How to Organize Sentimental Papers (Part 9 of 10 Paper Clutter Series)

Overwhelmed w/ Paper Clutter? Start here: www.alejandra.tv/paper-series/
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Products Mentioned (some links are affiliate links!)
*** [CLASS] 5-Step Process on Letting Go of Clutter: www.alejandra.tv/let-go
*** This is the yellow artwork folder: amzn.to/2VYsm2r
*** This is the 8x10 portfolio for awards, reports cards, greeting cards: amzn.to/2BudmxF
*** This is the 4x6 portfolio for photos/recipes: amzn.to/2P2BkYZ
*** This is the 5x7 portfolio for photos/recipes: amzn.to/39FOpi8
*** This is the file tote I used to organize all of the 8x10 portfolios: (the size is small!) www.alejandra.tv/recommends/s...
*** These are the greeting card sheet protectors:
*** This is the pink mini-binder: www.alejandra.tv/recommends/1...
*** This is my favorite scanner mentioned that has OCR technology: amzn.to/3aPkt47
*** This is the black poly-envelope: No link available! Purchased at Dollar Tree in the auto section!
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Hello! I'm Alejandra Costello, professional organizing expert from Alejandra.tv! In this video I show you how to organize sentimental papers (greeting cards, artwork, report cards, photos, letters, etc.) so you easily flip through, find things, and enjoy reminiscing on your favorite moments with your favorite people!
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This is part 9 of a 10 part paper clutter series on getting organized at home. You can watch the entire video series here: www.alejandra.tv/organize-pap...
Thanks for watching and happy organizing :)
Alejandra

[@seasonalliving2881]

To add onto the idea of snapping a picture of school art projects…snap a picture of the child holding it. It’s so fun to look back on not only the item but the cute age they were when they created it. 💖

[@irie7iv]

I LOVE the idea of writing a letter to the Person who inherits the Box. Saying it's okay to let it go.❤❤❤

[@noemims6706]

I agree ♥️

[@elomari7]

Love the message in the end. I never would have thought to create a message to the person that takes hold of the box next. Really smart. Thanks for these great tips!

[@danielatomescu3487]

Appreciate video content! Apologies for butting in, I would appreciate your thoughts. Have you thought about - Mahorrla Control Clutter Method (search on google)? It is a good exclusive guide for decluttering your home minus the normal expense. Ive heard some decent things about it and my cousin at very last got cool results with it.

[@elomari7]

@@danielatomescu3487 Thank you. I just looked it up. Very helpful. I appreciate your input.

[@lotzamra7872]

Yeah. I have relatives who just can't let go of stuff from their deceased loved ones..and their house is cluttered.. I feel like the past is holding them back to having a better life now. I somehow have this tendency as well. I'm glad she gave me an idea about leaving behind a letter.. I'd definitely do that, too.

[@est9949]

​​@@lotzamra7872 yep. One thing I love about Alejandra videos is everything is so well thought out, even things that might be overlooked. This somehow makes me feel so calm watching them cuz it feels like someone has already got every detail figured out so we're all good.

[@Honesty462]

I love the letter at the end i also have a letter in my car with all my emergency contacts and a letter thanking the person who ever helps me INCASE OF A CAR ACCIDENT or something and i cant talk...idk but i do think that way

[@seattlegirl2077]

Here's another way that works for me - Every year on New Year's Day I open a new large manila envelope and write the year on the front. Then anything I want to save for the year goes in there. I have a large bin that I've stored every envelope since I was married in 1978. Some years have very few things, other years with important events have more. Often on New Year's Day we pull out the envelope and look through what was important 10, 20, 30 etc years ago. The nice thing about envelopes is that as the years go by and I decide I don't want that invite to a wedding to people who I've long since lost track of I can pull it out and toss it. I like this system because it is super easy and flexible.

[@azwife35]

I've done something similar, except I use hanging file folders for each year, because I have a filing cabinet in my home office. I also put oversized photos that I no longer display in there.

[@seattlegirl2077]

@@azwife35 Oh the photos is a good idea! I just have one large file for oversize. Aren't we genius??? :)

[@ginntastic]

Poly envelopes would work well for this too. Protect them from getting water damage. This is a great idea organizing by year. A fun trip down memory lane.

[@seattlegirl2077]

@@ginntastic I may have to get some! Water damage is a big concern of mine. Although I do store the system I used inside a large tub - all set in upright like a filing cabinet.

