Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Resting Things
What is Resting Things?
Resting Things is a digital sanctuary where people create memorials for cherished objects that have been lost, broken, stolen, or left behind. It's a place to share the story of an object that mattered to you — a childhood toy, a family heirloom, a first car — and to find community with others who understand that things can carry deep meaning. Think of it as an obituary column, but for beloved possessions.
How do I create a memorial for a lost object?
Click the 'Add a memory' button at the top of the page. You'll walk through a short guided form: give your object a name, choose a category, upload a photo if you have one, and write your story. You can save a draft at any time and come back later. Once you're happy, hit Publish — your memorial will be visible to the whole community.
Can I memorialize something that was stolen or lost, not just broken?
Absolutely. Resting Things is for any object that is no longer with you — whether it was lost in a move, stolen, given away, destroyed, discontinued, or simply worn out beyond repair. The reason it's gone matters less than the story of what it meant to you.
Is Resting Things free to use?
Yes, Resting Things is completely free to use. You can create as many memorials as you like, browse the community's memories, leave tributes, and write comments at no cost. There are no hidden fees or subscriptions.
What kinds of objects do people memorialize on Resting Things?
All kinds — childhood toys, family heirlooms, musical instruments, beloved vehicles, broken electronics, discontinued food products, lost jewelry, worn-out tools, vintage clothing, and more. If an object held meaning for you, it belongs here. Some memorials are funny, some are heartbreaking, and many are both.
How is Resting Things different from a photo album or social media?
Photo albums are archives; Resting Things is a place of meaning. Social media is built around people and their present lives; Resting Things is built around objects and their stories. Memorials here are permanent, narrative-first tributes — focused on the object's history, what it meant, and why its loss matters. The community responds with tributes, not likes.
Can I share a memorial with friends and family?
Yes. Every memorial has its own URL that you can copy and share anywhere — in a group chat, by email, or on social media. If you'd rather not have the memorial appear publicly in the Browse feed, you can set it to 'Unlisted' so only people with the link can find it. Private memorials are visible only to you.
Who can see my memorial?
It depends on your privacy setting. Public memorials appear in the Browse feed and are discoverable by everyone. Unlisted memorials are accessible only to people who have the direct link. Private memorials are visible only to you when you're logged in. You can change the privacy setting at any time by editing your memorial.
