Printed or Digital Photos — What Should You Organize First?

One of the questions I get asked most often is:
“Should I start with my printed photos or my digital photos?”

The truth? There isn’t one right answer. Every family’s situation is different. The key is choosing the project that will make the biggest impact for you right now.

One thing I don’t recommend is trying to organize both at the same time. That quickly becomes overwhelming. Pick one type of media and focus your energy there.

Here are some things to consider as you decide where to begin.

 Reasons to Start with Digital Photos

You may want to start with digital if:

• Your phone is constantly full

• You can’t find specific photos when you need them

• Your photos are scattered across multiple devices and platforms

• You take photos daily and feel frustrated by the chaos

• You don’t have a reliable backup system in place

• You would be devastated if you lost everything tomorrow

Digital clutter creates daily stress. If your current photo habits feel out of control, organizing your digital photos may bring the fastest relief.

And remember — safeguarding your digital files is critical. Creating a simple 3-2-1 backup system (3 copies, 2 types of media, 1 off-site or cloud copy) is one of the most important first steps you can take.

 Reasons to Start with Printed Photos

You may want to begin with printed photos if:

• You have multiple boxes (or totes) of old photographs

• You’re worried about fading, heat damage, or aging

• You want to create a meaningful project or gift for a loved one

• The idea of dealing with them feels heavy or stressful

Printed photos are physical, and that means they are vulnerable to heat, humidity, disasters, and time. Storing them properly in archival containers and keeping them out of garages or attics can make a huge difference.

If you decide to digitize, focus first on the photos that would make you cry if you lost them. Start with what matters most.

The Most Important Question to Ask Yourself

Instead of asking,
“Which is more important?”

Try asking:

“Which project will make my life easier in the next 30 days?”

That’s your answer.

 Make a 30-Day Plan

Once you decide:

1. Set small, realistic goals.

2. Break the project into manageable steps.

3. Revisit your plan after 30 days.

If it’s working — keep going.
If it’s not — adjust or switch focus.

Progress is more important than perfection.

Slow and steady truly does win the race.

 If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin, you’re not alone. Whether it’s boxes of printed memories or thousands of digital photos, the most important step is simply choosing one place to start.