Dear LPG, 

I have recently become an official pensioner, and I must admit to watching more afternoon television than ever with my newly found extra time. I have noticed that so many programmes are dedicated to selling antiques on television, and I do find myself watching them, but such programmes make me sad sometimes.

I wonder if many people like me have a regular attack of conscience, reminding them of the importance of getting their house in order.   In my case, I am talking about literally!  

I am not saying that it is so untidy that I would be ashamed to invite someone in, but there is so much stuff in some of the rooms that, while I hope that the average visitor will not see it that way, I know that it is subtly bursting under the strain.  

I know the answer is to go through it square inch by square inch, and I have started many times. When I start the process, I remember that each drawer, cupboard and box hold treasures that I find hard to make cold hard decisions about, because each and every item holds memories, though I doubt that they are essential to anyone but me.    

This is before I consider the things that I have been given by members of the family who stem from the generation above me.  

I have decided that some people find it easy to let go of things. In contrast, others spend every tidying-up session looking at each item and considering what will become of it in the future. While I have no intention of popping my clogs for a while (God willing), I have decided that now is the time to start regarding my possessions as my fledglings. Consequently, I have to decide what will happen to them when my future and theirs are forced to part company.

Are there members of the next generation of your family and friends that will take on the custodianship of some of your treasures because, as much as you might feel the need to keep them safe and also keep the opportunity to be able to hold or make contact with something that also had some importance to a cherished friend or family member, there is always that niggling thought at the back of my mind which reminds me that nothing lasts forever?

I have tried the odd off-the-cuff comment with some of my children, nieces and nephews. The ‘round the dinner table’ mention of the back story of a particular item and what they think of it usually reveals relatively little interest from anyone. 

I have no answers and have problems finding anything realistic that the internet offers, but I know we need to think about the question. Unlike the items featured on television programmes, I am pretty sure that many things I feel are essential are only really valuable to me. So, I will keep having a weekly sort-out session, although I know it will never be easy to part with my things.  

I console myself with the fact that at least they are being kept tidy, and I am taking a regular look and preserving my memories. And, when I am not there to look after and cherish them anymore, what will be, will be…

NH. Brockley