Stacks of loose photos? Here’s how to organise them
Words by MyFUJIFILMMarch 20, 2024
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As the years fly by, it’s very easy to end up with a stack of photos sitting in an old, deserted cupboard, box, or drawer. We all know that our memories deserve better than being shut away, gathering dust — but how can you organise and store your loose photos in an effective way?
Whether you treasure the feeling of tangible physical images or you’d rather store them in the technological marvel that is the cloud, here are the best ways to store photo prints — so you can keep your memories close, and your photographs even closer.
Let’s take a closer look at how to organise your pictures with these tried-and-tested photo storage ideas.
Physical photo storage vs. digital photo storage
When organising your loose photos, the first decision you’ll need to make is whether you’d like to store your photos digitally or physically — a bit of both is also fine. There’s no right or wrong answer; this decision usually comes down to how you naturally interpret images, your technological ability, what you’ll be using your images for, and a dash of good old personal preference.
Digital photo storage
With today’s advanced technology, we’re lucky enough to have the option to store our images digitally. There are tons of advantages to this: it saves a whole lot of space, and a lot of precious time if you’re computer-savvy. It also goes without saying that your photos will remain secure in the digital realm, avoiding the risk of damages or loss. The only downside is that it can lack the emotional connections we form when thumbing through tactile printed photos.
With that being said, this doesn’t mean you can’t feel a connection with your shots when they’re stored virtually. There’s also nothing stopping you from printing your photos to display physically at a later date. At the end of the day, everyone interprets their photos differently, but some definitely prefer physical copies of photos, especially if they’re sentimental.
Physical photo storage
Enter the old-school method of photo storage! If you have a bunch of old family photos, or sentimental shots of your past friend and family circles, it’s likely that you’ll want them in physical form to either display or to keep for easy access. Some images have more importance than others, and we all have images that we want to keep physically close to us. From photo albums and photo books to photo boxes, there’s an option for every photo print. You don’t have to pick just one, either — you can display or store your images whichever way you like, for as long as you like.
Physical photo organisation ideas
For those of you that would rather keep your loose images in physical form, take a look at these photo storage options you could pursue. Physical photo organisation can be very satisfying, and extremely therapeutic — especially when you can peruse over happy memories in an aesthetically pleasing way.
Photo books
Take your time to organise your loose photos into their respective categories. Scan them, and create your own photo book with myFUJIFILM. You can even combine these categories into a singular photo book. For instance, photos of social events and photos of your friends would work well together, making a photo album packed full of funny memories and stories.
Bright colours such as blue, yellow, pink and green would make perfect covers for light-hearted photo books. For photo books displaying more serious connections, such as your career or your family history, why not opt for a muted maroon or a royal blue to give your photos the platform they deserve?
Traditional photo albums and scrapbooks
If you’d rather stick your loose prints into a photo album (it adds another layer to the photo organisation process, right?).
Storing your photo prints in traditional photo albums and scrapbooks isn't just about keeping them organised; it's an opportunity to creatively showcase your memories while ensuring they're preserved safely. These timeless methods of photo storage combine the joy of arrangement with the practical aspects of physical photo storage — an experience that digital photo storage cannot replicate in the same way.
For arranging the photos, there are many options for you to test out. For instance, a chronological setup acts as a visual timeline, reflecting your journey and changes over the years. On the other hand, grouping photos by theme offers a categorised glimpse into specific areas and events from your life. For a different perspective, you could arrange them by person which can turn the album or scrapbook into a heartfelt tribute — perfect for a family photo album or a gift for a loved one.
Photo boxes
Organising loose photos in a photo box is another practical and visually appealing solution. Start by gathering your loose photos and categorising them based on themes, events, or dates. Next, choose a sturdy and acid-free photo box to protect your precious memories from damages — bonus points if you have aesthetically different photo boxes for each category.
Separate your photos into sub-categories using acid-free dividers or index cards. For added preservation, you can also place acid-free tissue paper between layers of photos to prevent sticking or colour transfer. Label each section clearly, making it easy to locate specific photos when the time comes to dig them out again.
Create a gallery wall
If you want a creative way to showcase your favourite photos, a gallery wall is always an exciting and fun addition to any home. You can also get the whole family involved when putting a gallery wall together, making it a nostalgic and heartfelt experience.
To make your loose photos the star of the show, why not frame them to create a stylish statement piece maybe above a staircase or on a large, bare wall? After deciding which photos to display, you can plan your layout with paper templates to ensure it fits in with your desired vision.
Next, invest in frames that fit in with your property’s aesthetic. These frames can either be the same colour with different styles, or different colours with the same style. Or, if you’re looking for a more minimalistic photo gallery wall, opt for photo frames of the same colour and design scheme for a cohesive look.
From single-line gallery walls to organic photo walls with a mix of vertical and horizontal images, you’re sure to find a layout that suits the nature of your images.
Check out our previous blog on how to create a gallery wall for extra inspiration and information.
Digital photo organisation ideas
When you store your images digitally, you can have peace of mind, ensuring that your photos remain safe and accessible at all times. Whether this be in the cloud or on an external hard drive, you will have the option to physically print or browse through your photos online whenever you want to. It’s also a space-saving solution, especially if you have countless images to organise.
Preserve your memories with MyFUJIFILM
If you have a bunch of old pictures that you need to organise and sort, don’t worry — you’re not alone. With MyFUJIFILM, it’s easier than ever to turn your photos into a physical keepsake, whether it be in one of our customisable photo books, as framed prints, or as heartfelt photo gifts.
Display and organise your memories in the way they deserve to be. It couldn’t be any easier than with MyFUJIFILM. Start organising, and create something special today.