How to Store Your Photos Safely: Archival Storage Tips
Preserving family memories is one of the most meaningful things you can do—but if your photos are stashed in hot garages or dusty attics, they’re at serious risk of damage. Whether you're just beginning your journey into photo organization or deep into digitizing your collection, here are essential tips to store your photos the right way.
Get Them Out of the Heat
High temperatures and humidity are the enemies of photographs. Never store your photos in the attic, garage, or basement. These spaces are prone to extreme temperature changes, moisture, and even pests. Instead, look for a temperature-controlled space, such as a bedroom closet or interior room, that’s free from direct sunlight and moisture.
Use Archival-Quality Boxes
To truly safeguard your photo collection, use archival storage boxes. These acid-free, lignin-free containers are designed to protect against deterioration. They provide a stable environment that reduces exposure to light and airborne pollutants, both of which can cause fading and brittleness over time.
You can purchase archival boxes online at retailers like Amazon or specialty shops such as Archival Methods. These are the same types of products professionals use when organizing and returning photo collections to clients.
I’ve personally started moving my entire photo collection into archival boxes—and I highly recommend you do the same. When working with clients, I always return their collections in archival-safe products. It’s a small investment that pays off by preserving generations of memories.
Bonus Tip: Digitize What Matters Most
In addition to physical storage, begin digitizing your most valuable photos. Focus first on the images that would break your heart to lose. Scan them at 300–600 dpi as JPEGs or TIFFs to maintain quality, and back them up using the 3-2-1 method:
3 copies of your data
2 different types of storage media
1 copy stored offsite or in the cloud
By combining archival storage with digital backups, you can ensure your family’s legacy is safe for years to come.