Simple Ways to Store Printable Files and Free Up Space on Your Device

Digital printables are a joy to collect — until your device starts to run out of space. This guide will show you how to check your space and how to store your beautiful kits safely. From external hard drives to cloud storage, you’ll find the best solution — without deleting anything or buying complicated software.

Let’s be honest — it’s frustrating when your device runs out of space. Especially when all you want to do is print a few new kits and get crafting! If you’ve ever felt confused, overwhelmed, or worried that your files are “too big” or you’ve done something wrong, I want to reassure you:

You haven’t.

Storage issues happen to all of us — even the most seasoned crafters. But the good news is, they’re completely fixable.

You don’t need complicated tools.
You don’t need to delete your favorite kits.
You just need a simple storage solution that works for how you like to craft.

I’ll help you find that solution — and make space for more joy (and junk journal goodness!) going forward.

What You Need to Know About Storage

💾 Why Printable Files Take Up Space (And Why That’s Totally Normal)

If you’ve ever downloaded a junk journal kit and thought, “Wow, that’s a big file!” — you’re not wrong… but there’s a good reason.

Printable files are high-resolution so they look crisp and beautiful when printed — even those teeny tiny fussy cuts. That quality takes a little more digital space, especially when kits include lots of pages, layers, or decorative details.

👉 A single printable might only be 3–10 MB, but full kits, bonus freebies, and multiple file formats (like PDF and JPEG) can add up over time.

No need to worry! Most devices can handle a healthy stash of printables without issue — and if you ever run low on storage, I’ll show you exactly what to do next. Spoiler: it’s easier than you think.

🧠 How to Know If Your Storage Is Getting Full

You don’t need to be a tech expert to spot the signs of a full device — your computer or phone will usually give you a few helpful hints:

• You might see a notification pop up saying your storage is almost full.
• Your device could start feeling slower or take longer to open files.
• New downloads might fail or freeze, especially if your Downloads folder is clogged.

💡 On a PC or Mac, you can easily check how much space you have:

• PC: Right-click on a drive or folder → select Properties → see “Used space” and “Free space.”
• Mac: Click the Apple menu () → choose About This Mac → go to Storage.

🧳 Where Should You Store All Those Pretty Printables?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — it all depends on how you like to craft, how much space you have, and what kind of device you’re using. From cloud services and flash drives to good old-fashioned external hard drives, there’s a solution that will work for you.

In the next few sections, I’ll walk you through each option (with pros and cons!) so you can pick the one that fits your needs best — no tech headaches required.

External Hard Drive

An external hard drive is a physical storage device that connects to your computer with a USB cable. Think of it like an extra digital closet — one that keeps your printable stash safe without filling up your device’s main storage.

Why it’s a great choice:

• 💡 No internet required – just plug it in and go.
• 💸 No monthly fees – you pay once and own it.
• 📦 Lots of space – perfect for large files like printable kits, photos, and backups.
• 🧳 Portable – easy to take with you if you craft in different locations.

Things to keep in mind:

• 🔌 You’ll need to plug it in when you want to access your files.
• 💔 It can be lost or damaged (just like any physical item).
• 💰 Costs more upfront than a USB stick, but you’ll get way more space and value in the long run.

Cloud Storage

What is cloud storage?

Cloud storage simply means storing your files online instead of (or in addition to) your device. Think of it like a digital attic — your printables are safely tucked away in a secure space you can access from anywhere with an internet connection.

You upload your files to your cloud account using your phone, tablet, or computer — and later, you can open or download them again whenever you need them.

Why crafters love cloud storage:

• 🌍 Access anywhere – open your kits from your computer, tablet, or phone.
• 🔐 Secure backup – even if your device breaks, your files are still safe.
• 🆓 Free to start – both Google Drive and Dropbox offer a generous free plan.
• 🔄 Easy to organize – just like folders on your computer, but stored online.
• 🤝 Great for collaboration – helpful if you’re working on a group project or class.

Things to keep in mind:

• 🌐 Requires internet access – you’ll need a connection to upload or download files.
• 🐢 Speed depends on your Wi-Fi – large printables might take longer to upload.
• 💳 May include ongoing costs – free plans have limits; you can upgrade if needed.
• 🧾 Organizing is still your job – cloud storage doesn’t sort things for you (but it plays nicely with the folder system from this post).

✅ Recommended Cloud Storage Options

1. Google Drive (⭐ My top pick)

• Free plan includes 15 GB of storage (shared across Drive, Gmail & Google Photos).
• Upgrade options: 100 GB, 200 GB, or 2 TB through Google One.
• Easily integrates with most devices — including Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone.
• Tip: Use folders and consistent naming to mirror your file system.

