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My grandma literally has a chest dresser full of photographs. She has a book case loaded with albums so old that the pages are falling apart and the adhesive is loosing it’s hold. Needless to say, we need some storage help! I have been looking high and low for a good storage system.

We have considered buying albums for each of her kids and separating out their photos to give as a gift to them. That is still an option, but it would require a lot of work on my part. So, what is the fastest and most accessible way of storing photos?

When you consider a storage solution for all your valuable memories, you should look for something that is acid-free, lignin-free, or has a neutral PH. This will help prevent chemical reactions with the paper that the photographs are printed on. Most photo storage supplies are made this way, but it’s best to always double check.

Depending on your needs and the amount of photos you have, you will find something to suit your needs. Between photo albums and storage boxes and everything in between, there is something for everyone and every situation.

After you get your photos stored away, where do you stash them? Well, you should consider a spot that is easily accessible. Bedroom closets tend to be the best storage areas. You want an area where humidity and temperature doesn’t vary. In fact, cooler is better. Stay away from heat ducts. Avoid basements, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and garages where there is moisture or chemicals. You should avoid any light on your stored photos because eventually they will fade. It is a great idea to make copies of photos and display the copies so the original is kept safe in it’s original splendor.

After you get them tucked away safely, you should try to pull them out at least once a year. Not only is it fun to look back on the memories, it’s also a great way to check for bugs, mildew, or any other problem you may encounter.

In the end, I think we will go with a kit of storage boxes. We can still separate them out per family, but it won’t take the amount of time that it would to lay them out in a photo album. I figure the family would be able to do that and be able to add their own personal touch.

I have also learned something very valuable from this experience. Start storing your photos now. Don’t wait until your grandchildren have to help you sort through all the photos because you cannot rely on your memory being as good as it is the day you get the photos in the first place. Always write on the back of your photos. Keep in mind what you are using to write on the back of your photos. You should not use regular office pens. They will eventually ruin your photos. A grease pencil is a safe bet. If something were to happen to you, you don’t want those memories to go to waste. It is quite a challenge figuring out who some of these family members or friends are 60 years later. In the end, your kids and grandkids will thank you!