SERVICES

INSPIRATION

Artifcts A to Z

HELLO!

Give the gift
of Artifcts

The perfect gift for the person
in your life who has everything.

Give a gift Close

Artifcts \ Articles \ HEALTH & AGING \ Decluttering for Dementia: Paper Clutter

HEALTH & AGING, DECLUTTERING & ORGANIZING

Decluttering for Dementia: Paper Clutter

September 18, 2023

When decluttering, what stays and what goes somehow gets more and less complicated simultaneously when the process involves the belongings of someone who has advancing dementia. It’s doable, of course, but understanding what you might experience along the way, and some tested tactics, may help set you up for greater success and (hopefully) less frustration.

Today we're choosing a narrower topic within decluttering: papers and documents of all types. Why? The black and white of documents may be more emotional than you first imagine and all to easy to dismiss and toss when time and stress conspire against you. For a more general discussion about decluttering and brain health, check out this article.

___________

Life is life, busy and full. And whether we intend to collect and hold onto documents, photos, magazines and more, it happens. Sometimes we have best intentions of someday putting that all to use—"how to” do something around the house, tips for gardening, vacation brochures—or we fear that we may need it one day, e.g., warranties, user manuals, and tax papers. Even with modern day options like Pinterest, paper is still top dog for many of us.

So, when it comes to a breaking point, and you realize you just have too much, you can’t find anything, or maybe you’re preparing for a move, how you get through it all becomes the question. And when the person who owns the items has advancing dementia, we’ve learned there are some interesting complications to be aware of and to plan for to reach a productive, if not happy, ending.

Here are a few common complications to consider:

- - Sometimes those living with dementia may believe people are taking items from them that are in fact items they have chosen to get rid of or are still in the home, but they cannot recall where they are located.
  - Visual cues range from helpful to critical memory prompts, and yet all of one’s belongings cannot possibly be out on display for a safe or pleasant home environment.
  - Loved ones and other care providers may be under time pressure for a move to downsize or transition into a memory care-supported community and thus while the home may technically have space for all the belongings, there is a need to begin decluttering and downsizing. The person with dementia may know, and forget, this move is coming.

Common Paper Clutter, the “Why” Behind It, and What Now

Magazines. You paid for them. You enjoyed them. You plan to reference them. You have/had kids that need them for projects. Maybe you haven’t even read them, because you want to read them closely and that takes time you can’t seem to find. So, you hold onto them.

For people with advancing dementia, … reading through periodicals may no longer even be possible due to poor short-term memory recall.

What now? Drop off with schools, recycle, sell collectible issues, Artifct those with memories attached, like these Seventeen magazines from the 60s.

Warranties and User Guides. Having the warranties and user guides in hardcopy can feel reassuring, you have recourse, you have details on what to do if there’s a problem. And not so long ago, these documents simply weren’t available unless you kept them in hardcopy. Times have changed. And many times, warranties aren’t even valid without registering your purchase within a certain period of time. Was that 30 years ago?

For people with advancing dementia, … the visual support of a hardcopy is often necessary for memory recall. But, in reality, will that person be responsible for repairs or administrative tasks to support a claim?

What now? Digitize valid warranties, and, with few exceptions for collectibles or antique items potentially, let the user guides go. You can find them online.

Photos. The older the better, as memories go. And if you know what they are and you are not sitting on triplicates, blurry images, and unknown scenes, maybe they aren’t too cumbersome. But when you have photo clutter, and original negatives, you have risk of loss and degradation and an accessibility issue. You can’t likely keep it all out in the open and accessible. Digitization is your ally! (Check out tips for digitization.)

For people with advancing dementia, … talking through photos and the stories behind them is not only good for the individual but can bring them closer to loved ones and caretakers who will enjoy hearing the stories and capturing their loved one’s history and legacy.

What now? Artifcts really helps with favorite photos – pair photos (a picture of them and/or the digital copy) together in an Artifct and the story behind them. You can even add video or audio of you/your loved one telling the stories. Photos can’t talk after all!

Letters and Greeting Cards. They are personal, the other person touched them, wrote on them, took the time to send them to you the old-fashioned way. The problem is they proliferate, and you store them away without looking back through them, so what good are they then? They are not all created equal – quick, functional notes, greeting cards with just a signature … – and yet we keep them all as though they are equal!