👉 Learn more about Google Drive

2. Dropbox

• Free plan includes 2 GB of storage — a bit smaller than Google’s, but still handy.
• Simple interface and great for syncing files between devices.
• Paid plans start at 2 TB and include advanced sharing and file recovery tools.

👉 Learn more about Dropbox

📱 What About iCloud and Android Storage?

If you use an iPhone or iPad, your device may already be using iCloud Drive to store files. This can be a convenient way to automatically back up your printables and photos. Just make sure you know how much space you have — iCloud’s free plan includes 5 GB.

For Android users, Google Drive is the most common cloud solution and usually built right in.

💡 Using a Chromebook?

Great news — Google Drive is already built into your system. Just open the Files app (blue folder icon), then drag and drop your printable kits straight into your cloud folders. No setup required!

💡 What About USB or Flash Drives?

You can use USB sticks or flash drives to store your printables — especially if you need a quick backup or want to transport files between devices. But for most crafters, they’re not the best long-term solution.

Here’s why:

• 🧠 Limited storage: Most USB drives offer between 32GB and 256GB — which fills up fast when you’re collecting full-size junk journal kits.
• 🧳 Easy to lose: Their small size makes them convenient… and easy to misplace.
• 🌀 Scattered storage: If you use multiple flash drives, your files can quickly become fragmented and disorganized.
• 🐢 Slower speeds: They often take longer to read and write compared to external hard drives or cloud storage.

That said, if you already have a USB stick on hand, it’s perfectly fine to use it for temporary storage — just be mindful of its limitations. For most people, an external hard drive or cloud service will be a better fit for storing printables long-term.

✨ Storage Tips

Storing your printables safely isn’t just about clearing space — it’s about feeling calm and in control when you open your folders. These quick tips will help you make the most of your storage system:

🗂️ 1. Pair Storage with Organization

Storage is where your files live — organization is how you find them. Make sure your storage solution (hard drive, cloud, etc.) includes a simple folder structure, so you’re not digging through dozens of mystery files.

👉 If you haven’t already, check out my Organizing Your Printable Files post for a beginner-friendly system you can set up in under 30 minutes.

🧹 2. Declutter Your Downloads Folder Regularly

Don’t let your Downloads folder become a digital black hole. Every week or two, take a moment to:

• Move new printables into your main folder
• Delete blurry or accidental duplicates
• Rename files so they make sense to you

This tiny habit saves you a huge headache later.

🧺 3. Only Keep What You’ll Actually Use

Most of my printables come in two formats — PDFs (great for quick printing) and JPEGs (ideal for printing single pages and cutting machines). But here’s the thing: you probably don’t need both.

To keep your storage tidy:

• Choose the version that works best for you, and skip the other — or download it later if you need it.
• Delete the ZIP folder after unzipping it. There’s no need to keep both the compressed and the extracted files — they contain the same content.

💡 Tip: If you purchased on Etsy, you received a PDF with your download links. Keep that in a safe folder (like “Re-Download Links”), so you can always grab the other file type later.

💾 4. Save Re-Download PDFs in One Spot

When you purchase from Etsy, you often receive a PDF containing your download links. Create a folder called “Re-Download Links” and save these there — so you can always reaccess your kits if needed, without digging through email receipts.

🧷 5. Store Large Files Off Your Main Device

If your device is short on space, consider storing your full-size printables in the cloud or on an external drive. Keep only the ones you’re actively using on your main device — it’s like a tidy craft table!

🔄 6. Backup Your Favorites (Just in Case)

Even with cloud storage or an external hard drive, it’s smart to keep an extra copy of your favorite printables — just in case something goes wrong.

Here’s how to create a simple backup:

• If you store your printables on your device: Copy your most-used kits to a cloud storage folder (like Google Drive or Dropbox).
• If you already use cloud storage: Consider copying your files to an external hard drive as a second backup. This way, you’re protected even if you lose access to your cloud account.
• If you store everything on an external drive: You can back that up by syncing key folders to the cloud or keeping a second drive in a safe place.

💡 Think of it like having a spare glue stick — you hope you won’t need it, but it’s comforting to know it’s there.

Next Steps

Running out of space doesn’t mean you have to stop collecting the printables you love — it just means it’s time to make a few small changes to free up space and help you feel in control again.

Whether you choose an external drive, a cloud storage plan, or a bit of both, I hope you now feel confident and supported as you take your next step.

💡 Next helpful reads:

• How to Organize Your Printable Files
• How to Print on the Back of Paper
• The Best Paper for Junk Journals

And remember — you don’t have to fix everything in one go. Just take one step today. That’s all it takes to start feeling better.

Happy crafting,
Cyna xx