Storage Solutions~ Part 2
Now that you sorted and categorized your photos and learned the proper way to handle and care for your photos, next is finding the best storage solution for your photos. Printed photos are delicate and can deteriorate over time when not stored properly. In this blog, I will discuss some best storage solutions along with sharing some tips on labeling and categorizing your storage boxes to enjoy your photos at any time.
Let's discuss the reason why you would want to use acid-free materials for your photo storage. Regular type of carboard boxes, photo albums, and plastic sleeves can contain acids or chemicals that will cause your photos to fade, turn yellow, or even degrade over time. The acid-free materials, are specially designed to preserve paper and photographs by maintaining a neutral pH, preventing chemical reactions that can damage your photographs. You put all that work in shorting and categorizing the photos, do not put it to waste by sticking those precious memories in a box that will damage them.
These photos were damaged from being stored in a hot area of the home, likely suffering from both water and sun exposure.
Recommended Storage Solutions
Acid-Free Storage Boxes
Why Use Them:
For storing large quantities of photos, whether you have loose photos or large ones that require envelopes. These boxes will help protect against light, dust and the humidity for a long term storage.
Recommendation:
Archival Boxes | Archival Methods | Acid-Free Photo Storage Boxes are the type of photo storage I use myself and offer to my clients. They are made from high-quality acid-free materials and come in various sizes for any photo collection.
Photo Albums with Acid-Free Pages
Why use Them:
If you like photo albums instead of boxes, there are even somewhere you only put the most important photos in an album. Make sure you invest in an acid-free album that should be labeled or it could say "archival-quality." The adhesives on the pages are safe for long-term storage of your photos.
Recommendation:
I recommend using Archival Methods, which offers a variety of high-quality, acid-free albums. If you're working with a tighter budget, there are also plenty of great options available on Amazon: click here. These albums come in a range of colors and look great too!
Tips for Labeling and Categorizing Storage Boxes
Now that you've chosen your storage solutions, it's essential to label and categorize your boxes for easy access. This will ensure you can quickly locate specific photos whenever you need them. Here are some helpful tips to guide you through the process.
Label Each Box Clearly
Use a permanent marker, label maker, or printed labels to mark each box with a description of what categories. For example, you might label boxes by year, ("Smith Family Photos 1990-1997) by event, ("Vacation Photos"), or even both.
Make a Simple Numbering System
If you have several photo storage boxes, try assigning a number to each (Box 1, Box 2, etc.) and use a log system to keep track of what types of photos are in each box. This will make it easier and faster to find the specific photo you're searching for.
Categorize by Theme, Event, or Date
As you begin organizing your photos in the boxes, choose a method that makes sense to you. In our last blog post, we talked about different methods, such as organizing chronologically, by event, theme, or even a combination of all three (e.g., holidays, school years, day trips, vacations). The key is to use a system that works best for you.
Use Dividers or Envelopes for Subcategories
Next, when organizing the photos inside your boxes, use acid-free dividers or photo envelopes to create subcategories. For example, if Box 1 is labeled "Smith Family Photos 1990-1997," your subcategories might include "Christmas 1992," "Lake Vacation 1994," and similar events or occasions.
Store in Cool, Dry Place
Now that your photos are organized, it's important to find the right spot in your home to store them. Choose a location within your main living spaces, away from direct sunlight, humidity, and extreme temperature changes. Avoid storing them in attics, basements, or garages, as these environments can damage your photos over time.
Backup Digital Copies
When it comes to storing your printed photos, it's wise to consider creating a digital backup of your most cherished ones. Scanning and saving them to the cloud, as well as an external hard drive, provides an extra layer of protection. This follows what I learned from The Photo Managers, called the "3-2-1 Backup Plan": 3 copies of your data, stored on 2 different types of media, with 1 copy kept off-site for added security.
Organizing and properly storing your printed photos is essential for making them easier to find now and for preserving them for future generations. By doing this, you're safeguarding your family history so that your children’s children will know their roots. Investing in acid-free boxes, albums, and protective sleeves ensures your photos will stand the test of time. Don’t forget to carefully label and categorize your storage to make your photos easily accessible when you're ready to share them with your grandkids or other family members. You’ll love the end result of decluttered and organized photos!
Your Photo Coach!!
I'm Sonya, a skilled photographer with over 12 years of experience, I am dedicated to capturing moments that turn into cherished memories. Additionally, I am constantly expanding my expertise in the art of printed photo organization and preservation. Join me on a journey to encapsulate and safeguard your precious life stories.
Psalm 16:11 ESV
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
