May 18, 2018 - News Post

I need to clean my office.

I have 3 file cabinets in my home office. Intermixed with important business and personal documents are hundreds of old letters, drawings, writings, flyers, and school papers.

It’s a nice little collection I’ve made throughout my life. It’s too organized to feel like hoarding and not quite organized enough to feel like a compulsion. For years, I’ve been happy with what I’ve been storing.

But it’s time to go from 3 file cabinets to 1.

I have a lot of sentimental stuff in there. Things that would disappear from my memory entirely if not for tiny scraps of paper. Each scrap reminds me of a moment that existed. Buuuuuut, the older I get, the less interested I am in living in the past.

It’s not that the present is so great, it’s that the storage of old memories is taking up an entire wall. I’m feeling held back. That wall could be used to display something captivating and new like a mirror.

Rather than immediately shredding everything, my plan is to make digital copies. I’ve tried scanning a few folders. Unfortunately, that was a slow and inconvenient process. I may switch to taking photos with my phone, but I’m concerned about the level of quality.

Hm... That feels like an excuse.

Has anyone downsized like this? Any suggestions? I’ve cut down on many possessions in the past, but this is a lot more personal. I could use some motivation.

No, I won’t be shredding my original comic art... unless that's what you advise. You readers know everything.

-Jeff