As we step into 2024, you may be contemplating your personal memory keeping priorities for this year. The very idea of memory keeping puts a lot of people in a state of overwhelm. There’s so many pictures to sort! What apps should I be using? What do I do with the non-photo “stuff”?

We’re here to help. Read on for some helpful tips and recommendations for your memory keeping in 2024.

Organizing Photos

Take…less photos!

That’s right. The best way to remain organized is to focus on quality over quantity. The sheer volume of photos we have is often the thing that stops us from starting a photobook or album. Be intentional about when you have your phone or camera out this year. Then, spend a few minutes each week adding your favorites to a folder you can return to when you’re ready to make or print something. No more scrolling through thousands of blurry shots.

Create a Digital Photo Library

Start by creating a digital home for your family photos. Organize them with thoughtful tags and consider cloud storage for easy access and security. Recommended App: Google Photos

Make a Yearly Photo Album

Take the time to create yearly photo albums, each telling a unique story. Choose themes, add personalized captions, and transform your memories into tangible keepsakes. Need help? Many photobook platforms have a "do it for you" option. If you feel you've fallen behind on an annual album, don't let that stop you. Start a two-year or five-year album and consolidate. Recommended Product: Mixbook Photo Books

Managing Kids' Art

Designate an Art Display Area

Celebrate your little ones' creativity by designating a special area to display their art. Rotate the pieces to keep things fresh and consider crafting DIY art frames for an added personal touch. Recommended Product: Articulate Gallery Frames

Create a Digital Art Archive

Go digital with your children's masterpieces by scanning and digitizing their artwork. Take photos of your kids holding their creations and make an album, or scan or take photos of the art to create a book. Recommended App: Artkive

Storing Trinkets and Mementos

Create Memory Boxes for Each Family Member

Create a space for each family member to save smaller items of sentimental value. This way, they are safely stored and can be enjoyed for years to come. Recommended Product: Wooden Memory Box

Create a Shadow Box Wall

Turn your memories into captivating displays by creating shadow box walls. Update them seasonally or annually to keep your space infused with sentimental charm. Try setting up a wall with memorabilia from your favorite sports teams, or a corner where you can share the mementos and trinkets from a season of fun family activities. Recommended Product: Art to Frame Shadow Box Frame

Catalogue Special Moments

Establish a Family Calendar

Bring the family together by establishing a shared calendar. Mark important dates, events, and add personal notes to create a visual journey through the year. Recommended App: Cozi Family Organizer

Make Video Diaries and Vlogs

Capture the essence of everyday life by documenting it through short videos and vlogs. Edit and compile these moments to create yearly highlights everyone can enjoy. Recommended App: 1SE

Create Traditional Scrapbooks

Collaborate With Family

Get hands-on with DIY family scrapbook projects. Create themed pages and incorporate quotes and memorabilia to tell your family's unique story. You will find paper scrapbooking materials are your local craft store.

Use a Digital Scrapbooking Tool

Explore online platforms for virtual scrapbooking and collaborate with family members to create a digital archive of your cherished memories. Recommended App: Project Life and Canva

Put Memories In Your Home Decor

Create A Photo Wall Gallery

Transform your living space with photo wall galleries. Get creative with arrangements and layouts, and consider rotating displays to keep things fresh. Recommended Product: Framebridge Gallery Wall

Customize Home Goods

Personalize your home with custom pillows, blankets, and canvas prints that showcase your favorite memories. There are many small makers who can create quilts, maps, flags, and more, so you can enjoy your cherished memories every day.

Establish Digital Memory Vaults

Create Family Websites or Blogs

Share your family stories, but have better control over your content and privacy, by creating a family website or blog. Encourage family members to contribute, turning it into a digital vault of memories. Recommended Platform: WordPress

Utilize Memory-Keeping Apps

Make use of apps for journaling and storytelling to preserve texts, emails, and social media posts. Keep your digital memories organized and easily accessible. Recommended App: Day One Journal

We encourage you to choose just one item off this list to tackle or try this year. Memory keeping should feel manageable, and joyful. So if you begin to feel overwhelmed, try another way! It doesn't need to be Instagram-perfect to be effective. The point is to make your favorite memories accessible to you and your family.

We hope these creative and heartfelt ideas, along with the recommended products and apps, help you capture more of your family's story this year. Here's to a year filled with love, laughter, and beautifully organized memories!

FAQs

How do I choose the best cloud storage for my family photos?

Consider factors such as storage capacity, accessibility, and security. Popular options include Google Photos, iCloud, and Dropbox. Choose one that aligns with your family's preferences and needs.

What's the benefit of using digital scrapbooking tools over traditional scrapbooking?

Digital scrapbooking allows for easy creation. Platforms like Project Life and Canva provide ideas, prompts, and ready-to-use templates so you can create a scrapbook look, even if you're not a designer or seasoned scrapbooker.

Can you recommend a user-friendly app for scanning and digitizing children's artwork?

Absolutely! Artkive transforms your piles of kid art into Art Books and Framed Mosaics. The company sends you a box to fill with your child's drawings. Then it professionally photographs them and has you proof the images before turning them into a hardcover book.

How can I involve my family in the process of organizing memories?

Make it a fun and collaborative activity by scheduling regular family memory nights throughout the year. Encourage everyone to share their favorite memories and actively participate in organizing photos, artwork, and mementos.

What are some good products for memory keeping?

There are a lot of both physical and digital options to memory keeping. Consider your preferences and process when you consider investing in these products. We find that most people have a need for both physical (sturdy storage containers, label makers, etc.) and digital (cloud storage, photobook apps) products for their process.