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Preserving & Selling Memories

Preserving memories digitally online by taking photos and documenting "memories" so the memories stay and the items can be sold online.

Photo of Andrea Zelenak
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Who is your idea designed for and how does it support the dreams and obligations of those 50 and older?

This idea is designed for anyone of any age. However, once we reach a certain age, we've collected a lot of stuff that hold's sentimental value, but holds no other purpose. This way, we can preserve or memories but sell our items and use them to create even more memories.
Example of an item and memory. Example of an item and memory.

Suze Orman, a financial TV personality, says to take all of the items you haven't used in a while and put them in the middle of your living room to either sell them or give them away. 


This would be an online photo/memory album. 

1. Collect your items

We all have those boxes and objects we've had forever that hold some type of memory to us. The idea is to collect these items we probably won't ever use again to be documented and sold.


2. Take Photos

Or someone technically savvy can take them for you. These photos will be used for you as well as to add to an online store like Etsy or Ebay. 


3. Write your memories & description

These memories will last a lifetime. If the event happened years ago, or the experience just happened, you'd be able to document your memory and have it forever. Having a cool story can be a good selling point as well. 


4. View memories online or print as a "memory book"

You can view these memories online through the website or print it off like a Shutterfly photo book. 


5.  Fees from selling would fuel the website

Just like Ebay or Etsy works, the fees and percentages would be taken from the sales in order to fund or keep the website going. 


My mom always tells me to take a picture of my things to have forever, but if there was a format online for me to organize and document my memories, it would be a lot easier process and a more put together collection of moments in my life. In the same way, the younger generation has this passion for vintage and antique items that the older generation has. This way you can keep your memories but sell your items to create new memories and new experiences. 

What early, lightweight experiment might you try out in your own community to find out if the idea will meet your expectations?

I have an Etsy site currently where I actually sell things from my Grandma's basement. It was a really cool experience to go through her things and hear her stories. A few people could go through this same experience, they could find three items and I could sell them for them as well as digitally preserve their memory.

What skills, input or guidance from the OpenIDEO community would be most helpful in building out or refining your idea?

If there was an organized and good looking website, would this be something you would use to preserve your memories? In addition, would you want to part with some of your "memories" or items?

Tell us about your work experience:

Recent design graduate in product design and part of the OpenIDEO chapter in Detroit!

Please check all that apply:

  • I'm not currently involved in a credit union, but am curious to learn more!

This idea emerged from

  • An OpenIDEO Outpost or Chapter

This inspired (1)

Every one will work together to win.
Every one will work together to win.

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Photo of Kate Rushton
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Hi Andrea!

Have you seen Jim Johnson comment on my Downsizing Support Site [Please Build on this Idea] post?

"Bettina, Kate. I agree and am posting as a contributor and a recent participant in downsizing. What a headache! We sold a lot of stuff and had a caravan of deliveries to Goodwill. But there are some items we wanted to keep to hand down or maybe use in a second home. More of an emotional decision and not very practical. We're currently paying $300 a month in storage. Not sustainable. Realtors are tuned into this dynamic. I've read about one empty-nester apartment complex that developed a program specifically designed for downsizing through services geared toward these needs. Since the challenge centers around financial services, could items in storage be loaned out and generate revenue? We have a piano currently being sold on consignment. We considered lending it to a friend with a musically gifted daughter until we found a place for it in the future. Another issue after downsizing, both your home and your career, is in acquiring loans and leases. Proof of sufficient income is replaced with proof of sufficient savings. Perhaps there's a credit rating type of score that identifies your fiscal health. Perhaps that's another idea. I'll be reading through this challenge for advice! Thanks...JIM"

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