[boogiemonster]

I have paired my personal mementos down to one file box. My DH probably has about two boxes worth. I want to start boxes for the girls so I have a place to toss things that won't go in their scrapbooks: artwork and larger items, for example.

What would you recommend for nice-looking, durable storage boxes? Something from IKEA? Small Rubbermaid bins? What works for your family?.

I'm liking the idea of having a finite amount of space for mementos. This way, if Lucy's box (for example) starts getting a little full, it means it's time to pare down, not just time to find somewhere else to stash it.

 

[Jess A]

There are five of us, and we each have our own Rubbemaid bin (we each are "allowed" only one). I think the 18 gallon size? When I notice they are getting full (really only a problem with mine and my oldest DS's), I purge a bit to make space. Excluding the scrapbooks, all mementos go in the bins.

 

[LeighB]

I have a small clear plastic container, with a snap on lid. I keep papers in a small file box. Every few years I go through it and remove what I don't need/want anymore.

 

[Oliver's Mama]

oooh! me too.. I've been hoping to do this as well. growing up, my mom kept giving me more rubbermaid totes, til I was an adult, moving out with tons of "old stuff" that I felt too guilty to get rid of. I think setting a specific limit is a great idea. I may get one of these from ikea (they're sold in packs of two.. great deal!). I think I want something a bit prettier than a plastic bin, so it looks like there must be something important inside, not just utilitarian storage.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40115481

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30115486

 

[flowmom]

I recommend a large art porfolio -- your kids will definitely produce a lot of flat large artworks.

 

[sunnysandiegan]

I photograph my child holding the 3D art projects and then toss the project after it has it's "15 minutes of fame", which is however long DD wants (usually a month or so).

I keep flat art until gift-giving time (birthdays, Mother's/Father's Day, Christmas) and choose my favorites and let DD choose who gets what from the rest. Grandmas and Grandpas seem to like this...

Just some other ideas since the permanent stuff is covered above.

 

[boogiemonster]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ksenia I recommend a large art porfolio -- your kids will definitely produce a lot of flat large artworks.

You know, I was thinking about this. I think I saw an easy portfolio made of two pieces of wood and some wide ribbon on some decorating show ages ago. It would definitely make it easy to stash it away behind a bookcase or in some other little nook.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oliver's Mama oooh! me too.. I've been hoping to do this as well. growing up, my mom kept giving me more rubbermaid totes, til I was an adult, moving out with tons of "old stuff" that I felt too guilty to get rid of. I think setting a specific limit is a great idea. I may get one of these from ikea (they're sold in packs of two.. great deal!). I think I want something a bit prettier than a plastic bin, so it looks like there must be something important inside, not just utilitarian storage. http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40115481 http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30115486

I really like the look of these!

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunnysandiegan I photograph my child holding the 3D art projects and then toss the project after it has it's "15 minutes of fame", which is however long DD wants (usually a month or so). I keep flat art until gift-giving time (birthdays, Mother's/Father's Day, Christmas) and choose my favorites and let DD choose who gets what from the rest. Grandmas and Grandpas seem to like this... Just some other ideas since the permanent stuff is covered above.

Taking photos is a great idea. We hang artwork on clips in the playroom, and give away pieces just like you do. Sometimes we (gasp) cut them up to make thank-you cards (with DD's permission, of course - she often likes the cutting part the best anyhow

). The really precious pieces get a date and name on the back and get tucked away by Mummy.