Gretchen Rubin’s Recommendations: Archiving and Saving the Things That Matter | Gretchen Rubin [Skip to content](#content) [ ![](https://gretchenrubin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/gretchenrubin-logo-768x344.png) ](https://gretchenrubin.com) - March 17, 2025 - [Organization](https://gretchenrubin.com/tag/organization/) # Gretchen Rubin’s Recommendations: Archiving and Saving the Things That Matter ![](https://gretchenrubin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Archiving_Saving.webp) Struggling with items that don’t have a place? Learn how to create simple, effective storage solutions to keep sentimental keepsakes, papers, and odd-shaped items organized—without adding clutter. *This post includes products that I believe in and love myself. It also includes affiliate links, meaning I will receive a commission if you decide to make a purchase from these links. This never comes at any cost to you.* [ ![](https://gretchenrubin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ArtBooksProduct-83e97aaf-1024x1024.png) ](https://www.artkiveapp.com/keepsakes/art-book-for-kids?sscid=31k9_a8cn6&utm_campaign=3777622&utm_medium=AFFILIATE&utm_source=SAS) ## [ArtKive keepsake book](https://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1235697&u=3777622&m=82256%20) I wish this was around when my girls were younger. What a cool way to save their masterpieces. In fact, I might need to do this with some of my watercolors. [ ![](https://gretchenrubin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/best-photo-book-multi-books.jpg) ](https://www.shutterfly.com/) ## [Shutterfly photo album](https://www.shutterfly.com/) I am an avid Shutterfly user for my photo albums. [ ![](https://gretchenrubin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/7122YYqmqpL._AC_SX679_-1.jpg) ](https://amzn.to/3CNsR7d%20) ## [Memory box](https://amzn.to/3CNsR7d%20) Store photos, small souvenirs, and other keepsakes together in a sturdy (labeled!) box. [ ![](https://gretchenrubin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/71bmZS41BfL._AC_UL232_SR232232_-1.jpg) ](https://amzn.to/4196l1N%20) ## [Compact paper cutter](https://amzn.to/4196l1N%20) If you haven’t used one since your school days, it’s still just as satisfying to zip through papers and photos as you trim them down to size. [ ![](https://gretchenrubin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/71QRWwRb0RL._AC_UL232_SR232232_.jpg) ](https://amzn.to/4gvtPTv%20) ## [Laminator](https://amzn.to/4gvtPTv%20) This laminator is small, quiet, and efficient. Perfect for preserving paper mementos. [ ![](https://gretchenrubin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Memento_Companion_2_1160x_crop_center.jpg) ](https://the-happiness-project.com/collections/journals/products/memento-keepsake-journal-with-companion-guide) ## [The Memento Journal](https://the-happiness-project.com/collections/journals/products/memento-keepsake-journal-with-companion-guide) I created this for a reason! [ ![](https://gretchenrubin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/51RCby3ZxgL._AC_SX679_-1024x1024.jpg) ](https://amzn.to/3DX9mJO) ## [Apothecary jars](https://amzn.to/3DX9mJO) These fun little jars make odds and ends look great, and festive, too. [ shop the list ](https://amzn.to/3FxpKkT) ## See Gretchen’s Other Recommendations [ Using What You Have ](https://gretchenrubin.com/uncategorized/gretchen-rubins-tips-on-organizing-use-what-you-already-have/) [ SAVE TIME AND IMPROVE FOCUS ](https://gretchenrubin.com/uncategorized/gretchen-rubin-save-time-improve-focus/) [ MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER ](https://gretchenrubin.com/uncategorized/gretchen-rubin-guide-make-life-easier/) [ Simplify Organization ](https://gretchenrubin.com/uncategorized/gretchen-rubins-recommendations-make-organizing-simpler/) #### YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE ![Books to Give New Grads Blog Header](https://gretchenrubin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Books-to-Give-New-Grads-Blog-Header-768x512.jpg) [Gretchen Rubin's Recommendations: Book Gifts for New Grads](https://gretchenrubin.com/articles/gretchen-rubins-recommendations-book-gifts-for-grads/) ![Making_Organization_Simpler](https://gretchenrubin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Making_Organization_Simpler-768x512.webp) [Gretchen Rubin's Recommendations: Making Organizing Simpler](https://gretchenrubin.com/articles/gretchen-rubins-recommendations-make-organizing-simpler/) ![Making_Life_Easier](https://gretchenrubin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Making_Life_Easier-768x512.webp) [Gretchen Rubin's Recommendations: Making Life Easier](https://gretchenrubin.com/articles/gretchen-rubin-guide-make-life-easier/) #### DISCOVER MORE # Like what you see? 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