Tips for storing all the schoolwork
School is out for summer, but what do we do with all this schoolwork the kids have brought home? People often think because I’m a professional organizer, I’m not sentimental and I want everyone to throw every little thing away. That’s actually not true.
I keep exactly what I need and nothing more, but that happens to include some cherished memorabilia and some of my most treasured school projects from elementary and junior high school.
HOW TO SAVE ONLY THE SPECTACULAR
When I’m working with families who are struggling with the vast amount of paperwork, artwork and projects that creep into their homes, I try to get them to keep in mind the reason they are saving the schoolwork, which is to ultimately give the items to their children when they move out on their own.
They can expect their children’s reaction to be less than ecstatic if they arrive at their door with six plastic containers of scribbled artwork and binders full of class notes. Instead, save memories by taking pictures of bulky projects.
Maybe a small silver lining to the stints of home schooling this past year and a half is the reduction in paper coming out of backpacks. Kids have been learning virtually and electronically. I’ve heard of oral presentations using Zoom and PowerPoint projects on a variety of topics, even at the elementary school level. It’s a great way to reduce the amount of physical memorabilia to store.
ORGANIZING PRO METHODS
I always recommend a file box for each child in a different colour — well labelled, of course. Go ahead and let them decorate the boxes. Install hanging file folders labelled from primary to Grade 12 and store report cards, extra school photos, awards and certificates of achievement.
It’s convenient and easy to use and maintain.
Make sure to take time to date and identify the author/ artist. I have helped so many families go through schoolwork and, frustratingly, they have no idea which kid did what and at what age. Sit down with your child at the end of every school year and sort through their schoolwork, keeping only the pieces they are most proud of.
It often surprises a parent what the kids want to keep and what they’re happy to get rid of. Let them guide the process. After all, they’ll be the ones looking back fondly on these items.
Do this quick organizing project during the summer, when memories are fresh and kids are in the mood to shake off this past year’s work. Get familiar with that happy medium between keeping for sentimentality but purging for practicality. Save the spectacular items and make room for next year’s treasures and masterpieces.
Lisa Macdonald-Faulkner has been a professional organizer in HRM for almost a decade. She is passionate about helping people clear the clutter and get aboard the organized train. Connect with her about premove purges, estate organizing and your dusty boxes.