How to Store Pictures Long-Term
Are you curious about how to properly store your framed pictures? From framed photographs, paintings, and other pictures, we keep these precious images that can hold a lot of emotional and financial importance. To ensure your pictures can stand the test of time and last in the long term in your storage unit, there are tips and tricks you can take to preserve them.
This article will discuss storing framed pictures in a storage unit, from good boxing, storage space, recommended environment, and more. Learn how to package your framed photos in the best conditions to prevent breakage, creasing, mildew, and other potential damage so that you can enjoy them for years.
Proper Containers for Your Photos
Choosing the correct container or boxes for storing pictures is vital when packaging your photos. For instance, if you are storing valuable photographs such as family photos, you will want to choose the best quality photo album. Many albums for sale can contain harmful acids or adhesives that cause your pictures to degrade over time. Fortunately, there are archival-quality albums you can purchase. Look for albums that are photo-safe, acid, lignin, and PVC-free.
Find a box with archival-quality dividers if you prefer a photo box rather than a photo album. Boxes for storing pictures are best to avoid the tape or glue used to affix photos in albums, which can cause pictures to fall out of the album or stick together if stored in a humid or high-temperature environment.
Select the correct size box for storing photos; nothing too small may cause pictures to bend and crease. Do not store photos in a too-large box, as images will move and shift more than they should.
Storing Pictures in A Climate Controlled Storage Unit
To prevent your photos or paintings from unnecessarily aging, store them in a climate, temperature-controlled storage unit. When finding a unit to store your pictures long-term, consider the location’s potential humidity, lighting, temperature, the possibility of flooding, and any sign of insects or rodents.
A location known for changing temperatures and humidity or prone to flooding is not the best option for storing pictures. Reliable storage will offer climate-controlled units with suitable temperature and humidity levels for your photos, helping preserve and keep them in optimal conditions. Avoid direct light from windows, which can fade your pictures over time.
Tips For Storing Photos
Once you have found the proper storage unit for your chosen archival boxes, you will want to keep everything organized. Categorize your boxes by timeline, event, person, etc., and even try color coding to make it easier to find what you want later. Storing photos in albums inside boxes offers double protection and increased organization.