How to Organize Kids School Papers (for Good!)
Last Updated on July 19, 2020 by Alicia Michelle
Do you need a simple system to organize kids school papers?
What if I told you that you could get rid of those stacks (and all the guilt that goes with them) forever?
Thousands of moms love this method for organizing kids school papers… and I know you’re going to love it too!
Let me show you an easy way to keep kids school papers organized now (without the crazy piles) and preserved for years to come (in one central place)!
(happy dance!)
This simple system–known as the My Memory Box: Kids School Paper Organizing System–is easy to set up and basically runs itself once it's in place.
Why Is the My Memory Box System So Effective?
- One easily organized, central location for ALL your children's artwork
- One file folder for each child's school year from Toddler to 12th grade
- Record fun facts about your child at that age (favorite book, activities, friends–even their signature!) on the front of each year's folder
- Easily store small memorabilia (awards, ribbons, memory books) all in one place with artwork and papers
- Papers are organized as they come into your house (no more piles!)
- No big pile of papers to sort at the end of the year!
- No more losing awards, artwork or other special papers
- Create a customized precious keepsake for your child's entire school experience
- Once it's assembled, it's done! No need to make a new binder or scrapbook each year! Easy peasy!
And the best part? I've done all the work for you!
Ok… well… most of the work. 🙂 All that's left for you to do is to download the printable, print off the papers, and cut and assemble.
Ready to get started?
Here's where you can purchase and download your My Memory Box files.
Still not sure? No worries… let me tell you more about how it works (and how I–and thousands of other moms like you–now have freedom from the paper stacks and the guilt)!
My Story About My Paper Stack (I Know You Can Relate!)
Just so you know I've been there, I have to share my story.
For months a mounting pile of papers (which I’d dubbed “The Stack”) had not only taken over part of my schoolroom desk, but had spread across the floor.
The worst part about The Stack wasn't the mess itself. Oh no.
The part I hated about him the most? The Stack mocked me.
The Stack reminded me of all the cute adorable papers sitting there (papers from my kids that I placed there).
He reminded me that those papers were priceless and that I should be doing something with them (oooh… mom guilt!).
And THEN, he laughed at me becausehe knew that I had no idea what to do with them all.
(Mom guilt and guilt from being unorganized! He was relentless!)
But one day, I took a long look at him and realized that, really, all I needed was one great plan to kick him out of our home for good.
And that plan became the method I'm sharing about here–the highly popular My Memory Box: Kids School Paper Organizing System!
I want you to see for yourself how the power of the “My Memory Box” plan that finally brought order to the school paper chaos!
Why This Simple Way to Organize Kids School Papers Is So Amazing
Why is My Memory Box so awesome?
Because My Memory Box is a customizable, ongoing way to not only get organized but to keep the papers organized.
Yes! You will organize your current stack of kids school papers… and then you'll have a system for what to do with future precious school papers your kids will create!
And we all know that having a system is the key to winning any battle, right?!
Here's how it works.
What Does This School Memory Box System Include?
The “My Memory Box” System Includes Four Sets of the Following Items:
- (1) 8.5 x 11” “My Memory Box” Box Label
- (15) 3.5 x 5” (approx.) Folder Labels, one for each age/grade from toddler to twelfth grade
- (15) 2.25 x .5” File Folder Tabs, one for each age/grade from toddler to twelfth grade
Each of these items are in four different colors: orange, pink, blue and green so you can personalize your boxes for each child.
That means that YES, you only need to buy ONE SET for your whole family!
Can you imagine having ALL of your kids precious artwork and important school papers all stored away in one place?! And then having a place for all those other papers in the future?
Wouldn't that be amazing?!
You can have this freedom–right now!
Go here now to purchase this digital download (you'll get instant access!).
Grab the “My Memory Box” download…
Then come back here so I can show you how to use the system (it's really easy)!
How to Use the My Memory Box: Kids School Paper Organizing System
The system is super easy to use!
Supplies Needed for Your School Memory Box:
Along with the printables, you'll also need per child:
- 1 plastic file folder box (I like this one), with a lid and an inside lip in which to hang letter-sized folders. This silver/clear one is good because you can see inside.
- 15 letter-sized hanging file folders with corresponding plastic tabs
- Glue sticks
- Scissors and/or a 12-inch paper trimmer
STEP 1: Print off the papers in the kit, one set for each of your children.
