Hey Momma!

Let’s be honest—vacations leave you with two things: unforgettable memories and a mountain of random trinkets. Think ticket stubs, shells, hotel key cards, and that one brochure your kid insisted on keeping because “it’s cool, Mom!”

If you’ve ever come home with a suitcase full of souvenirs and zero idea what to do with them, this post is for you. We’re tackling the art of organizing vacation keepsakes in a way that’s simple, stress-free, and maybe even a little fun. (Yes, fun. I said it.) 


Why Organizing Keepsakes Matters
Before we get too fsr in, let’s answer the big question: why even bother organizing?  Like, we’re busy moms. What’s the point?! Here’s why:
– So your trinkets don’t end up in a junk drawer, forgotten forever. 
– To make journaling easier—you’ll thank yourself later when everything is in one place. 
– Because reliving your vacation through keepsakes is half the joy of taking them! 

Now that we’ve settled that, here are some foolproof (and budget-friendly) ways to keep your mementos organized and ready for action. 

Convenient Ways to Store Vacation Trinkets 

1. The Trusty Ziploc Bag
Let’s start with the MVP of vacation organization: the humble Ziploc bag. They’re cheap, transparent (so you can see what’s inside), and come in different sizes. Toss in your receipts, shells, and that sand-dollar your kid found on the beach, and voilà—instant keepsake holder. Bonus points for writing the trip name and date on the bag with a Sharpie. 


2. A Travel Memory Box
Grab a small, sturdy box (shoeboxes work great!) and designate it as your “vacation memory vault.” Each trip gets its own box where you can toss in everything from postcards to pressed flowers. It’s a great way to keep the clutter contained while still being easy to access when you’re ready to journal. 


3. Accordion Folders
If you’re the “organized chaos” type, accordion folders might just be your new best friend. Assign each pocket to a specific category—photos, tickets, maps, receipts—and watch your chaos magically transform into order. 

4. Plastic Envelopes or Pouches
For a more polished look (read: less like your kid’s lunch bag), try clear plastic envelopes with snap closures. They’re durable, compact, and perfect for tossing in your backpack or suitcase. You can even get fancy and label them for each day or destination of your trip. 


5. Mason Jars for Tiny Keepsakes
Hear me out: mason jars. They’re perfect for storing sand, pebbles, or tiny treasures like coins or beads. Bonus? They double as décor for your shelf. Just don’t let your kid shake them like a snow globe (ask me how I know). 


6. Repurpose a Binder with Sheet Protectors
Grab a 3-ring binder, pop in some sheet protectors, and slide your mementos inside. It’s perfect for organizing flat items like brochures, tickets, and maps. Bonus: you can add handwritten notes to go along with your keepsakes. 

Tips to Keep It Fun and Manageable
– Sort as You Go: Toss everything into your designated bag, pouch, or folder *during* the trip. It’ll save you from post-vacation chaos. 
– Keep Only What Matters: Not every receipt or brochure needs to come home. Be selective so your keepsake stash stays meaningful. 
– Involve the Family: Let your kids help pick out what to save—they’ll love contributing to the memory-making process. 

Wrapping It Up
Organizing vacation mementos doesn’t have to be a chore. With a little planning (and the magic of Ziploc bags), you can keep all your trinkets in one place, ready to be turned into a beautiful vacation journal or memory book. 

So go ahead, embrace the chaos of collecting, and let these tips help you tame it. Because every ticket stub and seashell has a story—and those stories deserve to be told. 

Happy organizing! 

—Ellyse

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