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How to Store Kids’ Schoolwork and Artwork: The Organised Mom Life

As a parent, you often find yourself overwhelmed by the sheer volume of your children’s schoolwork and artwork. From charming finger paintings to carefully crafted essays, each piece is a snapshot of their growth and creativity. But without a proper storage solution, these treasured items can quickly become clutter. Here are some practical and stylish ways to keep your child’s schoolwork and artwork organised, ensuring you can cherish each memory without the chaos.

1. Curate a Display Area

Before diving into storage solutions, consider setting up a display area in your home. This could be a dedicated wall or bulletin board where you can showcase your child’s most recent masterpieces. Rotating the artwork regularly keeps the display fresh and allows your child to feel valued. Hang up their latest creations using washi tape or clips on a string – it’s a fun and flexible way to encourage their artistic expression.

2. Create a Filing System

For those pieces of schoolwork that don’t make it to the display area, a filing system is essential. Use a three-ring binder with plastic sheet protectors to store important documents and artwork. This method keeps everything tidy and easy to flip through when you want to reminisce. Consider categorising the binder by year or by subject (art, writing, etc.), making it straightforward to find specific pieces in the future.

Bonus Tip: Label Everything

Labels are your best friend in organisation! Use a label maker or simple paper labels to indicate the contents of each binder or folder. Not only does this save time when searching for items, but it also aids your children in taking responsibility for their own work as they grow older.

3. Digital Archives

In today’s digital age, going paperless is a fantastic option. Take photos or scan your child’s schoolwork and artwork to create a digital archive. Many apps can help with this process, allowing you to organise images into collections based on the year or specific milestones. Not only does this save physical space, but it also allows for easy sharing with family members who might live far away.

A Digital Photo Book

Once you’ve accumulated a collection of digital images, consider creating a digital photo book. Many online services offer easy templates for designing personalised books, which can make wonderful keepsakes. This way, you can preserve all your child’s work without storing all the paper.

4. Use Storage Boxes Wisely

Invest in a set of decorative storage boxes or bins. Designate one box for each child, and encourage them to choose which pieces to save. This process not only teaches them to discern value but also allows them to take ownership of their work. Each box can include a selection of their favourite artworks, accomplishments, and other significant pieces from the school year.

Seasonal Review

Make it a habit to review the contents of these boxes at the end of each school year. Together, pick out a few items to keep and, if you’re comfortable, consider discarding others. This not only helps keep clutter down but also reinforces the importance of quality over quantity.

5. Art Portfolio

For those budding artists, an artist portfolio can be a great way to store and showcase larger pieces of artwork. These portfolios can house everything from drawings to paintings without damaging the artwork—a perfect way to keep them safe and in good condition. Encourage your child to have their own portfolio where they can feel proud to store their best work.

6. Get Crafty with Re-purposing

Consider finding creative ways to repurpose your child’s artwork. For instance, you could create greeting cards for family and friends using their drawings or turn them into wrapping paper for special occasions. This not only reduces clutter but also gives their artwork another life.

Conclusion

Storing your children’s schoolwork and artwork doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. By establishing a thoughtful organisation system, you can manage the influx of creations while still honouring your child’s creativity. Remember, the aim is to celebrate their milestones without getting buried in piles of paper. With these strategies, you’ll create a balance between preservation and decluttering, ensuring that every treasured piece is a cherished part of your family’s history. Embrace the organised mum life – it’s all about finding joy in the journey of motherhood.