Solutions for Photo Clutter

It’s a new year, and a great time to take stock of all the photos you have accumulated over the last year. This is especially important at this time of year because, right after the holidays, most of us have an explosion of new pictures! Since I only order pictures about once a year, there are usually about 200 of them to sort through.

What I like to do is sit down with all my photos and three baskets. Each basket has a number. Number one is for pictures that I absolutely want displayed somewhere. Number two is for photos that I want to go in special albums, and number three is my “extras” basket – this is where I put pictures that I felt I had to order (you know how hard it is to throw out pictures of your kids), but don’t necessarily need to be on display. When basket one starts to fill up, and believe me, it will, you can go through that pile again (it’s fun to look through the best-ofs over and over anyway), and move some pictures to basket two.

Here are some additional tips and ideas for not letting a pile up of pictures take over your life and threaten your sanity.

Your Photos as Décor – Use the very best photos as décor in your home and at the office. Frames are an obvious choice, but there are also more whimsical display options, like this topiary picture holder. It’s so easy to use, and a great one to put in the hallway or next to your desk, for an instant dose of happiness anytime. You can also make a ribbon striped bulletin board which serves the same purpose, and is very easy to make (hint: google “diy ribbon board” and pick your project!

Store photos beautifully – I love these wooden photo album boxes. You can display some photos on the outside, and then put your best-of pictures on the inside. This is a fun way to celebrate a special vacation you took, for example, a picture of the Eiffel Tower on the outside, and your European vacation photos on the inside!

Have a Basket 4 Handy – This is a tip for moms. You know how hard it is to throw away pictures of your kids, even if you have three of the same shot with just a slightly different smile but they were all oh-so cute! Basket four is for give-away. You will feel better not throwing them out, and the grandparents will absolutely love them.