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.
What Do I Do With All These Pictures? Make a Slideshow!
Have you ever found yourself staring at a growing collection of photos and wondering, What am I supposed to do with all of these? Whether they’re tucked away in a closet, scattered across old devices, or stored on your phone, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of memories we collect over time.
For me, one of the most joyful ways to bring those memories to life is by creating a slideshow. Slideshows are more than just images set to music—they’re stories. They help us remember, reconnect, and relive the special moments that make up our lives.
This week, I’m working on two different slide shows. One is for a friend’s wedding, and the other is for a youth camp I attended. Both are deeply personal, and each has reminded me of the power of photos when they’re shared in a meaningful way.
The wedding slideshow has been especially touching. I’ve known this couple for years—watched them grow up, fall in love, and now begin a new chapter together. As I sort through childhood snapshots, prom pictures, and engagement photos, I’m filled with nostalgia and gratitude. It’s not just a video—it’s a tribute to their journey and a gift they’ll treasure forever.
The camp slideshow, on the other hand, is full of energy and laughter. Turning a week of adventures into a fun and upbeat recap for everyone to enjoy is a truly rewarding process. These kids made memories they’ll never forget, and now they’ll have something to help them remember all the late-night campfires, games, and friendships.
If you’ve got photos sitting in a box, on a disk, or lost in your camera roll, consider creating a slideshow. It’s a beautiful way to share your story—whether it’s for a birthday, wedding, reunion, or just because.
And if you’re not sure where to start, I’d be happy to help. Bringing memories to life is what I do. Let’s create something that will be remembered, revisited, and cherished for years to come.