Practical tips for sorting through a lifetime of photos
When someone dies, their belongings can become precious links to their memory. Among these belongings, photos hold a special place. But what happens when you find yourself staring at box after box of photos, many of which feature people you don’t even recognise?
The sheer volume can feel overwhelming, and the emotional weight can make it hard to decide what to do with them.
Here are some gentle, practical steps to help you navigate this task without guilt or pressure.
1. Give Yourself Permission to Feel
Sorting through photos is not just a logistical task; it’s an emotional journey. You might feel sadness, joy, or even guilt for considering letting some go. Allow yourself to experience these feelings without judgement. Remember, you don’t have to keep every single item they left behind.
2. Set Realistic Expectations
It’s okay if you can’t keep all the photos. Instead of focusing on the quantity, prioritise quality. Ask yourself: which images truly represent their life and the memories you cherish? It’s not about the number of photos but the stories they tell.
3. Start Small
Begin with one box or a small stack of photos. Trying to tackle everything at once can lead to burnout. Working in manageable chunks allows you to stay focused and make thoughtful decisions.
4. Sort into Categories
As you go through the photos, sort them into categories such as:
Keep: Photos that hold significant meaning to you or your family.
Share: Photos you’d like to give to friends or relatives who might appreciate them.
Discard: Photos that hold no personal value or feature unknown people.
If you’re unsure about certain photos, create a "Maybe" pile and revisit it later.
5. Digitise and Preserve
For photos you want to keep but don’t have space for, consider digitising them. Scanning photos allows you to preserve them without the physical bulk. Once digitised, you can create digital albums or slideshows to revisit whenever you want. You could also have them printed into photo books.
6. Involve Family and Friends
Invite family members or close friends to help you sort through the photos. They might recognise people you don’t, or have stories to share. This can turn a daunting task into an opportunity for connection and remembrance.
7. Create Memory Projects
Choose a selection of meaningful photos to create a scrapbook, collage, or framed display. This way, you’re actively celebrating their life while keeping the most important images accessible.
8. Let Go of Guilt
It’s natural to feel guilt about discarding photos, but remember: letting go of items doesn’t mean you’re letting go of the person. Keeping everything isn’t necessary to be able to remember them. Trust that the love and memories you hold are far more enduring than boxes of photos.
9. Recycle or Donate Thoughtfully
If you need to dispose of photos, consider shredding or recycling them, especially if they contain personal information. Alternatively, local historical societies or genealogical groups might be interested in older photos, even if the people are unidentified.
10. Be Patient with Yourself
This process doesn’t have to be completed in a single day or even a single month. Take your time and approach it at a pace that feels right for you. Some days might be harder than others, and that’s okay.
If you find you are struggling under the weight of your grief, and you would like to find some help, please consider reaching out to one of our qualified grief specialists, including myself. We are here to guide you through this journey and provide the support you need.
About Tracy
Tracy Beavis is a Grief Specialist who offers help to anyone who has suffered significant life losses, and is experiencing the emotional pain of grief. Tracy works both in person, online, 1:1 or in small group sessions. You can find out more about Tracy from her Grief Specialists profile here.
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