Should it stay or should it go?

Sounds like a Clash song in the making, huh? However it is nothing as cool as that. Rather it is going through every closet, drawer, box, shelf and nook and cranny to decide what to take with us to Japan and what to either leave here in storage or to give away.

When we first got back from our home finding trip in September Matt and I went through all the boxes in the attic and then each room to decide which furniture to take. At that point I thought we were done. Oh so wrong. While we are not leaving for another 57 days, all our belongings will be packed and on their way to Japan in 25 days. So I really need to spend the next few weeks getting everything sorted through. And that is no easy task.

Weeding through clothing that hasn't been worn in years (my husband is very guilty of this) or ditching clothing that does not fit is simple. But what about toys, items in closets that are "just in case" or seasonal, personal collections? How does one determine what should be boxed away to sit in a warehouse and pray nothing happens to need a home insurance claim or what should be given to Goodwill? Is it worth taking something that may be used for 6 months, when we will be gone 3 years? What memories do you take with you, what do you store? What about those few boxes that while opening them brings tears and heartache, just knowing they are close brings comfort?

How would you decide?