Memory Binders

15 Comments

A couple of weeks ago I talked about how I organize the kids school papers and today I want to share you with how I save some of their special memories.   Using memory binders that I purchased from the dollar store, I save my kid’s special keepsakes for them in page protectors sorted by grade.  These binders are kept easily accessible in my office and throughout the year I can very quickly just put the keepsake papers/awards/notes/stories that they want to keep right into their binder.  Having one page protector sheet per school year helps us to really be selective and only keep the most favorites.

I also have a seperate one for my daughter’s piano certificates and awards.


For bigger keepsake items (special outfits, baby books, journals, art, etc) I keep one clear tote for each child in their closet.  The kid’s each have room for one more tote when these ones get full but that’s it!

Using the memory binders sorted by grade keeps everything organized nicely and the memory totes allows us a little space for the bigger things that the kid’s don’t want to part with.   This system forces us to put limits on what we keep which is a good thing because I don’t want to burden my kids with excess  when they are grown.  I always ask myself, is this my memory or the kids?  What we hang on to is what is important to them, not me.  Sure I guide them in their decision making but ultimately keeping what is of most value to them is what is most important to me.

Head on over to Shannon’s to see more helpful tips and tricks!!

15 Comments

  1. We don’t have children but I can see how great this idea would work!

    Don’t laugh but I just bought a binder to keep my pets (we have 5) records and info in. I just love binders! (o:

    Blessings,
    ~Mrs.B

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  4. I do the same things! I haven’t updated my kids’ binders for a long time. Thanks for the reminder!

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  6. I’m so glad you posted this! I was just thinking today how I really should take the time this summer to organize all their school stacks stuffed in drawers.

    I also need to create a system before a new school year hits so I don’t end up with the same crammed drawer. 🙂

    I will definately consider how this can work for me!!!! Thanks!!

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  8. Hey Laura! Great minds think a like 🙂 I’ve used the binder method for years. I save everything, like you mentioned, including my kids first oral reports, our annual family Christmas letters, any special certificate, soccer pix, school pix.
    And … I use the WHITE inexpensive binders from Costco and the kids artwork goes on the outside.
    I may do a post on this some day. But what does it have to do with hospitality? HA.
    Come on over and WIN!!!
    Sandy
    For Reluctant Entertainers

    Reply

  9. Great idea! I am going to get a binder for my menu plans so that I can track all the hits and misses in my menus

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  12. Great idea. I want to get the kids’ past school stuff organized before school starts so we can start fresh with the new school year. I’ll definitely be going to the dollar store to find some binders.

    Reply
  14. Pingback: I’m an Organizing Junkie » Taming the school clutter…again

  15. I would love to read more details and see more pictures. Everything I’ve read here so far is too vague to be really helpful.

    Reply

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