Take a look at these 7 clutter-free ways to preserve your memories, and see if you can't preserve who you are while getting rid of all that stuff.

1. SNAP PHOTOS BEFORE TOSSING

Clothing, stuffed animals,kid's artwork, school papers. Set up a photo and digitally store everything you don't want to forget.

2. SCAN, SCAN, SCAN

By scanning these items, you're preserving the thought that went into them when they were originally given to you — and that's what counts. Plus, this way they can never be destroyed, whereas the original versions will eventually deteriorate over time and are at the mercy of fire, water, and other elements that can destroy them completely.

3. DIGITIZE IT

Enjoy all your photos without fussing with any paper by digitizing them and adding them to a digital frame. These frames rotate images automatically so you see multiple pics — and relive the memories — on a regular basis. I gave my husband a digital frame for Christmas one year and he loves it. He adds new photos all the time.

4. TRANSFERS OLD VHS TAPES AND DVDS TO COMPUTER FILES

If you have a bunch of VHS tapes in your basement, consider transferring them to computer files that you can save in your cloud. There are plenty of companies that specialize in this service, but you also can DIY it if you're fairly tech-savvy.

5. REPURPOSE LITTLE THINGS

Before you donate all that extra clothing, think of ways you might be able to use the fabric to make something new — like a blanket, tablecloth, or shower curtain. For instance, you can turn a bunch of old T-shirts into a rad quilt if you've got sewing skills. I also like the idea of collecting children's shirts and making a quilt, perfect for a high school graduation gift!

6. CREATE ARTWORK AND GIFTS

Have lots of items with sentimental value? You can make anything! Search Pinterest for ideas for here are more.

7. GIVE AWAY TREASURES

Before my grandmother died, she made sure each of her grandchildren had something to remember her by. For me, it was Depression glass and an old board game set, that we had spent hours playing Chinese checkers and other games. Pass those special family items to loved ones.