It’s time for the kids to go back to school! Whether they’ll be in school physically this year or not, odds are you’ll have some school papers, artwork, achievements, and other memorabilia you’d like to save for them to commemorate this time. But how to do you do that in an organized, orderly fashion without leaving piles of school papers all over the place? Make a memory box! Memory boxes are the perfect way to organize school papers and preserve them for the future. Plus, they’re simple and inexpensive to make.
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Memory Box Supplies
To make a memory box for storing school papers, all you need is a large filing box and file folders (side note: I linked a 4 pack of boxes for reference, but Walmart or Staples have better prices, plus there are tons of options to get the look you’d like).
While it may tempt you to purchase a small filing box, resist the urge—purchase one that’s at least 18” long. By the time your child gets through her first year of preschool, you’ll thank me.
You’ll also want a minimum of 14 file folders, but a few extras could also come in handy depending on your preferences.
Label the Memory Box
When you’ve gathered your materials, you’ll want to label each folder. You can make your own choices here, but you’ll want one for each grade of school, then probably a few for the years before school. Whether your child attends preschool, the early folders will be great for crafts and coloring pages that you just can’t part with—like his first love note to his mommy. Make specific folders for special items such as school pictures, achievements, or report cards so they’re all together.
Write on the tabs with a fine sharpie or use a label maker for a consistent look. Regardless of how you label your folders, label them all now. It will only take a few minutes and your future self will thank you. You’ll also want to label the outside of the box, especially if you have more than one child.
Want more details on labeling? I’ve got you covered.
Be Picky about School Papers to Keep
Consider what’s worth keeping and what you can recycle. Hanging on to too much is never a good idea. Create rules for yourself and stick to them.
Not sure what to keep and what to toss? There’s a flowchart for that. See the details here.
File School Papers in the Memory Box
If your kiddo is still young, you’re now set up for her entire childhood. If your child is older and you’ve already got piles around the house, purge first, then file.
A Memory Box for School Papers
Now you’ve got a memory box (or several) that will serve your children for their entire school careers. Best of all, it’s all in one spot, making it easy to look through when you want to reminisce and easy to pass on when your kiddo has a home of his or her own.
How do you organize school papers your child brings home? Drop a comment below and let me know!
