I am sitting her laughing! I have done the same thing........saved and saved. Then I had a health problem and realized the things I wanted family and friends to have, would probably be sold or thrown out. That brought me to my senses. I gave a niece her Grandmother's wedding ring. Then I divided other pieces of jewelry between my 2 daughters.
As far as those greeting cards.....just think of all the money used to purchase them. I declared a moratorium on greeting cards. NO MORE! I have had enough to last a few life times.
they went to recycle into crafts and other uses.
Then the family photographs. I sat on the floor for days and sorted into piles, one for each child..(4) and when it was finished, each one got a packet of baby pictures, school photos, etc., to do with what they pleased. If they threw them out, it was their choice.
All that stuff is OUT of my house and I am glad. Now I have to deal with the other collectibles....glassware and trinkets. Some are gone already, returned to those who gave them, or just put in the box for a charity Thrift store.
Cleaning out has to come one day...and I would rather be the one to do it than to leave it to my children to do. If they do not want it now, what makes me think they will want it later?
Happy cleaning to all you hoarders! It has to be done!
June in Cincinnati