How to Declutter and Organize Your Family Photos

[@kmcherni1]

I have been stressing and actually felt overwhelmed when starting to go through all my pictures. There were so many duplicates after my parents passed away. The wonderful thing is that now I had photos of past generations. I felt that these needed to be identified and recorded so that the next generation could learn their family history from them. Your video has been extremely helpful.

[@DeclutterinMinutes]

I totally understand, Karen! Sometimes we set these high expectations for organizing and decluttering projects when all we really need to do is gather up what we have and safely store them. Great job doing this part! You can still do family history however, sorting through pictures with our children and grandchildren is a fun rainy day project to do on an afternoon together. You don't need to do them all, just some. And, as you sort you can share stories of who, what, and where! I see a new tradition in your future.

[@kathyselbo8926]

Such a great video of how to preserve memories in organized ways. I love the idea of thinking about it as a treat not a chore! So important. One thing I love are photo calendars. My daughter in law has been making one for me every year and I love to see her family who lives so far away. Also, since it changes monthly I never tire of it. Also, putting pictures on mugs and puzzles is another way to relive memories.

[@DeclutterinMinutes]

Oh, I love this idea! Thank you for sharing.

[@jacoblawrence6580]

Thank you for doing this video! I am currently going through mine and my parents photos. We have a lot more than I thought. After this, I am going to tackle my grandparents photos which are in boxes. Trying to get rid of the bad blurry pictures and some of the duplicates. Even some of the photos from the 40's and 50's have duplicates so I will give them to my cousin. No one else in our family really wants them. I have already sorted and gave all of my Aunts, Uncles, Dad, and cousins their baby pictures, childhood, and family pictures but there is a lot left over. My grandparents had over 60 photo albums that were filled, One large box, a few small boxes and there were drawers that were filled with pictures. Thank you again!

[@DeclutterinMinutes]

Yes, sorting can take some time but I know it can be a lovely trip down memory lane as well.

[@jacoblawrence6580]

@@DeclutterinMinutes Wanted to share an update. I am still slowly organizing photos. I had thought about doing Family history scrapbooks but I have so many pictures I don't think I would be able to include every member of the family. My grandmother had a lot of 3 ring photo albums and a lot of page protectors. I am thinking about using those for the majority of the pictures. Do you have any recommendations? The photos I have range from the 1800's to current. Thank you in advance.

[@SimpleLivingCountryGal]

Thank you for the update, what do you need help with exactly? Not sure I caught that part. :)

[@jacoblawrence6580]

@@SimpleLivingCountryGal Sorry, I must have forgotten to ask questions. I am thinking of doing 3 scrapbook albums, one for my grandfather growing up and his side of the family, one for my grandmother and her family and then one of them getting married, my grandpa's Navy time during WW2 and then raising a family. I also have a lot of pictures of my 2nd great grandparents and even some of their siblings and family. Other relatives are going through pictures to send me of people that I don't have pictures of. Do you have any tips on how I should organize these albums? The one of my grandparents married will be chronological, but I can't decide if to start with the oldest pictures of my ancestors and work my way up to my grandfather and grandmother in the other albums. Thanks for any tips!

[@DeclutterinMinutes]

@@jacoblawrence6580 I would do them from oldest photos to youngest. That seems to be the way most family tree books are set up. That way you can see the progression as you are enjoying the photos. Love this, by the way!

[@robindyroff8320]

I love the idea of changing the mindset from chore to treat. Your ideas are clear and positive. I am looking forward to starting now!

[@DeclutterinMinutes]

Wonderful! Keep us posted!

[@toddpa-c3826]

Google is terrible…. Their tags and meta data even on google take out - Doesn’t keep it intact …..

[@covered6281]

I keep digital (I take a lot of photos) photos first by date (YYYYMMDD), then by subject (ie, XYZ State Park, dad's 92 bday, etc). Works for me for that portion. I also keep on an external hard drive to minimize access issues.

[@DeclutterinMinutes]

That is a great way to organize photos, thank you for sharing!

[@sandygriebel3405]

This made me really excited to get started.

[@toddpa-c3826]

Also a huge out is for downloading or uploading “thumbnails “ and find out in the end - they are not usable because the Resolution and size is reduced so drastically- this happens on uploads and downloads almost every where ….. meta Data is so SO important

[@shelley_quilts]

So many great ideas ... & even though I knew some of these already, these are really great reminders!! I have to do this!! I believe that this is a goal for the Summer. Tracy Lynn ~ have a blessed day!!

[@DeclutterinMinutes]

You are so welcome, I am glad you found some tips you can use to organize your photos. Let me know if you reach your goal!

[@minervachavez-rodriguez8292]

Thanks for this video!! I really learned a lot and now I will be enjoying the “Treat” of organizing my photos.

[@DeclutterinMinutes]

I am so glad you found it helpful!

[@sandygriebel3405]

Loved these ideas

[@DeclutterinMinutes]

Glad you like them!

[@Sergeant-of-the-crossing-guard]

Great ideas-thank you! Where can I find the plastic tote with sections (not the one with 14 individual plastic cases). I’m thinking this would be a helpful sorting tool.

[@DeclutterinMinutes]

I found mine (heavily) discounted at Michaels but they also have them on Amazon: amzn.to/3zLlqZQ They now come with individual cases inside however, so not sure if that is something you would like or not. Best wishes! Tracy Lynn

[@sandygriebel3405]

I love receiving photo albums as gifts

[@Sergeant-of-the-crossing-guard]

Found at 20:19 in the video

[@DeclutterinMinutes]

I found that at Michaels, but you can get them at Amazon as well. The one at I have linked to has mini cases inside of each section. I to not use the cases as I find it is an extra step I do not want to have to take to put photos away. You may, however, like the cases! Here is my affiliate link to check out: amzn.to/3RWtU7o