March 31st is World Backup Day—a great reminder to protect our digital lives. But I also want to encourage you to go beyond the basics and back up the bulky, sentimental, one-of-a-kind items that don’t live on a hard drive. I’m talking about your grandmother’s quilt, your child’s first pair of shoes, or that funky lamp that’s been in the family for generations. These treasures have stories—and those stories deserve to be preserved with intentional memory preservation strategies.

What Are "Non-Traditional" Memory Items?

When we hear “backup,” we usually think of files, photos, and documents. But many of our most meaningful memories are tied to physical objects—the things that can’t be plugged into a USB port or saved to the cloud.

Maybe it’s the rocking chair that’s been passed down through three generations. Or a wedding veil carefully wrapped in tissue paper. Or even the handprint turkey your child made in kindergarten. These are the items that fill our homes and our hearts.

Some examples of non-traditional keepsakes include:

• Heirloom furniture that carries the marks and stories of decades

• Wedding dresses or baby clothes that mark milestones in your family’s journey

• Handmade quilts or original artwork created by loved ones

• Musical instruments, childhood toys, or military medals that represent passion, play, or sacrifice

These items are often hard to part with and even harder to pass down. That’s where backing them up visually—and preserving their stories—comes in.

How to Back Them Up

You don’t need to be a professional photographer or storyteller to preserve these treasures. With just a bit of time and intention, you can document them meaningfully using photo backup and digital photo storage tools.

• Photograph them well: Choose a spot with natural light and take clear photos from different angles. Capture close-ups of special details like embroidery, carvings, or inscriptions. If it’s wearable or interactive, consider staging a photo of someone using or wearing it.

• Tell the story: Every item has a story. Was it handmade? Who gave it to you? When and why was it important? You can write a short description, record a voice memo, or even take a video where you or a loved one talks about it. Storytelling with photos adds rich context that makes the memory even more meaningful.

• Upload to permanent storage: Add your photos and stories to your FOREVER® account or your chosen long-term digital photo storage solution. Use folders, albums, and tags to keep everything organized by family line, time period, or type of item. This helps others (and future you!) find and appreciate these memories. FOREVER storage is a trusted option to ensure your memories are safe for generations.

Why It Matters

Backing up these non-traditional items preserves more than an image—it protects meaning, connection, and legacy.

• You’re capturing stories that might otherwise be forgotten.

• You’re organizing family history in a way that’s accessible and lasting.

• You’re giving yourself permission to let go of some physical clutter, knowing the memory is still safe and accessible.

These backups serve as a bridge between generations and are a beautiful way to honor the people and moments that shaped us.

Take Action This Week

In honor of World Backup Day, I invite you to try this simple, meaningful activity:

1. Walk around your home and identify 3–5 special items.

2. Take clear, thoughtful photos of each item.

3. Write or record a short story for each—who it belonged to, what makes it special, and why it matters to you.

4. Upload your photos and stories to your FOREVER® account for permanent backup and easy access.

Bonus: Create a digital photo book, a slideshow, or even a printed keepsake book featuring these treasures and their stories. It’s a powerful gift for your family—and for yourself.

Let’s Keep the Memories Safe

So, what will you back up this week? I’d love to hear what treasures you’re preserving or help you get started if you’re not sure how.

Your memories matter. Let’s make sure they’re protected—not just this week, but for generations to come. From digitizing heirlooms to backing up family treasures, every step you take makes your story more secure.

P.S. Want some inspiration and practical ideas? Join us for our special World Backup Day edition of FOREVER Wherever on Monday, March 31st from 8:00–8:55pm ET (5pm PT, 6pm MT, 7pm CT). We’ll talk about why backups matter and how to make sure your memories—digital and physical—are safe.

Zoom Link: tinyurl.com/ForeverEducation