Gather Everything in One Place

To start, collect all your keepsakes from various drawers, closets, and storage bins. Bringing everything together allows you to see what you have. Otherwise, it’s easy to forget about meaningful items buried in different corners of your home.

Once everything is in front of you, take a moment to appreciate the memories each item holds. While this step may feel overwhelming, it’s also an opportunity to reconnect with your past.

Sort with Intention

Next, begin sorting your keepsakes into categories. For instance, you might separate them into:

Photos and Albums

Letters and Cards

Childhood or Family Heirlooms

Travel Souvenirs

Awards and Certificates

As you go through your items, ask yourself: Does this still bring me joy? If the memory is tied to a happy or meaningful moment, it’s worth keeping. However, if an item stirs up guilt, obligation, or negative emotions, consider letting it go.

Although it can be difficult, remind yourself that memories live in your heart, not just in physical objects.

Choose the Best Storage Solutions

After deciding what to keep, the next step is finding the right way to store everything. While some keepsakes deserve to be displayed, others are best stored in protective containers.

Here are some practical storage ideas:

Photo Boxes or Albums – Instead of keeping loose photos in shoeboxes, use archival-quality albums or labeled photo boxes.

Memory Bins – Designate a container for each family member’s sentimental items. A clear bin with a lid is a great option for keeping things organized yet visible.

Shadow Boxes – For special items like medals, baby shoes, or wedding keepsakes, a shadow box display allows you to enjoy them without taking up extra space.

Digital Backup – If you’re short on space, consider scanning old letters and photos. A document scanner helps preserve memories without adding clutter.

Although physical storage is important, digital options provide additional peace of mind in case anything gets lost or damaged. We have a blog you can check out on digital organizing if you’re looking for more.

 Label Everything Clearly

Once your keepsakes are sorted and stored, labeling becomes crucial. Without clear labels, you may forget what’s inside each box, leading to unnecessary rummaging later.

Using the right items can be key to keeping the integrity of your items for years to come. Selecting photo safe markers will help to label all those special moments. Labeling the boxes of what’s included in each storage bin will help you quickly find what you’re looking for. Sometimes using a color coding system can be a game changer when you have multiple people going in and out of these boxes.

By labeling everything, you’ll save yourself time and effort in the future.

Decide What to Display

Not all keepsakes belong in a box. Some deserve a special place in your home where you can appreciate them daily.

We love using these kid’s art frames that you can store several pictures or photos and quickly change them out. Hang a travel souvenir to see everyday. You can also use a small bowl, thoughtfully placed, with a couple of trinkets that hold meaning or use something meaningful as a paper weight in your office. 

Rather than hiding all your treasures away, choose a few favorites to showcase. This way, your memories remain a visible and joyful part of your space.

We also really love a display or gallery wall. Our friends over at Picturli do an incredible job blending your memorabilia and photos into beautiful displays. They also help scan and organize your items. We just love them. (they’re based in Los Angeles, but help all over the place!)

Set Boundaries for Future Keepsakes

As life continues, you’ll collect more sentimental items. Because of this, it’s important to create a system that prevents keepsakes from becoming cluttered again.

To stay organized, try limiting yourself to one memory bin per person. If it gets full, it’s time to sort through and remove what’s no longer meaningful  Review your collection once a year, so you can reassess and declutter your bin. We know it’s tough, but when you have limited space or want to keep things from getting out of hand, be selective about what needs to be saved. This is where scanning and digitizing your items can come in handy.

Although it’s tempting to hold onto everything, setting limits ensures your keepsakes remain intentional, not overwhelming.

 Keep What Matters, Let Go of the Rest

Ultimately, organizing your keepsakes is about striking a balance between cherishing the past and making space for the present. While every item may hold a memory, only a select few deserve a permanent place in your life.

By following these steps, you’ll transform your keepsakes from forgotten clutter into treasured memories that are easy to access and enjoy.

So, are you ready to organize your keepsakes? Start today, and create a system that honors your history without the mess! 

If you need a little help in the Los Angeles area, don’t hesitate to reach out!