The Tools You Need to Organize Your Digital Photos

As someone who organizes digital photos for a living, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to wrangle all your photos into one place and get them organized. But with the right tools, the process becomes much easier (and way less frustrating). Whether you’re just getting started or you’re in the thick of it, these essentials will save you time, headaches, and, most importantly, your precious memories.

Here’s everything you’ll need:

1. Disk Drive

Got CDs from back in the day? If you’re trying to access those old photo disks, you’ll need a disk drive since computers stopped including them around 2015. (Seriously, what were they thinking?) This handy tool lets you transfer those images onto your new devices without any hassle.

📀 Click here to grab a Disk Drive and rescue your memories from old CDs

2. SD Card Reader

Remember all those SD cards tucked away in drawers? They’re goldmines of memories! To copy and paste photos from SD cards to your photo hub, you’ll need a reliable SD card reader. It’s a simple and quick way to rescue those hidden gems.

📷 Shop this SD Card Reader

3. External Hard Drive

Your photo hub needs a home, and let’s be honest—your computer doesn’t have enough storage. That’s where an external hard drive comes in. I always recommend a solid-state drive (SSD) because they’re fast, durable, and super easy to use. Even my 75-year-old mom uses this one with no issues!

Curious about the difference between an SSD and a standard disk drive? Read my blog post on how to choose the right external hard drive.

💾 Get this SSD and give your photo hub the perfect home

4. USB Hub

Have you noticed how modern laptops come with fewer and fewer ports? It’s maddening, especially when you need to connect multiple devices. A USB hub is a lifesaver if you need to plug in two hard drives or other tools simultaneously.

🔌 Pick up this USB Hub and never run out of ports again

5. USB B to C Adapter

Speaking of ports, why do they keep changing them? If you’ve got older devices that use USB-B ports or new gadgets that only support USB-C, you’ll need an adapter. It’s an inexpensive but crucial tool to make sure all your devices can connect seamlessly.

🔗 Snag this Adapter and keep your devices connected.

Why These Tools Matter

Having the right tools not only saves you time and frustration but also ensures that no memories are left behind. With these essentials, you’ll be able to gather photos from old CDs, SD cards, and devices, and create a secure, organized photo hub that’s easy to maintain.

If you’re ready to tackle your photo collection, these tools are your secret weapons.

Ready to Build Your Photo Hub?

If you’re feeling inspired but not sure where to start, join me for my Photos Sorted Bootcamp! This live, 3-week workshop is designed to guide you through organizing your digital photos step-by-step. Together, we’ll:

  • Create your photo hub.

  • Set up reliable backups.

  • Build an easy-to-maintain system.

Spots are limited, so click here to sign up and take the first step toward organizing your memories today!

Quick note: These links are Amazon affiliate links, all of the opinions are my own. I’m referring you to my favorite things and by you shopping through these links, I may collect a small commission without you paying a penny more! It’s an awesome way to support small businesses like me!

Next
Next

Guide to the New iOS 18 Photos App: 7 Features to Organize Your Memories