17 Creative Ways to Organize Your Photos

on Mar 18, 2025

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Do you find yourself constantly searching drawers or bins looking for a particular photo? Photos are important to me, so I have been there too.

Over the years, I have learned that sticking to a good photo organizing system is essential for photo lovers like me. Implementing a good strategy to store and organize your favorite pictures will leave you more time to enjoy them!

Below are 17 creative ways to organize your photos.

1. Organized By Year

Source: @darlademorrow

If you have a large photo collection and can never seem to find what you need, try organizing your photos by year. This makes it way easier to locate what you are looking for and will be super helpful if you are ever looking for a variety of photos for a special project.

Large file boxes like this will help you get started!

2. Clear Plastic Photo Cases

Source: @danielledellapellarealtor

Clear plastic photo cases are another great way to organize your pictures. These will help you neatly store your photos and easily access what you need when you need it.

If you like this idea, you could buy a box like this which comes with 18 inner cases for your photos.

3. Photo Album

Source: @beeorganizedokc

Are you looking for a good way to store and show off your photos? Photo albums make this easy!

Arranging your favorite pictures in a high-quality album will keep them safe and organized and will allow you easy access to relive those memories whenever you want.

4. Box Them Up

Source: lifeinjeneral.com

If your photo collection is gigantic (I can relate), large boxes will help you keep them safe, neat, and tidy. Adding labels elevates this idea and will make everything easy to find.

5. Labeled With Index Cards

Source: abbymurphyphoto.com

Here is another great photo labeling strategy. This one uses clear cases and index cards like this as the labels.

You can label by month, year, occasion, and more!

6. Photo Box

Source: abeautifulmess.com

Photo boxes are another great way to store and organize photos. These are awesome for when you have pictures that you need to keep safe and well-maintained but don’t look at all the time.

Photo boxes also work well to store your pictures while you are working on a project or before you put them into albums.

7. Plastic Storage Containers

Source: nallystudios.com

I love using plastic storage containers. They are a great way to keep cherished photos neat and organized.

Adding labels is a must, in my opinion. If you need a good label maker, I love this one!

8. Curate a Gallery Wall

Source: simplyspaced.com

Have you ever felt like you have too many photos that you want to display? Create a gallery wall in your living room or bedroom.

Gallery walls allow you to show off your gorgeous pictures and favorite memories. They look amazing and will quickly become the focal point of your space.

9. Sort in a Box Chronologically

Source: modernparentsmessykids.com

I love a good filing system. Grabbing a large box and some dividers labeled by date/year will make it easy to find your favorite photos whenever you need them.

This chronological photo organizing system is an awesome and simple way to store photos.

10. Archival Photo Box

Source: athoughtfulplaceblog.com

If you are like me, your photos are incredibly important to you. An archival photo box will help you keep them as safe as possible.

Archival boxes are large-capacity organizers and can hold hundreds of photos, so you won’t have to worry about running out of space!

11. Envelopes

Source: nallystudios.com

I love to organize things within bins at my house, but that can be challenging with photos. Luckily, there is an easy solution.

Using large envelopes like this for photo storage and then labeling them with dates, years, or events is a great way to keep photo bins organized.

12. Use Cardstock as Dividers

Source: glitteronadime.com

Do you have a large supply of cardstock? I do too, and I really like the idea of using it to help with photo organization.

Cardstock makes for great, sturdy photo dividers.

13. Use Free Printable Photo Dividers

Source: simpleasthatblog.com

I am so impressed with these amazing (and free) printable photo dividers. These will help you keep track of photos by date and occasion and even have room for you to jot down notes and memories.

14. Scrapbook

Source: craftboxgirls.com

Scrapbooks are a classic photo organization tool, and they are so special. If you haven’t tried scrapbooking before, you can get started with a kit like this.

If you are like me, you are sure to love the scrapbooking process. It’s a great way to spend time, and finished scrapbooks make for great gifts!

15. Organize by Event

Source: lifewithlessmess.com

If you are constantly looking for pictures from important occasions and parties, try organizing your photos by event. This is a simple strategy that will make it easy to locate whatever special photos you want when you want them.