How-To Store Photography in a Self-Storage Facility

Here are a few tips for storing photography in your storage unit:

1. Sort and organize your photographs: Sort through your photographs and organize them by event, date, or subject. This will make it easier to access your photographs when you need them and will also help you to identify any duplicates or photos that are no longer important.
2. Use acid-free storage materials: Photographic prints and negatives can be damaged by exposure to light and humidity. Use acid-free storage materials such as sleeves, boxes and albums to protect your photographs from these elements. These materials will also prevent any discoloration and yellowing of your photographs.
3. Keep negatives separate: Keep negatives separate from prints. Negatives are more fragile than prints and should be handled with care. Make sure to store negatives in archival-quality sleeves to protect them from damage.
4. Create a digital backup: Create a digital backup of your photographs. Scan your prints and negatives, or take photographs of them with a high-resolution camera, and store the digital files in a safe place. This will ensure that you have a copy of your photographs even if the original prints are lost or damaged.
5. Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity: Avoid storing your photographs in a unit that is too hot or too cold, or that has high humidity. These conditions can damage your photographs, causing them to fade, warp, or develop mold. Make sure to choose a climate-controlled unit, which will help keep your photographs in good condition.
6. Use sturdy boxes and containers: Use sturdy boxes and containers to store your photographs. Boxes made of acid-free materials, such as plastic or metal, are best. Plastic containers are ideal if you're storing photographs in a humid climate, as they are less likely to rust or corrode.
7. Label your boxes and containers: Label your boxes and containers clearly with the contents and date. This will help you identify the photographs and find them easily when you need them.
8. Store photographs upright: Store photographs upright, rather than flat. This will help prevent warping and damage to the edges of the photographs. You can also use photo folders, photo storage boxes and photo albums.