Photo Clutter, Be Gone! Finally Organize Your Memories Without the Overwhelm with Krista Kowalczyk (Ep 252)

About the episode

Deanna chats with photo organization expert Krista Kowalczyk about how to simplify and safeguard your photo collection. From old prints to digital chaos, learn easy strategies to declutter, organize, and protect your memories—without overwhelm.


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In this episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, the host, Deanna Yates, interviews Krista Kowalczyk, a photo organization expert dedicated to helping people manage and protect their precious memories. After witnessing the devastating effects of Hurricane Ian, Krista shifted her focus from photography to helping others preserve their photo collections. She shares practical, easy-to-follow strategies for organizing both print and digital photos, offering listeners a clear path to reduce photo clutter and keep their memories safe for years to come.

Throughout the conversation, Krista reveals her best tips for tackling overwhelming photo collections, creating a simple routine to manage digital images, and avoiding common mistakes that lead to lost or disorganized memories. She also introduces helpful tools—including AI-powered apps—that make photo management easier and more efficient. Plus, Krista discusses her book Beyond the Storm, which blends personal stories with actionable advice on preserving and protecting your most cherished moments. Whether you're drowning in digital photos or unsure how to handle old prints, this episode provides the motivation and guidance you need to take control of

Key Takeaways:

1. Simple strategies to organize and protect your print and digital photos

2. How to create a manageable routine for photo organization

3. Common mistakes people make with photo storage—and how to avoid them

4. The best tools and apps for streamlining photo management

5. Insights from Beyond the Storm and how to safeguard your memories long-term

About Krista Kowalczyk:

For over 25 years, Krista Kowalczyk has captured life’s most cherished moments as the owner of Impressions Photography. After Hurricane Ian she used her photography skills in a different way when she volunteered to salvage thousands of flood damaged photographs. Her efforts and expertise have since been featured on dozens of national news programs including ABC World News with David Muir and Good Morning America. That eye opening experience also led her on a mission to proactively help people secure their own pictures. Her upcoming book, Beyond the Storm, and her easy to follow photo digitizing courses ensure that everyone has the skills needed to keep their own personal photographs safe.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:38 Meet Krista Kowalczyk: Photo Rescue Expert

02:43 Krista's Journey: From Photographer to Photo Organizer

05:43 The Impact of Natural Disasters on Photo Memories

09:57 Strategies for Organizing Print Photos

15:20 Tackling Digital Photo Clutter

18:24 Best Practices for Photo Backup and Storage

21:16 The Problem with Too Many Photos

21:36 Organizing Photos: Monthly Routine

22:38 Using Apps to Manage Digital Clutter

24:20 Creating Heritage Folders

26:01 Common Mistakes in Photo Organization

28:35 Breaking Down Large Projects

29:46 Digitizing and Storing Photos Safely

33:03 New Book: Beyond the Storm

34:58 Rapid Fire Questions

37:35 Final Thoughts and Motivation


Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com


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About Deanna Yates

Based in San Diego, CA, Deanna helps high-achieving moms clear the clutter from their homes and lives.

Through coaching, courses, summits, and her top-ranked Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, she supports modern women in building organized, peaceful homes where they can thrive.


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