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Have a question about controlling clutter? Have you developed a terrific solution to one of the clutter problems that’s been discussed in this website?
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FILING PHOTOS
Help!Whenever we go on vacation we come back with hundreds of pictures. Sometimes it will be six months before we even get them printed let alone get them in albums. I'd really like to be able to enjoy my pictures right away. I need some ideas.
Thanks. Carol from Atlanta
Hi Carol,
It's shutterbug season with everybody taking tons of pictures. That's the fun part, but then what do you do with piles of pics? It's a shame to have your great photos turn into a dreaded "to do" project. Fortunately, we can break it down so it won't be too bad.
First, get them printed. Set a deadline that you're going to print them within the next two weeks. Either drop off the film at the drugstore or take in the memory card and select the pictures to be printed. If you print your own photos at home, you can do it while you're watching a movie or ball game.
Second, if you have a digital camera, store the photos on the computer. It just takes a few minutes to transfer the pictures to your computer program.
Third, file the photos. If you're not interested in photo albums, you can at least store your pics in shoe boxes, plastic storage boxes, or special photo boxes.
Keep the photos in the drugstore envelope or put them in a business envelope. Write the date clearly in the upper corner of the envelope and add the subject, such as 6/98 Chris - graduation, 9/05 Italy Vacation, or 6/07 John and Jean - Baby Shower. Then file them by date in the boxes. Whenever you get new pictues just label the new envelope and drop it in the box.
If you love to display your photos in albums, break the project down into smaller steps. You can do all of this while listening to music or watching TV. One day sort the photos and arrange them in order. Another day write the date and subject on the back of each picture. Now that they're ready, it won't take too long to pop them into your album.
Once your photos are organized it's much easier to find a specific picture that you need. Whenever you're in the mood, just relax, flip through your pictures,whether they're in a box or album, and enjoy a little trip back in time.
Hope this helps.
Joyce