From baby showers to graduations, your photo albums contain the highlights of your family’s life. Knowing the best way to protect these memories when you have to put the albums in storage ensures you’ll be able to enjoy the pictures for many years. Use the following tips to keep your albums safe.

How to Store Photo Albums Safely

1. Protect Them From Natural Light

Since light is used to develop photographs, excessive exposure to the sun’s rays can fade your timeless shots. Storing photos in a windowless space where they won’t be exposed to too much natural or artificial light will keep the colors vibrant. After going through albums or showing pictures to loved ones, close the covers and return the books to their designated spots.

2. Control Exposure to Moisture

The temperature and humidity of a space can also have a significant effect on an album’s life span. Since hot air rises, your attic will be hot and humid, and the basement can be damp and cold. Over time, keeping albums at home might not be a viable option because the photos could wrinkle, crack, or warp. Fortunately, you can prevent excess moisture in the storage unit by placing packets of backing soda, silica gel, or activated charcoal in each corner and replacing them every six months. 

3. Pack Them Carefully

The way you handle and prepare photo albums for a long period of storage is just as important as the unit they’re kept in. Always close the covers gently, as forcing the binding may bend the photos or cause the pages to fall out. Place them in plastic containers, spine down, and line them up so that they stand straight. If the covers are made of leather, linen, or any other delicate material, wrap the album in colorless acid-free packing paper first—newspaper could leave ink deposits behind.

If you’re looking for a safe space to store your family photo albums, turn to All American Self Storage of High Point, NC. They offer a range of unit sizes to meet your needs, whether you’re in between apartments or protecting items during a home renovation. With 24-hour video surveillance and electronic entrances and exits, you can trust your belongings are safe and sound. To learn more about their storage offerings, visit the website or call (336) 889-6534.