First up, the photo case.

For one client, I chose to devote one entire case to a certain kind of vacation their family took every year. For another client, I organized family memories per child: each of the client’s two children had their own family memory box.

The top of the boxes take labels really, really well, and each individual photo case clicks into a defined slot within the larger suitcase, so things don’t jostle around. It’s so easy to put back.

The happy thing is when this task is done, anyone can take out what they want at any time and put it back.

WHERE TO BUY THESE BOXES:

You can get them at most craft stores.

If you’re sad about JoAnn’s closing, now is the perfect time to run to the store and grab them a bunch. They go 50% off at Michael’s regularly: wait until they’re a good deal.

If you’re into color, you can also get these rainbow versions!

I like these from Amazon, especially as they are Made in America.

BONUS: You can find these individual cases without the larger case on amazon. This is good for photos you want to store in other large cases (see below) and you can keep the rest for other organization, like car organization or travel hacks like these (link outside reels & other organizer ideas).

OPTION TWO: MEMORY BOXES

What do you do with photos that are funky sizes? Maybe that huge souvenier photo from the theme park, 5x7s, or those panoramic-style photos?

I love a memory box to store funky sizes AND other oddball sizes of memories.

Things I’ve put in a memory box

• Newspaper Clippings
• Funeral Programs
• Engraved Nameplate
• Love Letters
• Funky-Sized Photos

Grab a few for a cohesive look!

One of my clients calls herself the “memory keeper” for her family. She has the archives! So we made a photo box for her parents and her husbands parents, so that their children can easily open up a box and learn about their family history. We also made a box for her and her husband’s early courtship & marriage, as well as a memory box for each kid.

My favorites are the sugar paper box (you can get at Target). Hobby Lobby’s photo memory boxes. Hobby Lobby’s comes in White, Kraft Paper (brown), and Black.

NUMBER 3: Traditional File Storage Boxes

If you’re more of a cozy person, you may love the feeling of flipping through your photos in a box. The same principles apply as the plastic suitcases above!! You’ll want to DIY your own system here!

Start by grabbing a photo box like this from michaels or hobby lobby. Think of something you’d be happy displaying.

You’re going to separate your photos by category that matters to you: person, place, year, etc.

Then, once you’ve made your categories, nest them in a photo box and use index cards like THESE to separate them out. If you’re in a pinch, you can cut manilla envelopes to size. I warn you, it’s a bit tedious.

I would recommend this solution if

1. you’re looking for a final stop to your photo process
2. you don’t particularly love plastic (because otherwise the photo bins give you excellent visibility)
3. you want to have your boxes neatly & happily displayed for safekeeping
4. You have a limited number of photos.

NUMBER FOUR: MEMORIES FOR STORAGE

Saving one of the best for last. This is for you, empty nesters!!!

What do you do with all of your children’s memories?

One of my clients told her children they can each have two boxes stored in her home. One day, as they settle into more permanent addresses, they can take the boxes into their own house, packed and ready to go.

Of course, how large of a bin you choose depends on your family size, but I love THIS SIZE from Sterlite.

The latching lid makes it easy easy easy to move around without everything falling out, and you wouldn’t believe how much this low-rise bin can hold. Last week I literally fit a child’s Toy Story toy into it.

It allows you to see what’s inside and lay out lots of memories like school notebooks, childhood awards, photos, teenage journals, old craft projects, t-shirts, and more!

If you’re worried about decay, always look for a “weathertight” version of any storage. This helps protect from mold and general outdoor ick.