How to Make Memory Binders
An inexpensive way to make a scrapbook for your child’s school memories or achievements: How to make memory binders (Costco binders and sheet protectors).
Friends, looking for a way to preserve your kids’ memories or keepsakes?
Since about 2000, I have saved my kid’s “memories” in binders, filled with everything from school pictures, certificates, special, art, poetry, awards, report cards, our family Christmas card and letter … the list goes on and on.
How to Make Memory Binders
This post gives you a list of easy supplies to buy to make your own books. It’s also a great idea for recipes or anything you want to preserve.
When you’re not crazy about scrapbooking, then this is for you!
It’s something tangible, with easy access for both us and for our kids’ enjoyment. (I thumbed through my oldest son’s book one year ago as we sent him off to college, and found a very sentimental letter. I try to fill the books with anything memorable that will be fun for the kids to look at as they get older.)
That’s when I posted several years back about making easy, very inexpensive Memory Binders for your kids.
-Heidi wrote me last week and sent me a picture of her books, and I love how she organized them by her kids’ ages
-My books are organized by my kids’ school years.
-Either way, I’m linking to my original post, but here are the simple supplies that you will need.
Supplies needed to create a Memory Binder
- 2″ white binders from Costco (4 in a pack)
- Scrapbook paper (or plain colored paper)
- 1 box sheet protectors
Starting with Pre-K, I have saved art, special memories, class pictures, sports awards, first book report, every report card, articles their dad has written – you name it, and have filed these papers into these books.
Here are more ideas of what goes in the binder!
ENJOY getting organized!
This is a repost from Sept. 2011
Ummmm…..my whole house needs help! My pantry needs some serious organization along with the laundry room. And my kids toys…..YIKES! This book would be wonderful :)
My biggest challenge is toys! We have four kids and their toys have taken over the house!
I liked the FB page
I need this book, because I am a full time shift worker and single mother, and I sometimes feel overwhelmed with life’s demands. I find that the advice is helping me learn how to use my time more effectively and improve the quality of my life.
I am struggling with my whole house. I have found that since I have gone on to shift work that things are just getting out of hand and I am starting to feel very down about it. I would love to get my hands on a copy on a book to see the different ideas presented. (liked and retweeted)
My biggest challenge is paper clutter. I would love some ideas.
Yes without a doubt, Reluctant Entertainer is FB “liked”. I’m always finding something new to ponder. Good stuff!
I’m a little sentimental and keep way more than I should. I guess “cleaning” up, and down sizing my collections are hard to keep in check.
I have all kinds of glassware that I use for decorating for different occasions and seasons. I have yet to find a good way to keep it organized so that I can see what I have and/or use some of it at the appropriate time. I would appreciate any advice!!
In what area do I not need help with organization! I have 3 little boys (ages 5, 2 and 1) and one very active husband (tennis coach). And…I work a full time job. I’ve loved the idea of the binders and have intended to do it for some time now. But the toys are where we need the most help with organization.
I love your Idea! When I stumbled on this today it gave me ah moment! Thank you so much…Papers are always a problem which I would love some advises!The best course of action is starting….but with the binders you have some motivation to0! Thanks so glad you were linked to Laura at orgJunkie.com. Thanks to you both I will have a little more motivation today!
Oh boy…let’s see. The mail situation is pretty bad around here. And the TOYS. I have three girls (ages 5, 2, &1)…and if it is pink, sold in a toy store, or given away in a “happy meal”, then we own it. What do I do with all of these toys?!
I need more motivation to continue what I’ve started. Usually I will have the initial drive to organize my pantry, kitchen cabinets, living room, etc. but when I notice later on that the system I’m using doesn’t seem to work, I get bummed and spiral down into mediocrity. I know I can do more with organizing my house but I need practical helps and internal motivation to stay on the course. I want to learn more from the Clutter Rehab book. (By the way, I also “Liked” RE on facebook.)
I need help in my office and the kids playroom! So excited I found your blog and the memory books. Thanks for the giveaway!
I LIKED RE on FB too :-)
I tweeted.
I need help with using my time wisely when I organize I seem to get sidetracked easily….so I guess you could say I also have a focus problem. ; (
Love this idea! I’m not a scrapbooker (and feel terribly guilty about it), but this seems like something I could handle!!!
My spare bedroom closet… It still has untouched boxes from when we moved into our condo more than 3 years ago. If I win, I hope this book comes with some motivation!
Thanks for the great giveaway!
I need help organizing my husband. He has a tough time putting things back where he got them. Hmmmm
Love the binder idea! Thanks!! I need the most help in organizing shoes and outdoor gear.. with 2 munchkins under 5 we have a LOT of shoes, boots, coats, hats, etc.. etc…
I lke you on Facebook;-)
What a great idea! I tried keeping all of my son’s work in notebooks but by 2nd grade the task was so overwhelming that I stopped. I think I could do “memories” of each year though. I am mostly in need of help in organizing my sewing/crafty things. We have a mobile home with very little storage space so I don’t really have a sewing area. Just things stashed here and there wherever they fit in. So need to get this organized. . .would be nice to see the kitchen table again;-)
I need to get our atic under control! It is just too easy to throw stuff up there when we want to get it out of the way!
I need help with organizing all of the organizational, clutter controlling tips I find on the internet and never seem to have the time to implement!! Would love to be able to read “Clutter Rehab” for more inspiration!
Love this idea. I have issues with all this sentimental stuff. I am pretty good about getting rid of things but have no idea of what to do with the stuff I keep! These binders are fabulous.
I could really use help organizing all the kids keepsake stuff they make at home and at school. Trying to determine what is important enough to keep and what I can throw out can be tough.
Danielle
Paper clutter. I hate to throw it out – I just *know* I’ll need it at a later date.
Already like RE on fb!