[@rebeccas8404]

OMG I do that too! It's a really nice system especially long term because they keep making envelopes though other things go in and out of style haha :)

[@ClarissaMartin2806]

This was such a emotional yet professional video! I feel like we don’t get to see this side of you very often, Alejandra. And it was nice to also see your mind wander (like on the scent topic). It’s like we were visiting a good friend. Keep it up! I loved this video so much because I struggle with the Organisation of my sentimental items the most and this helped a lot! :)

[@GeorgiosWorld]

If you see this, thank you for motivating me to change my ways and live a healthier lifestyle!

[@HomeOrganizing]

So glad to read this - you're very welcome

[@nikkilesley2525]

This says it was 4 years ago. Thank you for the tips! I think they hold true today as well. I have greeting cards I’ve been wondering how to store them nicely. You gave some great ideas. 👍😁

[@punkyspray]

This video was very helpful, while being compassionate to our “clingy” feelings. Thank you so much for always trying to help us! You have the best ideas!

[@PahlaB]

Oh my goodness, this was SO helpful! I'm pretty good about letting go of sentimental items, but didn't really know how to store the ones that I want to keep. Thank you!

[@flowersafeheart]

You're such a great organizer and it's touching to see sentimental stuff kept and treated with so much care. That's so kind you thought about the feelings of whoever the box gets passed to.

[@Karen-ww8hj]

Lovely as always. I felt like I was sitting in your living room with you. I am so happy you are back. I surely missed you.

[@msanchagrin]

This is so sweet. I love all the different ways to organize and keeping everything in that beautiful box. It shows how special all of these people, animals, and your personal memories are to you. Beautifully done.

[@natalienicole6486]

Alejandra, you are just such an amazing person! Thank you for being inspirational and teaching how to organize everything. My life is better because of you.

[@pjpororo323]

Wow you are THE one who create the memory box!! Well done Alejandra!! Been missing your videos for a long time, you are such an inspiration! Been your fan for more than 8yrs!!

[@cflowermakeup]

Yes!!! Kids school papers and art stuff it gets so overwhelming and when it’s your first child you just have to keep it lol

[@tessiemay1789]

cflowermakeup I put my Daughter’s artwork in a Portfolio

[@robles1978]

@cflowermakeup Nice video content! Forgive me for the intrusion, I would love your thoughts. Have you heard about - Mahorrla Control Clutter Method (Sure I saw it on Google)? It is a great one of a kind product for decluttering your home without the normal expense. Ive heard some super things about it and my work buddy finally got great success with it.

[@darnitthelma4247]

I took photos of my children with their “project” so I could see their age & item. When we got rid of the item (huge collages and giant sculptures) I have the photos in their art folders to remember them & still “have” them with us x

[@bobafett2205]

I have a sentimental connection to literally every paper I own

[@way108]

Ah I’ve been wanting a video like this forever! Thank you! One of the most useful and practical videos from you. And something not many other people talk about.

[@babybobbiejeansmom]

You have a gift, thank you for sharing it with the world!!

[@martime]

I totally LOVE the idea of the letter to the person "who inherits this box"...made me emotional. I have inherited, no joke - hundreds of boxes of things from parents. grandparents and even great grandparents.

[@milletteregacho7158]

Alejandra you did it again! Just perfect timing- I have so many sentimental letters, cards from my parents, sisters whom we always lived apart since immigrating here 30 years ago. I have it scattered everywhere in my house and have hard time letting go. After watching this now I know exactly what I need to do with all of them. Thank you so much. Your videos and content are always useful in my life. Please continue to share😘

[@dihett]

You think of everything. It's probably what I like most about your videos, but truthfully, there are so many things. That letter to who inherits the box was so touching.

[@TiffanyGrey]

Omg the letter at the end 😭❤

[@jessalvarez]

but what do you say thoe.fornthe letter it got me 😫😥😣 its sacres me todo this but would be good idntk somthing about this scares me buts it good but very scary 😫😥😣😖 and sad even the thought of it its good thoe 🤗

[@kristineolsen477]

Great Video! Love all these ideas. I'm going through my home of 26yrs right now as my husband and I are downsizing. Sentimental papers are some of the most difficult for me to discard and keep in a spot where it all makes sense. This makes sense! I will look at the rest of your series and the rest of your channel. I maybe binge watching for a bit :) Thank you Your friend Kristine

[@GD-lj7mm]

Yesterday was my Dad's funeral and today I saw that you had uploaded this video. The timing could not be any more perfect. I have old cards from him, his funeral cards, some baby pics that we only have 1 original copy of, and some other crafts he made after moving into a nursing home. I am feeling overwhelmed and have everything in a gift bag for now, but when I am ready, I'm so glad that I can reference your wonderful video ❤

[@milicamarshastefanovich3312]

What a great video and perfect timing!! Thank you for everything...

