Heirlooms and Treasured Possessions - How to Sort, Save and Share Your Precious Memories

Probably, one of the best gifts you can give your children is advanced planning of what you will do with your treasured possessions. 

When it comes to sorting through decades of belongings, honesty is key. Being clear about which items you feel should be kept for sentimental reasons can help prevent future become disputes and at the same time explain what items are or may possibly valuable.

It is important to remember that age doesn’t always equal value. Consulting experts such as appraisers or auction houses can provide a realistic sense of what’s truly worth keeping, selling, or donating.

Downsizing often uncovers hidden gems. Vintage designer handbags can be worth a fortune and certain cameras, like rare1960s Rolleiflex models, are steadily increasing in value, making them well worth holding onto.

Interior designers are always on the lookout for unique items, including Murano glass, studio pottery, wall sconces, kitchenalia, Art Deco mirrors and antique barware.

When it comes to books, most hold little monetary value unless they are rare first editions. However, beautifully bound books remain in demand especially those in pristine condition with their original dust jackets.

And while “brown furniture” may be out of style, it shouldn’t be dismissed too quickly. With a fresh coat of paint and updated handles, an old sideboard can become a coffee table, bench, or toy box. But always check its value before altering or donating it.

Creative Ways to Repurpose

Heirlooms don’t always have to remain in their original form. Out-of-fashion jewellery can be repurposed by resetting stones into modern pieces. Broken necklaces, unmatched earrings, and scrap gold may fetch a surprisingly high return, thanks to rising gold prices. Even costume jewellery can be creatively transformed into drawer pulls or curtain ties.

Personal items like diaries, letters, photographs, and war memorabilia may be of interest to museums or archives, preserving family history for future generations. Stamp collections, too, can be valued by specialists or donated to charities, where they are often sold to raise funds.

Hidden Value in the Everyday

Vinyl records are having a renaissance and if you have a large collection you may find the value is more than expected. Iconic album sleeves can be framed as artwork as can programmes from famous theatre productions and if you have kept a few early Disney VHS tapes it may well be worth checking the values.

And if an item carries history but no practical use, photographing it and documenting its story can make letting go easier.