This card even had feet that move. Check out the video. >

For people with advancing dementia … Like photos, the older the better for memory recall. And when the people who may have given them to you are no longer present, this can be very grounding and ease loneliness and anxiety to have these touchpoints with your past.

What now? Encourage a three-pile sort:

1. 1. 1. 1. The benign, less meaningful that you can recycle;
        
        Special ones you can give away to another person who might cherish them;
        
        Historic, only copies, and the most meaningful to keep. For group three, this is the time for digitizing, scanning, or photographing them, whatever suits your needs and budget (time and money). Consider Artifcting important cards and letters so they are secure and preserved, as well as accessible whenever you want to see them, and easy to share. If you have room, consider displaying some again framed and set on a side table or bookshelf, for example.

_________________

No matter what type of papers and documentation lurk as the result of a life well lived, take it bit by bit, listening along the way if you are helping to understand what’s most meaningful and why. This alone will take you a long way. Preserving the memories and stories will help make this process of letting go that much smoother. It’s not truly gone then; it’s there for reliving and sharing the experience.

###

Share With Friends

3 likes

What's New at Artifcts

Rescue Mission: That's More Than a Photo! Artifct That.

Over the years, we've come to appreciate how even seemingly random photos can provide the spark connecting us to each other, to histories, to pasts unknown, if given the opportunity. The ice hiker shown above? Where was he? What was he doing? Where was he going? What became of him after his great adventure?

I bet we all have a photo like this. One that is black and white, maybe a little tattered around the edges. Maybe you found yours in a bin of old photos tucked away in a great Aunt's attic, or maybe yours was carefully, loving framed and had sat on top of Nana's piano for decades. Decades!

We've all heard the cliche that a photo is worth a thousand words, but we've yet to have a photo start telling us the who, what, when, where and why it was taken. The simple truth is photos can't talk. A researcher could find an explorers club to assist, trace the clothing, authenticate the age of the paper, maybe. But absent a family member or friend knowing his story, his details, he and his story could very well remain a mystery for future generations.

Our co-founder Heather was reminded of this not too long ago when trying to rather unsuccessfully piece together the (presumed) relatives from generations past in a series of family photos. It was a frustrating and in the end rather helpless task since no living members of her family could recall the details. The closest she got to an answer was "that might have been Great Nana B's sister...or cousin...or maybe just a friend." Yep, that was helpful!

In fact, if you've read Our Story, you've seen a black and white photo of woman who in some ways is the silent third founder of Artifcts.

Click to view the Artifct

The photo grabs you. Who is she? What (or who) is she looking at that is making her smile? Who took the picture? When was this picture taken and where? Truth is, her end-of-life was the inspiration for Artifcts and our efforts to remove so much of the potential burden from our loved ones who are left to parse through our belongings, photos included, after we're gone. We built Artifcts to ensure that families everywhere can pass along memories, heritage, and legacy, and not just items. Her photo is no longer a mere photograph, but a history. You can read about that very photo's history here.

When you can, you should just ASK!

Here are two more photos that capture our interest in the same way, sparking the same questions. And, we wonder: If someone sold framed photos like this through an estate sale, consignment shop, or flea market, would they captivate a curious, anonymous buyer? They could just as easily fit into the decor of a modern home as one with a farmhouse chic decor or even a cozier older style.

Click the image to view the Artifct.

Our CTO, Matt, found these framed portraits buried in a collection of old photographs his mother had kept in her house. Thankfully she had already Artifcted them and Matt was able to know not only who the photos were of (his great grandmother!), but also when they were taken. Absent his mother taking the time to Artifct the photos and the details, that part of their family history would have been easily forgotten, and quite possibly discarded or donated.

Look around your house. Would the next generation know who is in the framed photos you have on display? Would they know WHY they are on display? Why they matter to you and your family? Chances are, probably not.

Take a moment today to capture that history before it slips away. Not sure where to start or what questions to ask? Download a copy of our free Rescue Those Photos! checklist to help you get started.

Artifct a few choice photos—your favorites, the most outrageous, or maybe the ones that make you go, "Hmmm." You can easily share your Artifcts with friends and family to meaningfully connect and reconnect over (nearly!) lost pasts and new stories shared for more "I never knew that about you!" moments now and into the future.

__________________

If you are interested in photo and/or video digitization services, our Partners at The Photo Managers can help! Our Artifcts Team is proud to be a sponsor of The Photo Managers Conference this year in Boston.

