i had this same "light bulb" moment a month ago. i'd been cleaning out my folk's basement after three "floods" in two weeks. there were 56 years worth of mom's antiques, dad's tools/woodworking/metalworking stuff in there. the wetness decided some of it, but most of the rest is going to go, as well. it dawned on me that the things that meant so much to them and to me only did so because of my connection to those people. my children didn't know MY aunts, grandparents, etc. so, the kids are taking the things that mean something to them, or catch their fancy, and i'm letting my memories go, so there is more room in that house for the new kids that are living there. the "good stuff" stays for me--but there is so much that has lost its meaning through the years, that it should go into the hands of someone who wants to have it, and not just sit waiting in the basement for long departed folks. the charity pickup starts next week...