The kit includes sets in four different colors–pink, blue, green and orange (not pictured).
STEP 2: Using a paper trimmer or good scissors, cut out each of the Folder Labels and the File Folder Tabs.
I love all of the information that you can include on each of the folder labels: favorite things to do, favorite book, sports/activities, closest friends, and an area for the child to put his/her signature.
STEP 3: Glue the Folder Labels to the outside front of the hanging file folders (one label per file).
You can leave space on the front of the file folder to attach a picture of the child in each corresponding grade if you prefer.
I enlisted a helper to make the job go faster.
STEP 4: Insert the File Folder Tabs (one at a time) into the plastic tabs.
Attach the plastic tabs to the folders.
STEP 5: Write your child’s name on the 8.5 x 11” “My Memory Box: Kids School Paper Organizing System” Box Label.
Glue it to the front of the box.
STEP 6: Arrange and hang the folders inside the plastic box.
STEP 7: As you child completes his/her awesome work that you want to save, add it to the files!
That’s it! You’ll have an easy way to treasure their favorite school memories, art projects, certificates, awards and other keepsakes from their toddler through teen years!
I told you–super easy, right?
And best of all? NO. MORE. MOM. GUILT.
And a FANTASTIC new system for organizing school papers now… and for years to come!
Still need more info? Here's more nitty gritty about the My Memory Box system.
Get Your Copy of the My Memory Box: Kids School Paper Organizing System
You can ONLY purchase My Memory Box through Your Vibrant Family… and it's only $19.99!
Yes, only $19.99! Seriously!
Again, you'll get FOUR sets of the following items:
(1) 8.5 x 11” “My Memory Box” Box Label
(15) 3.5 x 5” (approx.) Folder Labels, one for each age/grade from toddler to twelfth grade
(15) 2.25 x .5” File Folder Tabs, one for each age/grade from toddler to twelfth grade
Each of these items are in four different colors: orange, pink, blue and green so you can personalize your boxes for each child.
Along with the printables listed above, you’ll also need (per child):
- 1 plastic file folder box (I like this one), with a lid and an inside lip in which to hang letter-sized folders. This silver/clear one is good because you can see inside.
- 15 letter-sized hanging file folders with corresponding plastic tabs
- Glue sticks
- Scissors and/or a 12-inch paper trimmer
Note: These items are NOT part of the system and you will need to provide your own.
Download your copy of this awesome “My Memory Box: Kids School Paper Organizing System” now!
Nice blog,
Thanks for sharing this excellent blog.
Keep blogging!!!
Montessori schools in Vellore
Kidscastle School Vellore
Wonderful, Kearney! Yes, getting the school papers organized into an easy system that works year after year makes such a difference! I’m excited for you to come back at the end of the school year to get started on organizing!
I need to go back and par down my children’s boxes to this! I saved *everything*…I mean ev-ery-thing! Each year I put large labels on clear storage boxes with the start date, child’s name, school year, etc, and threw all their artwork, writings, projects, report cards, notes, etc in each box. At the end of the school year or summer, I write the “end date”, put the lid on them, and the boxes go up to the attic. Luckily, I have a large attic, but I just don’t need so much of their stuff and want to just save the standouts. Really great idea! I’ll be back once at the end of this school year to get started 🙂
It really is! Finding a way to organize all the various documents that add up with homeschooling honestly is such a relief because it truly can get quite chaotic, very quickly!
Awesome! Glad you find it helpful! Finding a method to keep school papers organized is huge! Have a great day!
I love this idea! What a great way to keep all the originals organized and nice and neat. My organization with papers tends to end up with me scanning the paper in to keep it digital, but this is an awesome idea for the keeping the originals!
Hi there! YES, I actually have four boxes because I have four kids! I have a few ideas. You can find a corner in a room (for us it’s our schoolroom) where there’s space and stack them vertically. Or you could hide them in a closet (stacked vertically or on top of a shelf). Or, you could put one in each child’s room somewhere. Or of course there’s the garage. But I prefer to keep them fairly front and center so that I don’t forget about them and so I don’t let things pile up. Great question… thanks for asking!
