As much as we continue to go paperless in our home, with all of our awesome technology, it seems like we still have A LOT of paper! Whether it’s Birthday cards, precious artwork or sports certificates, all the memories need a place to go. The papers just keep on sneaking into my chaos free home. HA!
Years ago, I gave each of my kids a large Memory Box to hold their “stuff”. (Like their favorite blankie, stuffed animal(s), art work, trophies etc.)
Sterilite 28 Quart Clear Storage Box
These boxes have worked great! However, the one downside is that all of the paperwork was just being tossed into the boxes without any rhyme or reason. Meet my second installment of the Memory Box!
BAM! Now, each of my kids have a File {Memory Box}. And my childrens’ School Memory Books fit right in the front of their file boxes to easily label who’s box is who’s!
I’m giving myself a big pat on the back! 🙂
Here are examples of what I used all via Amazon, but you can find similar things at any office supply store.
Sterilite Storage File Box, 4-Pack
Smead Hanging File Folders, Letter, Assorted Primary Colors, 25 Per Box
Managing Memories – Kids’ Files
1-Create a Box.
This is where you place the PAPERS (pictures, artwork, certificates, ribbons, cards, etc.) that your child wants to keep long-term for a memory. Help your child decide what to save and how to choose wisely, and even do some of the deciding when they are not around. 🙂
2-File by Categories
Here were the categories I used.
Pictures
Cards (Holiday/Birthday)
Toddler
Preschool
Kinder
1st Grade – 12th Grade (one file for each)
Report Cards
Academic Awards
Athletic Awards
Sports
Drama
Birthdays
Artwork
3-Try to keep the Memory Box to only ONE.
The size I showed above may not be enough for your child, but really try to keep the size to a reasonable size. A four drawer file cabinet would be a little too much, in my opinion!
Happy Organizing!!!