Options for Photo Storage

Taking photographs has long been a popular way to document people and events, and to preserve their memories in a physical, visual form. However, organizing and storing photos presents some unique challenges. Considerations must be taken to ensure that they are protected from moisture, folds and exposure to harmful acids. Photo storage can also be bulky, making it difficult to keep pictures organized in small spaces. Many products are available to help keep photos safe and in order, ranging from simple, classic photo albums to complete organizational systems aimed at serious scrapbookers. You can even create your own custom photo storage containers.

Things to Consider When Choosing Photo Storage

There are a couple of important things to consider when purchasing or making photo storage. These considerations will protect the photos and keep them safe and organized for years to come.

Make sure that the containers and albums you choose are acid-free. Acid in plastics and paper can leach into photos, causing them to turn yellow. Check the labeling on the container and look for the phrase "acid-free" or "archival safe" to be sure that your photos will not be damaged. Paper-based containers that are not acid-free should be treated with a product called archival spray, which will neutralize any acid content in the paper.

For storing large amounts of photos, look for containers with sections or dividers. Separate spaced or tabbed dividers allow for organizing and grouping photos by date, subject, or any other criteria. Using containers with a labeling or sorting system makes it easier to locate specific photos later.

Commercially Available Photo Storage

With the advent of scrapbooking and technological advances in photography and photo printing came a wave of innovative photo-related products. Photo storage was once limited to photo albums and boxes, however, these basic storage solutions have evolved into a vast array of choices, each designed for a specific purpose. Containers designed specifically for photo storage are usually acid-free, but you should check the package labeling to be sure.

Photo albums remain a popular option for photo storage. Albums are ideal for storing photos in a specific order, such as chronologically. However, if you plan to rearrange the order of the photos or add photos in between, albums can be time-consuming to maintain. Modern photo albums come in many shapes and sizes and can accommodate many different sizes of photos. Some even include space for journaling adjacent to the photo, recording details such as dates, names and places.

Boxes and folios are a more convenient way to store photos that will be frequently rearranged. For scrapbookers, fold-out folios with multiple photo pockets allow for picture organization for upcoming page layouts. Larger amounts of photos are easily stored in boxes. Traditional cardboard photo boxes are available in many different colors and patterns. Plastic storage boxes for photos are also available, protecting photos from moisture when stored in basements or humid climates.

Handmade Photo Storage

Handmade photo storage is completely customizable. It has the flexibility of matching any design and fitting into odd-size spaces, since it is designed specifically to do so.

The simplest handmade photo storage option is a custom photo box. A sturdy box such as a shoebox covered with decorative paper can make a nice photo storage box. Some brands of cigars also come in boxes that are an appropriate size for photo storage.

Make boxes with custom dimensions by cutting pieces from sturdy chipboard. Attach the pieces of the box together at the seams with tape. Alternatively, you can use strips of kraft paper and glue to hold the corners of the box together. Remember that larger boxes hold more photos and are heavier when filled, so reinforce you may need to the bottom of the box at the seams with additional tape or kraft paper.

References:

Better Homes and Gardens; Photo Storage Tips and Photo Book Creation
ScrapJazz; Photo Storage
Thrifty Fun; Make a Photo Storage Box