Create a memory box to remember a loved one

When someone important in your life dies, there are many things that you want to remember about them. As time passes, it may find be difficult to remember specific memories of the person you loved. Building a memory box is one way you can remember them.

A memory box is a place where you can keep various items that remind you of the person who died. You can customise the box and fill it with things like photos, letters and objects that remind you of your experiences together.

What will I need to create a memory box?

• A box, chest or container. You could even use a shoe box.
• Items that remind you of the person who died. This could be things like: a piece of jewelry, perfume, or card they sent you.
• Glue
• Paper, journal or sticky notes
• Pens and stickers to personalise your box

How to create a memory box

1. Find a box, chest or container

Keep in mind where you may want to keep the memory box and how big the items are that need to fit in the box. For example: do you want the box on the bookshelf for others to see or do you want the box in your wardrobe for privacy?

2. Decorate your box

There is no wrong way to decorate the outside of your box. If you’re decorating a shoe box, try painting the outside or glueing paper down to cover the shoe brand name.

3. Fill your box

Fill your memory box with items that remind you of your loved one. Here is a list of questions to keep in mind when you search for items to put in the box:

• What activit(ies) did you like to do with them? For example, if it’s a sport, you can place items related to that sport in the box.
• Is there a smell or scent that reminds you of them?
• Do you have a card or letter from them?
• Is there something that they wore that you would like kept safe? For example, this item could be clothes, jewelry or makeup.
• Do you have a gift they gave you in the past?
• Are there any pictures you have with them or of them that you enjoy?

Try to intentionally fill your box with objects that have a specific story or memory attached to it. Try not to put anything perishable in the box, particularly items that could rot or spoil other items it’s touching.

4. Write a note for each object

Sometimes you can forget memories as time passes. Write a note for each object you include in your memory box. These notes can help you remember the importance of each item as time moves on. You can write the notes in a journal, sticky note or piece of paper that you keep inside the memory box.

5. Find a place to store your memory box

Some people like to share their memory box with others that knew the person who died. If this is the case, decide where you would like the box to live for easy access for yourself and your loved ones. It is okay if you don’t want to share the memory box with others. If you don’t want others to look at or find the memory box, try to find a place in your bedroom or wardrobe where others cannot access it. If you don’t want a reminder of the memory box in an area you see everyday, it may a good choice to keep your memory box in a storage space like your attic.

6. Go back to the memory box when you’re ready

Whenever you want to remember to person who died, you can go back to the memory box. Sometimes people go back to the memory box when they miss the person who died. Sometimes people go back to the memory box on certain holidays, anniversaries, or birthdays to remember the person who died. It is up to you when you would like to go back to the memory box.

Feeling overwhelmed and want to talk to someone?

• Get anonymous support 24/7 with our text message support service
• Connect with a trained volunteer who will listen to you, and help you to move forward feeling better
• Whatsapp us now or free-text SPUNOUT to 50808 to begin.
• Find out more about our text message support service

If you are a customer of the 48 or An Post network or cannot get through using the ‘50808’ short code please text HELLO to 086 1800 280 (standard message rates may apply). Some smaller networks do not support short codes like ‘50808’.