[mobertol]

I also like to keep things which have sentimental value - have stacks of letters, postcards, photos etc., could never get rid of books either.

Over the 25 years I've been married we have moved house 8 times so I'm quite an expert at throwing out things on those occasions -no choice really as it would cost too much to move it all. I have my "core" items which will always be within a stones throw of me wherever I am and then you just have to be ruthless. My desk is chockablock with leaflets picked up on holidays though -I sometimes go through them and think I must whizz some of these out -but there are so many nice memories attached...

A part of me also thinks -one day it might be useful if we go back there again...some of it, from our Hols in Brittany I'm keeping with an eye to a story I may write one day -how could you remember prices in France back then and all those oher useful details.

As to really seriously downsizing -just close your eyes -imagine the house is on fire and there's only so much you have time to save, then go for those items -the rest is less important and may make you a bit of money if you can sell it off. Otherwise give it to charity shops -someone will love the plastic snow bubble you bought in Austria ten years ago and that naff pottery beer tankard with the fake pewter lid!