Attending the Conference? Stop by our Artifcts booth and say hello to the team! We're happy to show you how Artifcts can help bring your photos, stories, and memories to life.

###

April 08, 2026

TIPS & TRICKS, PHOTOS, DOCS & OTHER MEDIA

Gone in a Woof: The Tragic Tale of Mr. Moose

Dear Reader,

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Sasso Piatto, destroyer of stuffies and Chief Happiness Officer here at Artifcts. I haven’t got much time as my Mum has stepped away from her laptop, and I know she’ll be back soon.

Today’s topic? The importance of Artifcting ALL your life’s keepsakes because you never know what will happen next. Case in point, my cherished Mr. Moose.

Mr. Moose was the love of my life (second only to bacon). We had been through thick and thin together. Mr. Moose was always up for adventures—mud puddle hopping, snow pile digging, and zoomies in the front yard. He was my constant companion, my snuggle buddy, and my best friend.

And then, just yesterday, an unthinkable thing happened. My Mum got rid of Mr. Moose. One moment I was admiring my handy-work (who knew Mr. Moose had so much stuffing?) and then, gone! Into the trash. How could she?!

Sure, he was well-loved (who doesn’t love a plush moose with squeaky antlers), but that doesn’t mean that it was time for him to go. My Mum claimed the stuffing was falling out of him (I think she needs new glasses) and that the squeaker was a choking hazard. As if! I swallow Milk Bones whole! Choking hazard, it was not.

And the worst part is that she didn’t even pause long enough to let me ARTIFCT him. Not one photo. Not one solemn moment to stop and reflect on all the love and joy Mr. Moose has brought me over the years. Of all the people, of all the deeds. How could my Mum, the founder of Artifcts, TOSS MR. MOOSE OUT before I got to Artifct him?

I beg you Dear Reader to take a moment today and Artifct That! It could be a favorite photo, a cherished piece of kid's art, or for the love of all, a favorite toy. If you’re planning to declutter this spring (hello spring cleaning!) take a moment to Artifct those treasures before you (OR YOUR MUM) toss them out.

Speaking of spring cleaning, I heard my Mum mumble something about re-homing the Everest sized pile of sticks I’ve accumulated outside the front door. For those of you not in the know, I’ve learned that “re-homing” really means removing. I’ve got to go! Time to Artifct my favorite sticks before they too disappear.

Yours Truly,

Sasso Piatto

PS. Happy April Fool’s Day! We hope today’s ARTIcles story from Sasso made you smile. You can click here to view all of Sasso’s Artifcts (written in his voice of course!).

###

April 01, 2026

FEATURED

The 1996 Nostalgia Trend: How to Save Your Memories for Future Generations

Where were you in 1996? Take a moment and really think about it.

Where were you living? What filled your days? What music was on repeat, and what did your favorite outfit look like? Maybe you were heading off to school in flannel and Doc Martens, building a career in your first real job, or chasing toddlers around the house. Maybe 1996 was loud and exciting—or quiet and uncertain. Either way, it was yours.

Lately, there’s been a surge of nostalgia inviting us to revisit that specific year. But the truth is, it’s not really about 1996. It’s about something much bigger.

It’s Not Just 1996—It’s Any Year

Pick a year. Any year. 1996. 2006. 2016. Last summer.

Every single one holds a version of you that no longer exists—someone shaped by the people, places, and moments of that time. And tucked inside those years are vivid snapshots: the song that instantly transports you back in time, the hat you wore until it fell apart, the photo you’ve kept in a drawer for decades.

We all have these anchors, the objects and memories that pull us back to “way back when.” A concert t-shirt isn’t just a shirt. It’s the night you sang every word with your friends, the feeling of freedom, the version of yourself that felt invincible.

A certificate, a ticket stub, a handwritten note—these aren’t just things. They’re evidence of a life fully lived, in moments both big and small.

The Small Moments Matter More Than You Think

It’s easy to assume that only major milestones deserve to be remembered—graduations, weddings, promotions. But what about everything in between?

Our co-founder Heather recently came across a stash of photos from her high school days and her daughter was in awe. The clothes! The hair! The concerts! Heather had forgotten how she had spent the summer of '96 working two jobs and attending every Phish concert within driving distance of her childhood home. Funny, because that's just what her daughter wants to do this summer.

Our co-Founder Heather & her friends tailgating before a Phish concert. Click the iamge to view the Artifct.

