Avoid cluttering your home by creating a memory box for each family member.

Here are some basic steps to get you started:

1. Decide what size container you are comfortable storing.  If you are saving the items to one day give to your child, how much 'stuff' will they really want?  One large box will usually suffice.

2. Purchase a plastic bin with a cover.  This protects the contents from potential water damage.  Label it with the individual's name.  You may want to get a bin for each family member.  You'd be surprised what you have all over the house that can be safely stored (and easily found) in a memory box.

3.  As projects and other items enter your home, decide if you want to display them, put them in the trash or save them in the memory box.  Three dimensional items are bulky; consider taking a photo which can be more easily stored.

4.  When the box is full, you and your child should sort through the memory box together.  It is a lot of fun to watch a six year old reminisce about her younger days! 

5.  Explain to your child that some items need to be thrown away to make room in the box.  As time passes, we all gain perspective on what is most important to us.  Learning to 'weed out' unimportant items is a great skill to develop at any age.