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1. Use Archival-Quality Materials
Photography experts agree that to protect your treasured photos you need to use archival-quality products. Non-archival materials contain acids, plastics and glues that will eventually damage photos - sometimes beyond repair.
"Magnetic" photo albums available at discount stores are one of the worst choices for photo storage. These albums rely on non-archival glue and plastic to keep photos in place, both of which will cause damage over time.
The charming black pages and corners our grandparents used are poor choices too. If black paper gets wet, the dye can bleed onto and ruin your photos. If you want to use albums, stick with white or off-white acid-free paper and archival-quality corners.
You can purchase archival-quality materials from a number of sources. Search online under "archival photo storage." Some places I've found include:
Your local photography shop or an art supply store may have a selection of archival storage options available as well.
2. Use Photo Boxes Instead of Albums
For simple, efficient, easy-to-use photo storage, photo boxes win hands down. Most photo boxes come with tabs, or you can easily create your own using index cards, so you can organize photos without damaging them.
Albums are a good option for recording special events such as a wedding, a new baby, or you could create an album for each family member. Just make sure the albums are of archival quality.
Whether you decide to use albums or boxes, get them in the same size for easier storage.
3. Store Photos in a Cool, Dry, Dark Location
Light, heat and humidity are the major causes of photo damage. Avoid storing photographs in attics, basements, kitchens and the like. Instead, find a dry, dark area in your living space with a constant temperature under 75 degrees. Good potential choices are: under your bed, on an open bookshelf in light-safe archival boxes, or in a closet.
Next >> Organize Current Photos First
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