Hello! Great idea, but was wondering if there were any clever ideas for storing the boxes? What if you have three boxes? Any way to mask it into the decor? Thanks!
Hi Chrissy! The box we use for the My Memory Box system printables is this one: http://amzn.to/2cFygwM It fits these letter-sized hanging file folders: http://amzn.to/2cGzhY7 and because the box is clear, you can see inside. When you purchase the printable download, the Amazon links to the supplies are included so that you can order those as well. 🙂 Hope that’s helpful!
I’ve been thinking about starting this for my daughter. How big is the box you use? I know they come in different sizes, and I just can’t decide which would be best. Thanks!
Yay! Thank you so much! I’m glad it’s helpful!!
Holy cow I’m obsessed!!! I love this idea! My daughter is 3 and I’m already overwhelmed with how to keep them all safe until I have time to put them in a book and everything. And then trying to decide what to keep what not to, its just overwhelming ha. This gives me that sigh of relief feeling so thank you. Awesome job!
Both ideas are great 🙂
Hi Jennifer! I store my bins in a corner of our schoolroom, but your could store them in a closet or somewhere else out of the way. In terms of papers that are too big… we either (carefully) fold them in half, or we take a picture of them and put the picture in the box.
Hope that’s helpful!
I love this idea, but I have two questions:
1) Where do you store your bins?
2) What do you do with the papers that are too large for the bin?
Thanks ahead of time!
Yay! Excited for you, Jillian, to start off your son’s school years as being organized in this area! And congrats on having a kindergartner!
Wonderful! I’m so excited for you to get organized, Allison! And you’re right–what a great gift idea for a friend or loved one who has a child about to start school!
This is so cool!!!! My son is about to start kindergarten and I cannot wait for all the little things he makes. I will let you
I love this!! Just purchased it! I am using for all of my kiddos and I am making one for my sister! It’s a perfect gift for my nephew when he starts preschool!! 🙂
Yay! Thank you, Adrian! Thank you for sharing at your party!
This is great. I’ve added it to my Family Fun Friday link party. I needed some good organizing posts to feature for next week and this would be perfect.
Yay! I love the idea of having the kids decorate their bin! Happy organizing (and crafting!)! Enjoy!
Thanks!! I was just looking at all the hoarded crafts, papers etc brought home by my LO and feeling overwhelmed. Headed to the store today to get supplies. Since we will have 2 starting preschool in the fall I def want to get organized. Planning to let them decorate/stickers x1000 the outside of their bin! Thanks for the idea!! LOVE LOVE LOVE
Hi Kati! Thanks for asking! Here’s the list of supplies needed (along with the “My Memory Box” printable):
• 1 plastic file folder box (I like this one), with a lid and an inside lip in which to hang letter-sized folders. This silver/clear one is good because you can see inside: amzn.to/1TmgeBx
• 15 letter-sized hanging file folders with corresponding plastic tabs: amzn.to/1TmgqAL
• Glue sticks
• Scissors and/or a 12-inch paper trimmer: amzn.to/1RlgIBA
Enjoy and happy organizing!
Alicia
I know this is an older blog, but do you remember what brand the container/lid were?
Awesome, Charlene! I’m excited for you to give it a try!
Awesome, Rebecca! I hope you get a chance to check out the printable! Have a great day!
What a great idea! My kids’ school stuff is an epic disaster and currently just chucked onto a Rubbermaid tote. This is such a better way. Thanks for sharing!
This is a wonderful idea. I will have to do it for sure with my kids things. This will be fun to look back when they are older.
Thank you, Kristie!
Looks like a great system! Thanks so much for sharing!!!
Awesome! I’m glad you like the idea! We have to keep all the papers for our homeschool charter as well. Here’s what I do: After each time we meet with our advisor, I grab those papers or artwork that we’d like to keep as treasures for the box. I’m not sure how it’s set up for you, but we have to give them a sample from that time period from each subject, so we’re left with a lot of materials that we can keep ourselves or discard. Anyway… food for thought for how it could work for you in your situation! Blessings!
Hi Deanna! Thank you! I’m glad you found the organizing kids school papers post helpful! And I’m glad you’re finding lots of encouragement and ideas at Your Vibrant Family! Have a great day.
Thank you, Chris! I’m glad to share!