[@HomeOrganizing]

Glad the timing was perfect! You're welcome!

[@Jessica_Jones]

Ok, I'm totally tearing up over your saving that roll of tape as well as the envelope from your grandmother because of her handwriting...I tend to feel silly for keeping sometimes very random things that remind me of loved ones because I don't know many people out there as sentimental as I am. Now I feel validated to go ahead and hold on to some of these items (as I declutter the excess). Thank you *so* much for sharing ❤️🥹 Edit: I have also thought about letting family know they are free to let go of my special things in case they have a hard time, wow! Love that so much and will definitely do the same!

[@carnitacampbell9412]

I just love all your amazing tips! I like that you find solutions that are practical, affordable, and easy.

[@Bloquita5]

Thank you! Excellent methods of organizing & storing those items. I appreciate you Alejandra and I’m so grateful for your content. Always great and practical ideas plus it’s fun doing them.

[@luvpepperhead]

You are so thoughtful. Great and compassionate ways to save the memories that are evidence of a great life lived. ❤️

[@sakshidhawan1519]

Such an amazing video. I am teary eyed because of the message at the end 🥺

[@kimsullivan1968]

Thank you so much! People have always made fun of me because of the sentimental items I like to keep. I have a "love me" file filled with cards and letters from congregation members of the churches we pastored. When you spoke about the smells of papers, and the handwriting you wanted to see, I literally wept. No one has ever described the way I feel about those things and YOU GET IT. Now, I have a beautiful, efficient lovely way to have those things without loosing too much space and it shows how to treasure them in a real way! Thank you, Kim Sullivan, Clovis, NM

[@24ksenia]

Loved this video- thank you so much. I’m terrible with treating too many things as sentimental keepsakes ( my poor children once I’m gone 😂). I look forward to organising it now 😊

[@sewcrazy423]

Thank you so much. My mother is ready to go through the sentimental things, papers, and overall paper mountain after Daddy died in 2013. It is hard for both of us, but she feels buried alive under the clutter. When family tells her to just throw everything away, while well-meaning I imagine, it just tears her up and she cannot deal with it. That feeling of it is all too much gets real big in a hurry and makes her feel worthless that it still needs to be done. This is an excellent way, in addition to getting the freedom filer for the necessary filing, for us to tackle the job and still keep her memories. The letter, that made my cry. What an ideal solution. Had Daddy had such a thing, it would have helped her deal with some of his memory box items. I am looking forward to the memories and stories that we will discover while thinning out somethings. Those portfolios will be perfect for the job. I will order them and bring them along so we can actually "finish" projects as we go.

[@sadieport3222]

I’m so glad to see you uploading new videos, they’re my favorite!!!! You inspire me!

[@pamkenel7534]

You have a lot of really good ideas, I really like the note to give permission for who ever inherits your personal mementos box to let go if they wish to. It took me 3 years to clean out my family home and in the end I just brought what was left to our home and stored it to go through......and it's still here taking over our basement and other places.💜

[@marlenek3412]

I love this series Alejandra!

[@loe3175]

This is wonderful. And you're so sweet and genuine. Thank you for these helpful videos. May God bless you deeply and richly.

[@susanb.9229]

Wow! I knew there was a reason I started watching your organizational videos years ago. This video is one of the reasons. You have given me such wonderful options to get and stay organized. I don’t know how I can thank you. I get so many greeting cards and I never throw them out. Now I have a project for the Spring. Love the idea of keeping them all in a box. Thank you and God bless 😘

[@elizabethbrundagemediajour150]

Love the portfolios for the photos, cards, news articles...a great way to save sentimental papers. Great advice for anyone downsizing too.

