How to Store Photos and Crafts in Storage
Old photos?– whether they’re piled in a box or placed neatly in a photo album – can hold some of our most cherished memories. Over time, you may find that pictures can fade or get a little distorted, especially when it’s just sitting out with no protection. That’s why it’s so important to take extra care of your photos when placing them in storage. Luckily, at U-Haul, we have some tips and tricks to help your photos stay in the best possible condition so they can be enjoyed for generations to come.
Organize Your Photos
A great way to start this process is by organizing your photos. Sort your collection in a way that makes sense to you, whether it’s by type of photo, size, age, or memories. Maybe even set aside a few of your favorites to keep around the house!
Once you have your collection organized, you can plan how you’re going to pack and store them.
Pro Tip: Wear cotton gloves when handling photos and try not to touch the printed side to help preserve the image.
Invest in High-Quality Supplies
These supplies will help protect your pictures while also keeping them organized:
- PVC-free plastic sleeves/sandwich bags
- File folders and file boxes
- Silica gel moisture absorber
Choose a Photo Packing Method
There are several ways to pack and store photos. What works best for you will depend on your needs and the types of photos you want to store. Here are a few common methods and why you might want to use each.
Storing Printed Photos
Stacking
Stacking is an easy way to organize and store large quantities of loose photos. If you’re not adamant that your photos are stored in an album or individual container, you can stack your photos in a picture box while placing a sheet of acid-free paper or tissue in between each one.
File Folders and Envelopes
File folders and envelopes are great for storing sets of photos or photos you want to store individually. When storing sets, be sure to place acid-free paper or tissue between photos. You can consolidate files and envelopes in an accordion folder or file box.
Photo Albums
If you want to store photos in an album, use an “archival” photo album that has acid-free sleeves.?If you have photos in “peel-and-stick” photo albums, remove them and look for an alternate storage method. These photos albums often use chemical adhesives that damage photos over time.
Storing Framed Pictures
You don’t have to go through the effort of having to take all your photos out of the frame, you can just store them in the frame! In instances like this, you don’t want to just toss a blanket over it, you’ll want to store it securely to prevent any damage.
The solution? The U-Haul picture box. Any photos that are in a large picture frame can remain there. Simply use a U-Haul picture box and then store it as is!
Pro Tip: Make a large ‘X’ on the glass with tape to prevent mirrors or the glass in picture frames from shattering.
Pick the Right Storage Facility
When it comes to choosing a storage unit, the best choice here would be climate-controlled! High heat, humidity and dust can do a number on photos, but a climate-controlled storage unit can help prevent that. We recommend storing your photos at 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure they avoid any damage.
In need of high-quality storage options? Consider a U-Haul storage location near you!
Keep the Light Out
Photos exposed to light over extended periods of time will fade over time, so prevent light sources from penetrating your storage containers. Close boxes tight and block the carrying handles on the side.
Keep Stored Photos Up High
Store your photos high above the ground on top of sturdy furniture or shelving. This prevents them from getting crushed or damaged by other boxes piled on top of them.
Keep a Backup Online
Hey, when in doubt, always keep a backup! Before you place any beloved photos into storage, scan them and keep a copy on your computer. You can store your photos on your computer, or even on Google Photos if you want to access them anywhere, even on your phone!
No matter where or how you plan to store your photos, U-Haul is here to help. From moving trucks, supplies, self-storage, and even moving labor, you can find everything you need at your local U-Haul center.