I once spent time with a co-worker friend who loved to go to estate sales. The sales were often about people who were basically hoarders who, because the items had meaning for them thought this would naturally apply to their children, it did not. Instead of going through all of the parents 'stuff' they would hire an agent. Many times we would go through very personal stuff looking for a bargain. I have found a person's insides (well being and sense of organization) can be determined by their surroundings. To me memories are mental and one shouldn't depend on outside stuff to bring back pleasant memories. Maybe make a project of photographing important things and downloading them to a memory device and the computer.

Are you bothered by the hoard of life's treasures that you have?
Do you look at things and do they bring back memories and feelings of joy?

If there is anything someone in the family values then feel free to allocate it to them or give it to them.
If someone comes in and says you have a lot of stuff tell them you are a dragon and all dragons have a hoard of treasures that reflect their life. Your life has been full, and fun, and you feel free to remember it in any fashion you like.

I also have too much stuff, and recently had to clear a lot of it away since I have family visiting me this month. I am storing most of it until I have more time to figure out what to do with things that I likely would never use again, and the clutter takes away from the enjoyment of my space.

I was surprised to see an ad around that time for an enterprising person who offers to try to find a buyer for things by photographing and selling online or garage sales and will split the proceeds, and of course anything that doesn't sell they will give to charity or discard. I didn't have time to take advantage of that service at that time, but will look for it again when things slow down for me.

You might look around to see if there is such a service for you. If your things give you joy and you have the space, then no need to get rid of things, but if you will feel better having more clear space then maybe get rid of a few things at a time, like one thing per week or something?

People telling you that you have too much stuff are frequently either jealous of the full life that you have led, are OCD or thieves wanting something at no cost to them & irrespective of the hurt they cause you.

The result of paucity of idea, cheapness in production cost & uptake of assuaging sadly ill people with OCD wanting everyone to be as ill as they are has seen the surge in so called reality tv (aka let's belittle someone even more than they are already as they are traumatised and displaying it by using an unusual coping method to survive) programmes on so called hoarding.

I have frequently bought something on the basis of "that'll come in useful in the future". It may be 10 or 20 years before that time arrives. In the meantime the cost of my purchase has increased a hundred fold or may no longer be obtainable.

Yes when I die I will leave much that only I value. It does not trouble me in the resent. I know that its abscence in the future will considerably grieve me. I do not care what happens to it when I'm dead.

A long time ago I told the Australian parliament that "only a fool discards that that he does not know the purpose of or its function."

If the 'stuff' no longer give you joy then do something about it. Sell it or give it away to someone who can use it. It is also unsafe to hoard, both mentally and physically. I have had that problem and am now doing something about it.

As long as you don't mind the dusting, you can fill the house if you wish. Its your house.

Stuff owns you and is a pain to those who have to clean out your home when you leave. That being said, it doesn't become better stuff because you threw it out or sold it. It's just taking up a new space. The problem is in attaching to things in the first place. Meditate on that and the next step will take care of itself. Namaste.

Purging can be overwhelming.
If you're going to start, try to keep it manageable.
One room at a time. One drawer or closet, at a time.
Others have suggested keep/donate/ trash piles.
Some of your things may be of benefit to others.
Keep whatever means the most to you.
Take small bites.

Really glad your home is safer for you.

Have you ever tried selling things on eBay? I've been selling my "stuff" there for over twenty years. All you need is a computer and camera and the ability to type in a description of the item.

4 piles. 1) landfill 2) donate to non profit 3) keep 4) sell or give away. Seems many of us are down sizing stuff. Why do I need 5 of everything? I don't.

Just by living we tend to accumulate a lot of stuff. Much of it has memories attached. I have been going through my "stuff" and looking at it with fresh eyes. I ask myself why am I keeping it? Is it serving any useful purpose? Does it have that much sentimental value? Will the kids want it when I'm gone? Does it have any value? If it has value and I don't need it I will sell it on eBay. If it has no value and I don't care about it that much I will take it to Goodwill or other charity drop box. If it doesn't bring you joy and your kids won't want it get it out of your house. It seems like the less stuff we have the more peace we have. Too much stuff adds stress. Think of it as "right" sizing.

You do you, I do me and lets strive to love one another and do or cause no harm.