I bought two of these (not the exact model, I can't find the link but same idea)
http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/v...e-Mini-Scanner
and scanned all the pictures. It didn't take long at all, especially with two going at the same time. I went through 4 HUGE boxes - china size - of pictures. It was a huge relief to know that they were now secure, regardless of what happens to the house (I keep watching all the homes destroyed by weather). I made multiple copies of the CD's and distributed them. I still have the pictures, and I will keep them, but I'm glad they are all not digital as well.
I think the machines cost me $200, but then I sold both them on ebay for, like, $150 so it really cost me zip. I'm sure there are others available on eBay as well.
It was a really easy process.
As for the paper documents, I scanned those as well. One less thing to worry about.