The everyday moments are often the ones that define us most:

The summer you spent making friendship bracelets at camp
The first apartment that barely had furniture but felt like independence
The hobby you picked up on a whim that turned into a lifelong passion
The concert t-shirt you wore so often it became part of your identity

These moments may feel small at the time, but they’re rich with meaning. And over time, they become the stories we wish we had captured more fully. Because memory fades. Details blur. And eventually, even the most vivid experiences can become harder to recall.

Why Capturing Your Story Matters

The people who come after us—our kids, grandkids, and beyond—don’t automatically know who we were. They might know the broad strokes. Where we lived. What we did for work. Maybe a few stories that get told again and again. But they don’t know what it felt like to be you in 1996. Or 1976. Or 2016.

They don’t know what made you laugh, what you worried about, or what you dreamed of, unless you tell them.

How to Turn Memories Into Artifcts

That’s where Artifcting comes in. Artifcting is the act of preserving not just your objects, but the stories behind them—so they can live on far beyond your memory. Looking for an easy way to get started?

Start with What You Already Have

Look around your home. Open a drawer, a closet, or an old box in the attic. Find something that instantly takes you back:

A photo from the ‘90s
A concert t-shirt (Fun fact! Our Advisory Board Member Matt Paxton recently spent an afternoon with his teenage son Artifcting his vintage concert t-shirts from the 90s.)
A piece of jewelry
A letter or postcard

If it sparks a memory, it’s worth preserving.

Capture the Story, Not Just the Object

Ask yourself:

Where did this come from?
Why did it matter to me?
What was happening in my life at the time?
Who was I then?

The object is just the entry point—the story is what gives it meaning.

The object is just the entry point—the story is what gives it meaning

Add Context That Only You Can Provide

This is the part no one else can recreate, especially the most well-intentioned AI-apps that promise to tell you your story. (Naturally, we have our doubts about that.)

Describe the details:

What you were wearing?
Who you were with?
What the world felt like at that moment?

These personal insights transform a simple item into a living memory.

Preserve It Digitally

Open the Artifcts App and upload your photo or a photo of your item and pair it with your story. Now it’s not just stored—it’s documented, searchable, and shareable with the people who matter most. Bonus! Add audio or video too for greater context and details that only you can provide.

Share It Across Generations

Invite your family into the experience by privately sharing the Artifct with them. Your stories become a bridge—connecting generations through shared history, personal insight, and emotional truth.

Your Story Is Still Unfolding

Thinking back to 1996 might feel like a fun exercise in nostalgia. But it’s also a reminder: the life you’re living right now will one day be “way back then,” too.

What from today will you wish you had captured?

The coffee mug you use every morning
The playlist that defines this season of your life
The photo sitting unnoticed on your phone

These are tomorrow’s Artifcts just waiting to be captured today. You don’t need a milestone. You don’t need a perfect story. You just need a moment—and the willingness to preserve it.

So ask yourself again: Where were you in 1996? Then take the next step. Capture it. Tell it. Artifct it. Because your story deserves to be remembered—not just by you, but by everyone who comes after.

###

You might also enjoy reading these related ARTIcles:

Photos + Timelines Go Better Together

How to Artifct That Photo

How to Artifct That Heirloom

March 25, 2026

FEATURED

Gain a new perspective on 'stuff'
with exclusive ARTIcles content,
direct to your inbox.

By submitting your email, you agree to receive periodic emails from Artifcts. Please review our Privacy Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

SERVICES

INSPIRATION

Dive Into Artifcts
ARTILife Gallery
ARTIcles by Artifcts
Create & Share an Artifct
Browse Public Artifcts
new! Artifcts Checklists Free Printables
Use Cases
Insurance & Estates
Downsizing, Moving, & Organizing
Collectors
Genealogy & History Enthusiasts
All ‘Families’
Travelers
Parents
Creators
Remembering Whom We've Lost

Artifcts A to Z

Memberships FAQs

Your privacy

This website uses only essential cookies to provide reliable and secure services, streamline your experience, allow you to share content from this website on social media, and to analyze how our Site is used. Learn more about these cookies and cookie settings.

Accept & Continue

Oops! This Web Browser Version is Unsupported

You received this warning because you are using an unsupported browser. Some features of Artifcts will not be available or will be displayed improperly until you update to the latest version or change browsers.

Browser update information