[@soffyabad]

Since we see the beatiful box, we can understand the content. And is not just storage and keeping, is about to preserv this sentimental things, love the storage items, beatiful items you have, boxes and files. Great vídeo Alejandra😊😊🤗👏👏👏👏👏🌸🌻🌼

[@justinewhite-hadley3138]

As everyone else has said, the letter to let go at the end was genius and loving. Thank you as always for sharing! Hugs from Napa 💕

[@eightball91341]

Oh, that permission letter included is a great idea. Thank you for sharing! Loving this paper series.

[@reinasanchez4822]

I just want to say you are AWESOME. Thank you! I was actually just cleaning a box that had so many sentimental things, and it was so hard letting go of some things. But I need to organize what i did keep. This helps SO MUCH!

[@anitah.7906]

Thank you so much! Great ideas! I have 2 such boxes that really needs to be organized. I love all your videos, especially this series and am so thrilled you are posting videos again!!

[@monjaa.2531]

Oh what a great organization video. Brilliant ideas. Now I have an idea how to keep and store cards and letters from my beloved granny. One day in the future when she won’t be around anymore I will be so happy to open up a folder and see her handwriting. Plus remember whose idea it was to store it this way. Thank you so much. This is by far one of my most favorite videos.

[@marycastillo202]

Thank you Alejandra, you are as awesome as always :)

[@celaras]

Thank you, you have made it easy for me to let go. I have almost 10 years of item I'm having a hard time of letting go. This year I start and your message and video help me in many ways. Thank you

[@risaandjesus]

Thank u for this video. I keep sentimental items because of fond memories. That letter suggestion st the end was deep. I think I will write a letter too❤

[@xislis6037]

I love this video. As someone who used to save my kid brothers artwork, this had me teary eyed. I love the idea of the Letting Go letter.

[@stephanielovestico]

I always get so happy when you post a new video!

[@samanthasinger4410]

1 box for all the sentimental papers, BRILLIANT!!! :D Thank you!!!

[@joannmendez2434]

Thank you for posting this video Alejandra. It has come at a perfect time since i just finished decluttering & organizing our closet which has all our papers & my kids cards, letters, artwork, etc.... i simply put them in boxes since i wasn't sure how to organize them. But after watching your video, i am now ready to organize & let go of some of it. It might take me awhile (probably years) to let go of a lot of it. But my goal will be as you say, 1 box per person. Wish me luck as I begin. Thank you!

[@vanni6923]

I haven't really been keeping up with your channel lately. I found it when I was in 6th grade I think. For some reason I was just really into cleaning and organizing (might stem from dark stuff :/) and I'd feel peace around organized areas. Watching your videos helped make cleaning more fun and easy for me. I'm 18 now and I plan to move out soon, so it feels nice and nostalgic to rewatch and watch new videos. Youre just like, and adult I can get really helpful advice from.

[@karengraves3900]

Love this!! Your box is beautiful!

[@18doves]

Thanks for not saying throw away memories. I've seen many videos from others that send this message. I appreciate you explaining the importance of purging, but keeping those things that you feel are sentimental, and limiting them to one box. Love the box and the organization. I have a similar system. 📒🗃😉

[@djbreakfast]

You are such a sweetheart. Thank you so much for all the videos you have made! I hope you are doing well out in the world ❤️❤️❤️

[@shivanishetty4854]

I always thought the same about the letter you talked about at the end, I've been thinking to do the same for my personal diaries etc! Now I've got the encouragement here! Your videos are just amazing, peaceful, relaxing!!!! I too am obsessed with organising stuff!

[@laurenchayazahavamusic9973]

Perfect tips!!!!! Thank u, alejandra!

[@usandplus]

This organizing method is so helpful! I have been looking for ways to organize all my random papers. Great tips! Thank you for sharing!💕💕💕

[@citruslimonia]

The letter at the end is a great idea! Thanks for the tips!

[@mariascott4299]

I found your video very helpful, I look forward to seeing your other videos. Thank you Alejandra

[@adeolaadewale2544]

This was an amazing video. I am currently recognizing my house and have tons of sentimental notes and letters that I had taking up space. I had two scrapbook albums that I never thought of using until now!! Thank you so much for helping realize I don't have to display these letters on open shelves!!

