+ Tips for those print photos AND 10 storage boxes you can use to organize them
So, you’ve scanned all your old print photos and organized every digital file into neat, tidy folders. First of all – congratulations! 🎉 That’s a huge accomplishment. But now you might be wondering:
“What do I do with all these original prints?”
This is a question I hear all the time, and the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Every photo collection is different, and so are the stories and memories tied to it. But I can share what’s worked for me and some tips to help you decide what’s best for your collection.
1. Don’t Toss Anything Just Yet
The first rule is simple: don’t throw away a single photo until you are absolutely certain your digital files are safely backed up.
For now, think of your prints as your second copy. If something happens to the digital version, those physical photos are your safety net.
I recommend backing up your digital files in two places:
- At home — on your computer or, even better, an external hard drive.
- In the cloud — services like Google Photos, Dropbox, or Amazon Photos are great options.
Once you have at least two secure backups, then you can start making decisions about what to keep and what to let go.
2. Start With the Easy Wins: Duplicates and Negatives
Here’s where you can make a big impact quickly:
- Toss the duplicates. Back in the film days, double prints were common. If you have two (or three!) copies of the same photo, keep just one.
- Say goodbye to similar shots. Sometimes we snapped several nearly identical pictures. Choose the best one and let the rest go.
- Get rid of negatives. Be honest with yourself – will you ever go back and reprint photos from negatives? For most people, the answer is no. Now that you have digital copies, those negatives are just clutter.
Taking these steps alone will free up a surprising amount of space and make your collection much more manageable.
3. Deciding What to Keep Long-Term
This step depends on your situation and your goals. Personally, I keep most of my prints because I love flipping through them and physically holding a photo in my hands.
But if you’re downsizing or organizing your collection to pass down to the next generation, it might be time for a deeper edit.
Here’s a simple rule of thumb:
- Keep heirloom photos — images that document your family history and are meaningful to others beyond yourself.
- Let go of personal snapshots — those everyday photos that hold meaning mostly for you. The digital versions are perfect for preserving these memories without taking up physical space.
4. Store Your Keepers the Right Way
The prints you do keep deserve to be stored safely. For those heirloom photos look for archival-quality storage boxes, which are made with materials that won’t damage your photos over time.
Check out Archival Methods boxes. They’re sturdy, high-quality, and designed to protect your precious memories for years to come.
However keep in mind, if you are like me and hanging on to photos just for your own enjoyment, it isn’t as important that those photos stand the test of time. For those photos investing in the material may not be as important as selecting something that matches your home decor or fits neatly in your closet. Here are options I’ve found on Amazon that would be a great way to store your old photos:
| Product Image | Product Name / Price | Primary Button |
|---|---|---|
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
|
Final Thoughts
Deciding what to do with your print photos after scanning them can feel overwhelming, but remember you don’t have to figure it all out overnight. Start small by backing up your files and tossing duplicates. Over time, you’ll find a balance that works for you, your space, and your family’s story.
Whether you keep every single print or pare down to a carefully curated collection, the important thing is this: your memories are safe, backed up, and ready to be enjoyed for generations to come.
And if you’re looking for even more help getting the most enjoyment out of your photos, check out the other ways we can connect:
👉 Grab my free Photo Resource Guide – it’s packed with tools, apps, and simple steps to get started.
👉 Check out my book, Beyond the Storm – a powerful blend of true stories and practical advice for safeguarding your photos.
👉 Want to join the photo organizing CRUISE? This fun getaway is set for February 2026 and YOU are invited to join! Check out The Great Photo Voyage and be sure and sign up soon, space is limited!
Or follow along on social media! Check out Instagram and YouTube to get my latest information.