Organization, ugh!

Careful Organization and Planning Helps Preserve your Favorite Photos

Photos are the best way to preserve memories and relive favorite past moments. Even thought we have Instagram and Facebook posting reminders of past photos, we still need to keep track of our digital and physical prints. However, they can also become a cluttered mess without an organized storage plan. Probably the most important tool to have when you begin your photo organization project is a trash can, lol. Statistics show the average person develops approx. 24 pictures a month but only three are worth keeping. That being said, you’ll probably find many photos in your collection that simply aren’t worth keeping.

Another tool you’ll need during your organization process is several manila envelopes. Do your best to sort the photos by year, and place each group in the envelope with the year clearly marked on it. Place these envelopes in a strong cardboard box or storage bin. You’ll probably be able to store a decade’s worth of photos in a single container.

Collages and shadow boxes are great ways to display several photos from a selected year. Include mementos and keepsakes in the shadowbox to add a unique personality. Special photos should be enlarged and framed to be displayed around your home.

Take special care to purchase photo albums that are made with acid-free paper. The acid used in processing everyday paper can be very damaging to photographs over the long haul.

Scrapbooking is a growing trend thanks to Michaels, and a clever and creative way to display your photos. Craft stores have an abundance of scrapbook supplies, including stencils, decorative scissors, background papers, rubber stamps and permanent markers. You can also utilize everyday items around your house such as ribbons, magazine clippings, and fabrics. Again, take care to ensure that the paper you use is acid-free or is displayed separately from your favorite photos.

Lastly, I would download an app that help you store digital photos and even print your photos on demand. I'm sure most of us shoot digital so this would be the most convenient solution. I recently use Shutterfly to print some of my favorite pic that have been on my phone for over a year now. The best part is that once you have the digital files saved you can print out custom gifts, books, cards, calendars and even blankets!