Everyday school papers: Purchase one appropriately sized container per child, write their name on it, and store it in a practical location. If the child is old enough, have them drop their own papers in this location daily. No decisions will be made on what to keep until summertime. Once the school year is over, select the best of their Math, English, Art, etc. papers. Use a Manila envelope large enough to store the chosen school papers for that year, such as 8x10 or 11x14. Write their name, age, and school year on each envelope. Have one plastic tub with a lid for each child stored in the attic or garage to hold many years of envelopes.

Art: During the school year, store art pieces in a large plastic container or cardboard box. Once the school year is over, it's time to choose which ones to keep. Take pictures of the ones that will be discarded because they are too large to store, and put them in a photo album. Each saved art piece should have the year or grade written on it, and be kept in an appropriately sized plastic tub. These can be stored in the attic or garage as well. 

Portfolio: Important documents, such as school or music programs, certificates, awards, or letters of achievement, should be kept separately from other papers and artwork. These can be stored in a container for each year and then moved into a binder with plastic protectors for safe keeping. These binders will be a lifesaver when it comes time to get a job, apply for scholarships, or to enroll in college. You will not be the parent or student scrambling, trying to locate all those important documents of when they are needed the most!