One of the things I looked forward to most as a mom is when my kids, in their younger days, would run off the bus and come storming through the door to show me what they made at school. They would take out their pile of tests and artwork they did throughout the day, and by the end of each year I was left with a never ending stack of school papers! Each of my boys had a large box of papers we have collected over the year. I finally decided I needed a quick and easy way to organize these papers fast!
School Paper Organization
Supplies:
- file storage box
- hanging folders
- file folders
- address labels, size 1″ x 2-5/8″
- clear packing tape
- printable labels and file covers (download at the bottom of the post)
With the help of my boys, we got to work sorting and organizing. The school paper organization was an easy and fun task for the kids because they got to walk through memory lane as they sorted through papers and put them in piles by grade.
The Steps:
I bought some file folders, hanging folders and a file storage box from Amazon. If you have multiple children, I suggest choosing a different color for each child to make organizing a breeze! Included in the download are labels with different colors for each child.
To make it even easier I labeled each of the files by grade, including pre-school and pre-kindergarten. I usually hold on to any important tests they took, report cards and any other paperwork that shows a milestone in my child’s life. I also like to save both their and my favorite crafts that they made while at school.
Your end goal here is to place about fourteen hanging files in each file box. One for pre-school through 12th grade. I like to include an extra for their toddler years as well, but this is totally optional!
Next, print out the labels and put one label per file. I printed out the labels on address labels (template 5160) and then attached them to each of the file folders.The large label for the front of each folder is perfect for easy identification! There is space to showcase a school portrait from that year, but totally optional. If you are not going to use the photo, cut that half of the label off.
Finally, put all of the things you want to save, sorted by year, in each of the file folders! It’s that simple–school paper organization at it’s finest! You can even add a label to the front of the file box with your child’s name!
Organizing your kid’s paperwork ahead of time will make sure you have a consistent look for each year, and makes it easier to keep up with down the road. You can store these bins in your child’s room or on a shelf that you have easy access to so they’re out of the way until you need them again. School paper is probably one of the hardest things to organize, but it doesn’t have to be anymore!
One year my daughter came home with a 3D art project that broke my heart to think of recycling, but at the same time the thought of pieces flaking off left me knowing I couldn’t keep it. I decided to take a picture before disposing of it! It gave me such peace I find myself continuing this practice. And the storage space is minimal compared to all the papers.
Love this idea!! We just can keep everything, so this is the perfect solution!
Why a file folder AND hanging folder? Isn’t that redundant?
I like to see the grade level sticking out of the top of the folder..just easier to find! Personal preference. You could definitely get away with just the hanging folders with the tabs that come with them!
What is the font you used? I’d like to create the label for the front of the box, but I’d like it to match the other printables. Thanks!
The font is called Avant Garde Gothic Bold.
What size is the box??
If you click the link in the supply list, you’ll see the exact boxes I used. They are 18.08″L x 14.26″W x 10.82″H.
What type of labels did you use for the large labels on the front of the folders?
Hey Hannah-
The front of the folder is simply a 1/2 piece of card stock. The printable is included in the download!
Sorry if this is a crazy questions — but how did you print the PDF on to labels. I have the correct size labels, but when I print it, none of the text lines up on to the labels. Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated!
Annalie, I am having the same problem! Did you figure out how to get them aligned correctly? I am using the exact labels specified. Thanks for your help!
I’m also having the same problem. It isn’t lining up correctly with the labels. Bummer!
I’m having the same problem as well 🙁
When I try to download any of your printables, I get a pop up that asks me to enter my email and then it scrolls to 50% and stops. I have tried several different items without success.
It look a lot of trial and error for the labels. You just have to mess with the settings and shrink the size etv. It worked for me after the 5th time lol.
I am having trouble downloading the printable. Is there any way you can email them to me?
I am not able to get this printable to download. Help please!
It looks like you got the download! Let me know if that is not the case!
I am having the same issue. Can you please help.
Thank you!
Looks like it hit your inbox! Sometimes delivery takes a bit.
I would love this download…but have been trying over the last month and it wont download….stops at 50%. Any chance I could get it emailed to me???
It looks like this got delivered to you just a few minutes after you left this comment! 🙂
YES YES YES!!!! And couldn’t be more excited!!!!!! I already printed three sets for my kiddos and can’t wait to get it all done! THANK YOU!!!!
Love hearing this!! So glad you are getting organized, Cynthia!
I’m unable to download please email me the file if you’re able. I’m so excited!
Just sent your way, Amanda!
I am not able to download, would you be able to email it to me?
Thanks,
Hi Sydney- I see it was delivered on July 21 –my guess is that it hit your spam box. Can you check there?
I am unable to download this printable. Can I get it emailed to me?
Just sent your way!
Love this printable so much but I’m unable to download. Would you kindly email it to me? Thanks a bunch!
Sent your way!
Like so many others before me, I am also not able to download the printables through your link. Could you please email it? I’ve tried here at least a half dozen times. It only shows 50%. I even signed up for the emails and checked my spam folder. Nothing.
Has the label pdf been corrected to align with the recommended labels also? I saw others mention that issue as well.
Thanks
Annie- I sent your way. For future reference, if the download box does not work, try from a different browser or device! 🙂
Thank you! I now received your email but it is only the 2-page file for the tabs. It does not have the big printable you display on your main photo, the one where I would attach my child’s photo to the front of the folder. I tried with Safari if that is the issue but it’s the only link provided and just those 2 pages.
Hi Annie- you should have received a zip file that had 2 pdf in it- one was the file tabs and the other was the big display with main photo. Did you check your the folder when you unzipped the file?
Hi Heather,
Your article is the best I’ve found, and would really like your Printables. Please email them to me.
Thanks,
Sarah
It stops at 50%. Is it possible for you to email it?
YES! I sent it your way!
Hi there! I just finished making up a file box for each of my kiddos with your lovely school year printables – thank-you for sharing this with us! However, I found a mistake on one of them, though – you might want to update the file to fix it! Rather than ‘TENTH grade’, the label for that year says ‘TENTH school’. 🙂
Thanks for letting me know, Lauren!
Hi Heather,
Thank you for sharing! I had a question, what do you do with artwork that is not a standard paper/construction paper size, that will not fit in a file folder (for example, longer in length or 3D type. Also delicate work, as in pastel chalk artwork )? Thank you again!
Hi Leana- I may this not be the answer you want to hear, but because my kids are years out of the younger “art” age, I have come to realize that folding it in half is ok! The reality is that years down the road, they are going to open these boxes, look at things and then put it back away. Keeping large artwork ultimately is not worth the hassle. I have also heard of people taking photos of artwork as a memorabilia and then tossing the actual art–basically because there is just too much to hold on to for years and years.
I am also unable to download. WOuld you be willing to email it to me as well?
It’s not downloading. Could you email it to me? Thank you!
Can you correct it to say “TENTH GRADE” thanks!
Hi, I am unable to download it, would you please email it to me? Thank you!
Just sent your way!
Hi,
I am unable to download the printable labels. Can you please email it to me?
Thank you!
Can I please get these printables? They won’t download for me either.
Sent your way!
I love this idea! Planning to put into practice within the next month or so. For those worried about tossing original art, take a pic of the originals and have a book made of those photos (with captions of grades & titles of work) and place in the back of the box. Thanks for your ideas!!!
You are so welcome!
Hi! I would love to download the printables but I am unable to here. Would you mind emailing them to me? Thanks and love this design!