How many times have you attempted the task of organizing your drawers, bags, boxes and piles of photos? Just the thought of doing this can be so overwhelming and mind blowing that we quit before we ever really get started.

Now, with a few simple steps, you can get your photos out of clutter and into order in some exciting and unique ways.

The first thing you need to do is set a goal for yourself. Do you want to go through and organize all of your photo memories? Or do you just want to get out last year’s family reunion photos?

Pick a goal that is realistic to the time you have available. In other words, do you want to clean out the cupboard, or do you just want to scrap last year’s reunion at the crop on Friday?

Your next step will be gathering supplies. Are you going to store your photos in boxes, envelopes, photo organizers or even an album planner?

There is nothing more frustrating than getting to the end of your task and realizing that you don’t have what you need to complete the job.

Now it’s time to start sorting and/or breaking down your task. If you are sorting though decades of photos, place them in boxes by years. If you are just sorting the family reunion, sort it chronologically.

Then go through and sort out each event that took place during the reunion. (ie: picnic, softball game, dance, etcetera) Give each event its own pile. If you are using an album planner, it will be easy to put things in pockets by actual layout.

Don’t forget to put your memorabilia with your photos. This system also allows for ease of storage, best visibility and accessibility.

If you choose a method that does not allow you to store you memorabilia with your photos, be sure to write a note to put with your photos about where you have stored your memorabilia.

Put your memorabilia in large manilaenvelopes with a corresponding label to the photos.

Finally, make your supplies and tools easy to get to and to find. Get the organizational system you need to make the best use of your time.

Tidy and organize your area as soon as you are finished with a layout or project so it doesn’t become daunting to go there the next time.