The day our children make their first scribbles with a crayon we begin collecting and storing their art and other keepsakes. Beginning in preschool the volume of children’s crafts, art projects and first handwriting efforts sent home increases dramatically. By elementary school, your child’s keepsakes can start to become overwhelming.
What keepsakes should we keep? Where and how should we store them all?
We recommend storing children’s keepsakes in a clear plastic file box. The Container Store has a great extra-large file tote box. Label the tote box with your child’s name and create a file folder for each grade, starting with preschool. These files will give you a year by year record for your child making it easy to pick out what you would like to include in a scrapbook.
How should we store large art pieces or fragile ceramic projects?
As your child brings schoolwork home, show them where to recycle paper they do not need. Take out items you would like to save and file them. File school and sports photos together with other schoolwork you are keeping. For those oversized art pieces, we like to use a large art portfolio. When you file these art pieces, note if they are labeled with name and date. We recommend cleaning out backpacks during all three-day weekends and holiday breaks.
The end of the school year is a good time to take a close look at what keepsakes you have saved. Lots of paper and projects come home at that time. Keep only the best samples of your child’s best work. Many parents like to display their child’s ceramics for a short time. Take a photo of pieces that you like, but which might be too awkward to store long term. This way you have a record and a memory of your child’s creation.
Storing keepsakes can cut into your available storage space. Store full bins on top shelves in closets, or in the garage. Active bins should be easily accessible. Some children love to hang on to their work. Others may not. Be mindful of how you and your child feel about keepsakes. Ultimately it will be your children who are storing these bins in their homes!