Letting go of physical photos can feel like letting go of the past. Every snapshot holds a memory, a loved one’s smile, a moment frozen in time. But when boxes of photos start to gather dust in closets and garages, it becomes harder to enjoy the memories they hold. The good news? You don’t have to say goodbye to them, and the solution is easier than you think: digitize! By discarding duplicates and blurry shots and digitizing what matters most, you create a collection that’s easier to organize and built to last.
The Process:
Start small and be consistent. Begin with one box, one drawer, or one album at a time. Sort into three categories: keep & scan, throw/give away, and undecided. Continue this incremental pace until all photos are sorted.
Tip: Make it social! Invite family or friends over to help sort and reminisce.
Digitize. You have several options for digitizing, the most popular among them being:
- Using a smartphone app
Google PhotoScan or Photomyne - Use a home Scanner
If you own a printer/scanner combo, use the photo or high- resolution scan setting (300+ dpi). - Using a scanning service/photo manager. While there are fees associated with the service, the process is typically easy to use, and they can do it for you.
Below are some pros and cons for each manager service.
ThePhotoManagers.com
Pros:
- Easy-to-use
- Tech coaching available (helps you learn how to view or share photos)
- Ensures photos are backed up, protected from fire/flood, and clearly labeled
Cons:
- Cost can be a barrier
- Not all organizers are local, so you may need to opt for virtual help rather than face-to-face
- Not a service itself, but a network and resource hub
ScanMyPhotos.com
Pros:
- Easy mail-in process
- Fast turnaround
- Optional add-ons for convenience
- Offers affordable flat rate scanning boxes
Cons:
- Does not organize, label, or curate, they simply scan
- No in-person help
- Requires packaging and mailing
LegacyBox.com
Pros:
- Digitizes photos, videotapes, film reels, and audio cassettes
- No tech skills needed
- Includes barcode tracking, giving peace of mind that photos won’t get lost in transit
- Physical & digital return formats
Cons:
- Pricing is per item, so can get expensive for large collections
- Does not organize, label, or curate, they simply scan
- Long turnaround time (several weeks)
- Mail-in risks
Mylio.com
Pros:
- All-in-one digital organizer: photos, videos, documents, and more
- Once synced, files can be viewed without Wi-Fi
- Free version available that allows syncing across up to 3 devices and 5,000 photos without a subscription
Cons:
- Mylio does not digitize anything, it only organizes digital files
- Tech-heavy
- Initial setup (syncing devices, understanding file paths, etc.) may require support
Tip: Store in more than one place: cloud service AND external hard drive/USB
Organize Your Digital Photos. Use clear folder names for example: Wedding 1977, Family Vacations, Trips Abroad, or Grandchildren to make finding photos easier.
Tip: Create a “Favorites” album for the most meaningful images.
Keep the Memory, Not the Bulk
Don’t forget, the primary purpose photos serve is to document moments in time worth remembering. By downsizing and then digitizing your photos, your memories are protected, easily accessible, and ready to share a legacy of precious family moments.