Hi Marilyn! Thank you so much for sharing your story. I know that it’s hard to think about organizing all of those papers… been there! I hope this system can be helpful for you!
Ha, ha, Sue!! I also can’t stand paper stacking. Thank you for sharing!
This is sooo cute! We homeschool and have to keep everything they have done for legal reasons to prove we did do school. However, if I had my kids in public or private school I would totally take on this idea. Love it!
It’s too late! My kids are grown but I do hate paper stacking! (see insta photo today…) (Working on a retreat speaking talk…paper paper) Your kids are blessed. Just sayin’
I need to finally sit down and do this. I have a fridge, front and back door and two drawers full of my granddaughters papers and she is only 7! Thank ypu for sharing at #overthemoon. I wouldlove for you to link up at Thursday Favorite Things also!
Nice idea!!
Thanks for sharing at Funtastic Friday!
I was just thinking yesterday how I need a system for all of my daughter’s artwork. She hasn’t even started school yet and I have a box full.
I really like that your daughter helped you make this too. What a great activity for you two to do together. <3 it!!
Thanks for sharing with Everything Kids Link & Pin Party. We hope you share with us next week too! Your blog is full of fantastic ideas!!
Hi Morgan! Awesome! I hope this system helps you!
Thank you, Renee! Oh, it is so hard to go through those things, isn’t it? So, so bittersweet. Mine oldest is 13 and I can’t even imagine what I’ll feel when he’s 18!
Thank you, Emma!
I love this – wish I had thought of it sooner! Thanks for sharing at the Thoughtful Spot!
This is a great idea for keeping those priceless treasures from our children. My oldest is 18 and has graduated High School. It warms my heart and brings tears to my eyes when I look through the things he made when he was a little one.
This is so great! My son is 20 months and just starting to “create” things I would want ot keep and I’ve been at a loss as to how to do it.
Kimberlee, thank you so much! I have found this to be the only way that has worked for us over the years. You could always go back and organize it like this if you wanted to. I had to do that with some of my older kids when we started the system. I appreciate the share!
Thank you, Christia! I’m glad to share and hope it helps many people!
This is the same method I use. It is genius. Thank you for sharing at Faith Filled Parenting. So helpful.
This is a great idea – wish I would have found it and started it years ago as my oldest is now a senior and the other 2 are freshmen in high school. I have their things in a storage box but it is not labeled and organized – just kind of thrown in there and the boxes are in their closets. Pinned this to share with others.
LOL, Nicole! I totally get it. Once you’ve got it set up though, it really does run itself. Have an awesome day!
Great idea! Now I just need to find the time to do all of this 🙂 Found your post at the Faith Filled Parenting Linkup
Awesome, Shecki! That’s a great idea. Thanks for sharing!
A friend of mine did this system on her blog a couple years back, and I modified it to store pictures of my kids, instead of schoolwork. I have the same box with a folder for each child, and all their studio portraits are inside.
Thank you!
Hi there! Thank you so much for letting me know! We tried to catch as many of these old links as we could when we did the site changeover, but this one must have slipped through! Thank you… they are updated now! 🙂
Hi! I tried the link to the pdfs, but it says “not found.” Is there a different link I could try?
Hi Stephanie! I got these filing boxes with lids at Staples. 🙂 I like them too because they have a little lip on the insides of the box so that they can hold the hanging files properly. In my previous attempts to try to organize school papers, I’d tried to use just a regular bin, and the hanging folders fell everywhere, which was super annoying!
I love this idea! I have a affection for the filing crates at Wal-Mart can you tell me where you got this filing box with the lid? Thanks!
Hi Esther! Thanks for the feedback! I think you and I are looking at this project in two separate ways… neither is wrong or right, just different. I designed the My Memory Box system to be something where you make the decision about whether or not to keep the paper *before* you put it in the box. It sounds like you’re saying you’d use the My Memory Box as a way to store *all* the papers and then you would choose your favorites at the end of the year. That would work too. I need to make myself purge *before* it goes in the box… otherwise I would just end up with another box full of papers that felt out-of-control and unorganized. 🙂
I would have done the labels by month. It will take forever to fill up by grade. And one grade folder will be overflowing. Do by month. Then at the end of the year decide keeper or not. Or take a picture of it or keep the real thing. Then transfer all the keepers to a box. Then startover for next year.