Memory-Keeping Hacks: Preserving Kids’ Artwork Without Clutter

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Children can be such skilled little painters. One minute, a wobbly rainbow with a wonky sun, and then, just like that, a perfect little family portrait with the dog and hamster in the picture. It’s sweet, it’s cute, and it all happens so fast. It almost feels like the moment they start to draw; you get an artwork every day. So, if your life is filled with macaroni collages and finger paint, then this one’s for you.

And you don’t have to sacrifice all their masterpieces or have them all stacked up in an ever-growing heap on your kitchen counter. There is a way your child’s artwork can be preserved and stored without your living room becoming an art warehouse.

Pick What’s Left, With No Regret

Not every single one is a work of art for a museum. And that’s perfectly fine. The key is to be thoughtful. Let your child have a say in what stays with them—hear them out and enjoy having them included in the decision. Keep a selection of standout items for each year. If it brings a smile to your face or tells a story, it stays. All else? Well, we have a few ideas for that.

The “One Box” Rule

If you’d rather have a collection in a physical format, go out and grab a big acid-free storage box and label it with your child’s name. That’s all. Once full, it’s edit time. Having it in a collection keeps you holding onto the significant ones and not every mark that ever touched a sheet of paper.

Frame It

If your children’s artwork has ever been slapped onto your fridge with a magnet that is about to disintegrate, it’s long overdue for a redesign. Showcase a group of standouts in a frame. A changing gallery wall is a hip manner in which to have work prominently displayed but not overdo it visually. Add new work and discard older work, and the group will stay current but not overwhelm your entire dwelling.

The Digital Lifesaver

For those who hate to part with even a single page, technology comes to your rescue. Shoot high-quality photos or scan your artwork and store them in a virtual file folder. For a dash of added pizzazz, produce a printed photograph book with supporting captions explaining what spurred each work. It’s a new, space-saving alternative to a stack of paper.

DIY Art Portfolios

If you appreciate browsing through your child’s artwork but don’t want an avalanche of paper spilling out of a full drawer, buy large artist portfolios. They’re thin, easy to store, and preserve artwork in a safe manner. They’re even a terrific keepsake for years to come.

Share the Love

Grandparents, aunts, and uncles will cherish a one-of-a-kind creation of your little one’s hands. Sharing artwork is a lovely way to make room and brighten someone else’s day a little. You can even use them as custom wrapping paper for gifts. It’s a thoughtful act and keeps the paper out of a dusty heap somewhere in your closet.

Knowing What to Let Go

At the end of the day, memories don’t attach to items; they’re in the experiences that you shared. Keeping each and every drawing isn’t a necessity in order to remember those milestones. Decide what’s important, save it with intention, and give yourself permission to let go of the rest.

*This article is based on personal suggestions and/or experiences and is for informational purposes only. This should not be used as professional advice. Please consult a professional where applicable.