Archival Photo Storage

Some pictures are truly worth a thousand words. Family photos of grandma's bright smile, baby's first steps or cousins playing together are priceless. Once photos are printed, it is vital to keep them in the proper conditions to help those memories last forever.

Using the proper methods of archival photo storage will allow your photos to be enjoyed for a lifetime. Many people quickly throw their pictures in envelopes or perhaps put them in cheap photo albums from the dollar store. However, these methods will cause photos to eventually deteriorate.

The ideal environment for photographs is cool and dry, without large temperature fluctuations. This ideal environment can be difficult to maintain in a normal home. Generally, basements should be avoided since they are prone to dampness. This dampness can cause photos to stick together and can also cause mold. In many homes, an above-ground interior closet is a good storage location.

If you choose to place your photos in a photo album, make sure it is a high quality product. Albums that contain plastic can damage your photos, so choose albums that are made of polyester or polypropylene. Paper in the album should be lignin-free and acid-free.

Storage boxes are a popular method of archival photo storage. Since they come in all sizes, shapes and patterns, photo storage boxes can fit with any decor. Check the label and select a photo storage box that has passed the Photographic Activity Test, or PAT. This ensures that none of the materials in the box will damage your precious photos. Boxes should be filled comfortably, and not over-stuff or under-stuffed. If there are not enough photos in the box, the photos can curl or clump. If the box is over-stuffed, the photos can be damaged when they are removed. Regular cardboard boxes should not be used to store photos. Wood, plastic and cardboard boxes actually produce gases that will cause damage.

Choosing the proper method of archival photo storage ensures that your photos can be enjoyed for generations.