuff?" How do you want to be remembered, who would want certain items, how to make things easier for those tidying things up when you die?

[L Campagnola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading about minimalism and decluttering and this book did not disappoint. The chapter about getting all my financial business in one easy to find accessable place was kind of a wake up call. I have a much better grasp about what I want to keep in my house. Now it's easier to let go of items which are not part of my pared down life story.

[Laurie Shook · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book The Stories We Leave Behind: A Legacy-Based Approach to Dealing with Stuff is a practical, no-nonsense book that helps you best decide what to keep and what to let go. Rather than guiding you in getting rid of your parents' stuff, it guides you in getting rid of your own stuff. Then you won't leave the mess to your children that your parents left you. Because millennials don't want your stuff!

Laura H. Gilbert emphasizes identifying three to five main themes of your life. What do you most want to be remembered for? Retain keepsakes, photos, and furniture consistent with those themes. If the object in question doesn't support one of your main themes, let it go.

This doesn't have to be done all at once. She suggests a step-by-step approach to decluttering, room by room or subject by subject.

A key takeaway: Collections, china, silverware don't have much resale value. Giving it away to someone who will use/love it is as much a win as reselling.

I plan to implement these tactics in preparation for future downsizing--just as soon as I finish with my parents' stuff.

Three and a half (3.5) stars.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a lot of organization books. This and The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning are my favorites. They are aimed at people with gray hair, but more than that, they are not shaming. Thoughtful and helpful.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A non-fiction title with steps of action for figuring out what you want your legacy to be by looking at your possessions. Tells how to get rid of stuff we no longer "need" or have to keep for someone else.
Very helpful. And you don't have to be retired to start.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one's definately a keeper! There's loads of great advice and ideas.