Your Step-by-Step Guide to Conquering the Chaos
Let’s talk about the box.
You know the one I mean. I call it the “Scary Box”. The one on the top shelf of the closet or buried under years of other “I’ll get to this later” bins. It might be cardboard, plastic, or even an old suitcase. It’s full of photos—hundreds of them, maybe thousands. Some curled. Some stuck together. Some unlabeled. All filled with memories.
And every time you open it, you’re hit with a wave of emotion and a big dose of guilt. “I need to do this.” “Where do I even start?”
Take a breath. Today, we’re not going to finish the box—we’re just going to start. And that’s the most important step of all.
Why Sorting Photos Matters (Before You Organize)
You might be tempted to jump right into scanning or labeling. But trust me—sorting comes first. Without it, you’ll end up duplicating effort, misplacing images, or creating a filing system that doesn’t make sense later on. I know because I’ve done those things before.
Sorting is how we make sense of the mess. It gives us clarity and direction. It helps us figure out what we actually have—and how best to protect it.
Step 1: Set the Stage
Before you even open the box, set yourself up for success:
- Choose a clean, flat workspace like a dining table or a folding table
- Have empty boxes or photo-safe containers nearby to sort into
- Keep sticky notes, index cards, or temporary dividers within reach
- Prepare for dust and surprises (yes, that is a baby tooth taped to the back of a photo)
- Set a timer for 20–30 minutes so you don’t get overwhelmed. I usually do 15 minutes. Did you know if you do that each day for a year, you’ll have logged more than 91 hours on your photos?
And remind yourself: You’re not deciding what to keep or toss yet. You’re just sorting. But remember, you don’t want to get all into the nostalgia … remember the 2-second rule. Look and decide. There will be time for reminiscing later.
Step 2: Decide on Your Sorting Method
Pick a method that feels intuitive to you. Here are three common ways to sort:
🧑🤝🧑 By Person or Family Line
If your goal is to build albums or digital folders for each family branch, start by grouping photos by surname or nuclear family.
👉 Great for genealogists who want to tie photos to their research.
🗓️ By Time Period or Decade
If you’re unsure who everyone is, try sorting by era: 1920s, 1950s, 1980s, etc.
👉 This helps identify patterns in fashion, photo quality, or background scenery.
📍 By Event or Theme
Weddings, vacations, holidays, military service, pets, etc.
👉 Ideal if you’re creating themed albums or storybooks.
You can always adjust later, but commit to one method for the session to avoid confusion.
Step 3: Start a “Mystery” Pile (and Don’t Stress)
There will be photos you don’t recognize—and that’s okay!
Instead of getting stuck, create a “Mystery” pile or folder. You’ll revisit these later when:
- You’ve identified related people in other photos
- You talk with relatives who may recognize them
- You’ve scanned the image and run facial recognition tools (like in FOREVER)
Let go of the need to know everything right now. Curiosity is enough. Besides, I have tips to help you figure out who those people are.
Step 4: Use Temporary Labels
As you sort, if you really need to, because you might forget, jot down quick labels:
- “Smith Family – 1940s”
- “Mom & Dad – Christmas photos”
- “Grandma’s farm”
Use index cards or sticky notes between groups. You’ll replace these later with more permanent labels once you digitize or store them, but for now, it helps keep your categories clear.
Step 5: Store What You’ve Sorted
When your timer goes off or you’re ready to wrap up:
- Place your sorted piles in labeled envelopes, folders, or photo-safe boxes
- Keep sorted groups separate from the unsorted box
- Make a quick note of what you completed (optional: use a photo organizing worksheet)
Then give yourself a pat on the back. You made progress.
The Mindset Shift: You Don’t Have to Do It All Today
Sorting photos isn’t about perfection—it’s about momentum.
Every session, no matter how small, is a win. Think of this as archaeology. You’re unearthing memories, piece by piece.
And sometimes, in the middle of all the dust and mystery, you’ll find something extraordinary—like your great-grandmother’s smile you’ve never seen before.
That’s why we do this.
🔖 Your Action Step for Today:
- Pull out one box, bin, or folder of unsorted photos
- Choose a sorting method (person, decade, event)
- Set a timer for 20–30 minutes
- Create at least three labeled categories
Optional: Snap a photo of your progress and share it online (or save it for your own sense of accomplishment). You may even inspire a cousin to start their own photo project.
I’m a genealogist and genetic genealogist, but I’m also a FOREVER Senior Ambassador, and I help people with their photo collection. If you sign up with my link, you’ll receive 2GB of FOREVER Storage and money to spend on a project. You’ll also be connected with me, and I love to help people with their legacy. I also have videos on my YouTube Channel to help you get started with FOREVER.
Getting Started With FOREVER – With the Family History Hound (playlist)
Preserving Your Legacy With FOREVER (playlist)
I’m Saving My Genealogy FOREVER (video)
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