With 4 kids to save stuff for, there is major clutter potential. Here’s how I keep school work, report cards, awards, etc. under control:
More accordion files! Get one for each kid and clearly label it or fancy it up however you want. Here’s Macy’s:
Label each tab with a year in school.
Put the important/save worthy work in the corresponding section.
It works for stuff other than papers, too. Here we have a CD of Macy’s orchestra concert from last year (which no one is ever *really* going to want to listen to):
and some medals:
For bigger projects that just won’t fit, like a giant Native American dwelling diorama, we take pictures and print them and file those instead.
We also have sections in the back for team pictures from sports and church/scout awards.
And speaking of school work….Guess who else got 100% on a district math test!
Looks like nerdypants-ness runs in the family. I’m so proud!
![](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CN6KiiVZYlI/TeaAybrWbsI/AAAAAAAAM0s/JiS3YLmK4dU/pyp_button1%252520%2525282%252529.jpg")
![](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JN1bzpu-xdY/ToZQk-FwNmI/AAAAAAAANbo/wAjpPs9eThA/Plum_Banners_250_250_V4_D1.jpg")
congrats, Keller! and sweet acordian files, Char.
I love your idea! I've been throwing everything into a rubbermaid tote and it is just NOT working for me. I think the cuteness factor of yours is what I love most!
Yay Keller!
So far, Kyle's come home with an AMAZING binder at the end of each school year that was put together by the room moms. The teacher has a file box with a folder for each child and they save the good stuff throughout the year. They then put everything into individual page protectors, decorate the front of the binder WAY cute and add in any pictures that were taken throughout the school year. I'm so grateful for those! I then just add in the few things I've kept that year as well.
LOVE your idea of taking pictures of things too big to keep. Never thought of it. Thanks for the great idea!
I'm LOVING your ideas and I'm always a big fan of your wit! I have copied your ideas to add to my file of – things I should do when I'm ready to be organized – plus I'm sharing your blog with my organized sister – she will be impressed! Thanks again!
Where did you find those adorable boxes?
cindi.mcgrath@gmail.com
I LOVE THIS! I was starting to feel like a hoarder with all of my 4 kids' school work! That's the perfect way to organize it. Why didn't I think of that?
This idea is GENIUS!
Now that is a great idea for keeping kids treasured work/awards gonna try and get organised myself thanks for sharing
I love this idea. I homeschool and would like to keep some of my kids papers but with 6 kids it gets a little out of hand. I am gonna have to try this. Thanks for the great idea!! Love your blog btw!
You have become the most incredible person on my list..what a GREAT idea…I cannot wait to get that file going….I am sure my girls will fill right up!!! Thank you soooo much!!
Thank you for the organization tips. I am planning to buy some accordion files and get started.
What a great idea! I'm totally stealing this one!LOL! I always tell my kids that "nerds run the world!" and that one day the "cool kids will call you BOSS!"
Love this idea! I am running with ithttp://princesscocograce.blogspot.com/2010/01/wow-why-didnt-i-think-of-that.html! Gave you kuddos on my blog!
This is GREAT!!! I am buying one, or four actually, today. Thanks
I just found your blog a few days ago…and I am in LOVE with your organization!! I want to rush out right now and get fancy file folders for the whole familly, haha, thanks
I just found your blog a few days ago…and I am in LOVE with your organization!! I want to rush out right now and get fancy file folders for the whole familly, haha, thanks
Just came across this! Absolutely fab-u-lous idea. Just shared the link with my niece you was asking for ideas on how to organize her kid's school stuff!
This is awesome! I have wanted to make a banker box/file cabinet of thing my kids have done, but seeing as we are still in an apartment, it’s not that easy.
I have scanned pictures of their art if I can’t keep it. That way I have it on my computer & I can print it out & put in their file of things to save!