Old Paper Has Its Charm

When I digitize documents and store them on my hard drive, I envision their significance for my future self, hoping they will remain accessible for years to come.

But will anyone genuinely care to look? That’s an overwhelming number of files to sift through!

Fortunately, today’s youth are still learning the invaluable skill of handwriting, a craft that isn’t likely to be entirely overshadowed by typing.

Historically, typewriters offered a more efficient way to communicate in writing than by hand. Nowadays, they symbolize nostalgia, providing a tangible connection to the past, as they consist of real ink on actual paper, created by real individuals.

Where’s the Personal Touch in a Digital World?

Reflecting on my childhood in the 1970s and 80s, a typewritten note was often viewed as lacking warmth. Handwriting conveyed care and personal investment.

In the documentary "California Typewriter," Tom Hanks shares his affection for the personal feel of a typewritten thank-you note. He highlights the disparity in effort between sending an email, which takes about seven seconds, and crafting a letter that requires seven minutes to prepare and mail. As a result, he tends to delete emails but treasures typewritten notes forever.

It’s worth noting that regardless of how one's handwriting appears, it carries an irreplaceable essence that can’t be replicated digitally. The study of graphology is a captivating subject that I intend to explore in the future.

But There’s Just Too Much!

Both handwritten and typewritten documents share a common trait: they occupy physical space. To maintain accessibility in the future, they must be organized and stored properly.

It’s all too easy to misplace or accidentally destroy a piece of paper, leading to the overwhelming accumulation of documents.

How does one determine which records are worth preserving and which can be discarded?

While I wish I had a definitive solution for this often emotionally taxing decision, it ultimately hinges on the balance between being a diligent record-keeper and maintaining a clutter-free environment.

A practical approach is to integrate the digital and physical. Retain the most significant papers, and create digital backups by scanning them.

When faced with a daunting stack of papers and drawings, I find it liberating to snap a quick photo with my phone before parting with them. Even if I never revisit the images, capturing them eases my anxiety about letting go.

Quick tip: Capture images of keepsakes directly in your preferred notes app, and tag them with #memories or something similar. I’ve started using Apple Notes for this purpose.

The Solution: Create a VITAL File

Rather than painstakingly sorting through every piece of paper and digital file, consider creating a VITAL file that reflects who you were, who you are, and who you aspire to be. This file is a curated summary of your life—filled with Very Important Things About You.

Include a cover letter to whoever may find the file, explaining its significance.

Select one handwriting sample from each stage of your life and include it.

Add documents that illustrate key moments in your family history.

Reflect on your guiding principles and life philosophy, and share items that reveal your core values.

If you have a digital garden, include a link to it (in plain text).

In our household, we safeguard essential documents in a portable briefcase, ready to grab in emergencies—passports, insurance papers, and the like. I’ve also incorporated instructions for accessing my digital VITAL file. If you use a password manager, consider including login credentials here or sharing them with a trusted friend.

For a thorough guide on organizing your documents, Kara Monroe’s article is highly recommended.