[@melissacronecarvell]

Excellent advice as always Alejandra! Everyone can use this! 💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@HomeOrganizing]

Thank you, Melissa!! :)

[@ayrenbethancourt9379]

@@HomeOrganizing this video is absolutely brilliant, Alejandra! I'm even thinking about getting premium youtube just to be able to download it and keep it in any device when I haven't got Internet. Just BRILLIANT!!! Love from Australia Ps:I'm a big sister and I have been working in charity with children all around the world. Imagine how many sentimental drawings, handwritten letters I have from "my children/pupils"❤️ #redCross #doctorsWithoutBorders

[@anitah.7906]

@@ayrenbethancourt9379 I have premium and didn't know this, tx!

[@ayrenbethancourt9379]

@@anitah.7906 i think you can download videos. Check it, please!

[@bp3730]

Master of organizing business

[@rosannecoffman1933]

This is the.most important for me. Sentimental has been difficult. You make it easy.

[@LadyOfSealand]

Thank you for the final note, it was what I needed to hear right now.

[@happyheartslee]

I really like the last touch in the end - the letter!

[@mohuanag3494]

You are back .you are the best ! Just loved this video so much

[@ladbeethoven9]

What great ides, thanks. I just organized all my sentimental/art work stuff/cards etc., going to have to revamp now!

[@piinkpanda192]

I'm a subscriber and I love when you upload! I binge watch

[@kkimdiet6495]

Howsome this is what I've been looking for. Will copy every single tips. Thanks so much 🙏🏽

[@tess2626]

This is so nice. I will be following your great advice!

[@AlexandraVlachou]

Another great and super useful video! Thanks!

[@bamboolaceway]

"If you can use the stuff, use the stuff" I love that!

[@aliciaryan3192]

This video, even though short & on point, there was a powerful message too. This category is most probably the most difficult for me personally. Greetings from South Africa

[@millytorres9777]

Thank you Alejandra.

[@kathyolgeirsson4028]

Well done, Alejandra.❤️

[@HomeOrganizing]

Thank you, Kathy!

[@ivylifeisbeautiful]

I love the idea of writing a letter to a inheritor. It is so thoughtful. I know about the struggle of not letting go stuff I inherited from a passed away family member...

[@thebarefoothobbit]

Yesss here it is!!!

[@mason7670]

Well done Alejandra! Once again another great video polished off!

[@HomeOrganizing]

Glad you enjoyed this video! :)

[@mason7670]

Home Organizing by Alejandra.tv I live in the UK and I am so organised by your amazing positivity and organisation ideas which makes me smile and want to always keep on organising!

[@EJ-vn4pv]

So perfect! We were looking for ways to save and store our wedding/engagement cards

[@catherinericketts9138]

I am new to your channel. I love it. Thank you, Alejandra. Your videos are keeping me going during lockdown.

[@Geezeimhungry]

Yes! Love this!

[@oliviaginsbourg6541]

totally perfect solves any hesitation in discarding stuff. just keep essentials

[@Betty9971]

I’m so happy to see this upload!!!!!!!

[@HomeOrganizing]

YAY! :) Thanks for being here!!

[@dccd4]

Love the room!🥰

[@lll3388]

I needed this video ! Thank you so much ! I love it

[@craftinggoodvibes4182]

Love your videos great as usual 😃

[@Angy5762]

This was so dang helpful!

[@naomithecandlegirl]

I miss her videos. Wish it kept going

[@keishadeleon2902]

hi ive been watching you since I'm young until now I'm already a teen....thank you very much

[@LatinaMuslimAndProud]

My husband needs to let go of this ping pong table that doesn’t fit in our apartment lol

[@christinam9989]

Too bad there's no poly envelope for that! :D

[@imranandimran]

@@christinam9989 🤣🤣

[@laurab4652]

Great video, you look so pretty! Green is your color!

[@ItsmeMimimg]

Where did you buy the pink box? love your videos!

[@Lady-hu4yt]

I was wondering about the roll of tape. What a sweet, and unexpected, item to hold on to. We inherited a china hutch from my husband's great grandmother and he always comments when the door is opened that it still smells like Momma Lil's (what he called her) house. I am careful to get in and back out of it quickly to keep the scent for as long as I can. Lots of good tips and product information. Thanks.

[@carolinalina13]

She's just so lovely

[@wendicomps]

Thank you!

[@jessalvarez]

wow this is amazing lol i startded crying because i have a lot of sentimental things from.freimds family and the ending got me 😫😥🤗 this is good idea and smart love it i love all your videos 🤗😊🤩 great job love it 🤗😍😘

[@NakedNarcissism]

Can you tell me where you purchased the box?