If you’re a parent, you already know: the artwork never stops coming. Finger-painted masterpieces, glitter-covered collages, scribbled “portraits” that you can’t quite make out but will treasure forever…they all pile up. Before you know it, your fridge is covered, your countertops are cluttered, and you’re wondering how to hold on to the memories without drowning in paper.
Good news! There are plenty of ways to organize your child’s art so you can enjoy it and keep your home tidy. From clever storage solutions to sentimental keepsakes, here are a few ideas to try:
1. Create an Art Bin System
If you want to keep originals but need them out of sight (and off your kitchen counter), a simple storage system works wonders. We love this Iris File Tote Box from The Container Store — just add hanging folders labeled with your child’s name, grade, or year, and tuck artwork in as it comes home. Our friends at Tidy Home Nashville set up bins with a folder for every year starting at pregnancy all the way through 12th grade. “We love using our favorite @ptouchessentials P-Touch Cube Plus label maker for the labels!” explain the tidy sister. This way, everything stays flat, neat, and easy to flip through later.
2. Rotate Artwork on a Display Wall
Kids love seeing their creations displayed! Dedicate a wall, bulletin board, or even a set of clipboards where you can rotate their newest work. We actually adore this Magnetic Art Gallery from Pottery Barn Kids!
When new art comes home, swap it out and place the old piece in a storage bin or folder. Not only does this celebrate your child’s creativity, but it also keeps things from piling up on the fridge.
3. Use a Digital Archive App
For tech-loving families, apps like Keepy allow you to snap photos of each piece of art and store them digitally. This can be especially handy for bulky 3D creations or glitter bombs you’d rather not keep forever. You’ll still have every memory saved without all the physical clutter.
4. Turn Art into a Custom Keepsake Book
When you’re ready for a long-term solution that transforms piles of art into something beautiful, Plum Print is here for you. Simply order a box, fill it with your child’s artwork, and send it in. Their team professionally photographs and designs each piece into a stunning, museum-quality book. You get to keep the memories (without the mess) and your child will love flipping through their very own “published” collection.
5. Pick a Few Originals for a Keepsake Box
If there are certain pieces you can’t bear to part with — first scribbles, that finger-painted handprint, or a drawing that truly captured your child’s personality — store them in a keepsake box. Choose something sturdy and stylish (like this Harmony Linen Document Box from The Container Store) so you can protect these treasures long-term.
The Bottom Line
Your child’s art tells the story of their creativity, growth, and imagination, but it doesn’t have to take over your home. Whether you prefer organized bins, digital archives, or a keepsake book you can treasure forever, there’s a solution that fits your family.
