How to Store Photos Safely

ARE PRINT PHOTOS STILL RELEVANT? (Part 3)

With all the focus on digital photos these days, what do we do with all those printed photos, both those we’ve created ourselves and those that we’ve inherited. These treasures capture the history of our family before the digital age. They preserve the past and the lives of our ancestors.

In my last blog we talked about organising your photos- broadly, generally and specifically. This is a BIG task and will take some time. Whilst you are working on this process you need to safely store the photos you have sorted, are sorting and still need to sort.

The way you store photos is very important. Original photos can be damaged by acid, lignin (yellowing), light, heat, moisture/humidity, human neglect, vermin and other animals.

Two boxes that are perfect for storing your photos are the Creative Memories Power Sort Box and the Albox Photo Storage box (head to my SHOP tab for more information or to order). Both of these boxes will protect and preserve your photographs. You should avoid cardboard boxes, plastic tubs and non-acid/lignin paper envelopes.

Equally as important as a protective box, is the environment in which you store your photo boxes. Basically, photos like to live where we like to live. Avoid storing your photos in the attic or roof space, the basement or garage. These areas can be prone to heat and cold extremes, moisture, mould, pests and flooding.  A better option is a wardrobe, cupboard, cabinet or a chest within the living areas of your home such as the lounge room, home office or bedroom. These spots usually receive suitable heating and cooling, have limited light, and are clean and pest-free.